Background: The welding trade includes many industrial activities in both the formal and informal sectors. Workers in this professional environment do not have access to individual and collective means of protection adapted to the activity, which exposes them to the dust emitted during their activity and therefore contributes to increasing the risk of developing respiratory disorders in this population. Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the ventilatory function of metal welders in the city of Dakar. Method: This was a comparative study based on the analysis of the spirometric parameters of metal welders working in the city of Dakar (Senegal) with those of a control group of the same kind, selected from the general population. Measurements of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF) were measured. Results: A total of 75 men between the ages of 19 and 61 were recruited and divided into two groups (43 controls and 32 welders). The welding population had more frequent distal and central obstructions and pulmonary restriction compared to the control group. The metals most commonly used by welders were aluminum for welders who had an obstruction, while for those who had a restriction, iron was the most used metal. Signs of metal fever were frequently found in welders, especially those with ventilatory disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory disorders observed is close to that observed in industrial environments, where exposure levels are the highest. The lack of personal protective equipment could also be a significant risk factor in the development of these disorders.
References
[1]
Jaishankar, M., et al. (2014) Toxicity, Mechanism and Health Effects of Some Heavy Metals. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 7, 60-72. https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2014-0009
[2]
Briffa, J., Sinagra, E. and Blundell, R. (2020) Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment and Their Toxicological Effects on Humans. Heliyon, 6, e04691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04691
[3]
Tchounwou, P.B., Yedjou, C.G., Patlolla, A.K. and Sutton, D.J. (2012) Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment. Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology, 101, 133-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6
[4]
Zaynab, M., et al. (2022) Health and Environmental Effects of Heavy Metals. Journal of King Saud University-Science, 34, 101653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2021.101653
[5]
Bhadeshia, H. and Honeycombe, R. (2017) Chapter 13-Weld Microstructures. In: Bhadeshia, H. and Honeycombe, R., Eds., Steels: Microstructure and Properties, 4th Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 377-400. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100270-4.00013-5
[6]
Álvarez Tejedor, T., Singh, R. and Pilidis, P. (2013) 13-Maintenance and Repair of Gas Turbine Components. In: Jansohn, P., Ed., Modern Gas Turbine Systems, Woodhead Publishing, Sawston, Cambridge, 565-634. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857096067.3.565
[7]
Faomowe Foko, R., et al. (2018) Évaluation des troubles ventilatoires des soudeurs métalliques de la région de Dakar, Sénégal. Environnement, Risques & Santé, 17, 294-299.
[8]
Barnhart, S. and Rosenstock, L. (1984) Cadmium Chemical Pneumonitis. Chest, 86, 789-791. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.86.5.789
[9]
Gorguner, M. and Akgun, M. (2010) Acute Inhalation Injury. The Eurasian Journal of Medicine, 42, 28-35.
[10]
Miller, M.R., et al. (2005) Standardisation of Spirometry. European Respiratory Journal, 26, 319-338. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.05.00034805
[11]
Pellegrino, R., et al. (2007) Stratégies d’interprétation des explorations fonctionnelles respiratoires. Revue des Maladies Respiratoires, 24, 83-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0761-8425(07)91120-1
[12]
Empey, D.W. (1972) Assessment of Upper Airways Obstruction. The BMJ, 3, 503-505. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5825.503
[13]
Kilburn, K.H. and Warshaw, R.H. (1989) Pulmonary Functional Impairment from Years of Arc Welding. The American Journal of Medicine, 87, 62-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(89)80484-X
[14]
Szram, J., Schofield, S.J., Cosgrove, M.P. and Cullinan, P. (2013) Welding, Longitudinal Lung Function Decline and Chronic Respiratory Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies. European Respiratory Journal, 42, 1186-1193. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00206011
[15]
Sharifian, S., et al.(2011) Pulmonary Adverse Effects of Welding Fume in Automobile Assembly Welders. ActamedicaIranica, 49, 98-102.
[16]
Fishwick, D., et al. (2015) Occupational Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Standard of Care. Occupational Medicine, 65, 270-282. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqv019
[17]
Gupta, R. and Rost, B. (2000) Aluminum Compounds as Vaccine Adjuvants. Methods in Molecular Medicine.
[18]
Nayak, P. (2002) Aluminum: Impacts and Disease. Environmental Research, 89, 101-115. https://doi.org/10.1006/enrs.2002.4352
[19]
Gomes, J., Lloydb, O.L., Normanb, N.J. and Pahwaa, P. (2001) Dust Exposure and Impairment of Lung Function at a Small Iron Foundry in a Rapidly Developing Country. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58, 656-662. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.58.10.656
[20]
Rastogi, S.K., et al. (1991) Spirometric Abnormalities among Welders. Environmental Research, 56, 15-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(05)80105-7
[21]
Gourier-Fréry, C. and Fréry, N. (2004) Aluminium. EMC-Toxicologie-Pathologie, 1, 79-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emctp.2004.04.002
[22]
Anthony, J.S., Zamel, N. and Aberman, A. (1978) Abnormalities in Pulmonary Function after Brief Exposure to Toxic Metal Fumes. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 119, 586-588.
[23]
El-Zein, M., Infante-Rivard, C., Malo, J.-L. and Gautrin, D. (2005) Is Metal Fume Fever a Determinant of Welding Related Respiratory Symptoms and/or Increased Bronchial Responsiveness? A Longitudinal Study. Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 62, 688-694. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.2004.018796
[24]
Schwartz, G. and Reis, I. (2000) Is Cadmium a Cause of Human Pancreatic Cancer? Cancer Epidemiology,Biomarkers & Prevention, 9, 139-145.
