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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-08-2014 | Original Article

Exposure to respirable dust and manganese and prevalence of airways symptoms, among Swedish mild steel welders in the manufacturing industry

Authors: Maria Hedmer, Jan-Eric Karlsson, Ulla Andersson, Helene Jacobsson, Jörn Nielsen, Håkan Tinnerberg

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Welding fume consists of metal fumes, e.g., manganese (Mn) and gases, e.g., ozone. Particles in the respirable dust (RD) size range dominate. Exposure to welding fume could cause short- and long-term respiratory effects. The prevalence of work-related symptoms among mild steel welders was studied, and the occupational exposure to welding fumes was quantified by repeated measurements of RD, respirable Mn, and ozone. Also the variance components were studied.

Method

A questionnaire concerning airway symptoms and occupational history was answered by 79 % of a cohort of 484 welders. A group of welders (N = 108) were selected and surveyed by personal exposure measurements of RD and ozone three times during 1 year.

Results

The welders had a high frequency of work-related symptoms, e.g., stuffy nose (33 %), ocular symptoms (28 %), and dry cough (24 %). The geometric mean exposure to RD and respirable Mn was 1.3 mg/m³ (min–max 0.1–38.3 mg/m³) and 0.08 mg/m³ (min–max <0.01–2.13 mg/m³), respectively. More than 50 % of the Mn concentrations exceeded the Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL). Mainly, low concentrations of ozone were measured, but 2 % of the samples exceeded the OEL. Of the total variance for RD, 30 and 33 % can be attributed to within-worker variability and between-company variability, respectively.

Conclusions

Welders had a high prevalence of work-related symptom from the airways and eyes. The welders’ exposure to Mn was unacceptably high. To reduce the exposure further, control measures in the welding workshops are needed. Correct use of general mechanical ventilation and local exhaust ventilation can, for example, efficiently reduce the exposure.

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Title: Exposure to respirable dust and manganese and prevalence of airways symptoms, among Swedish mild steel welders in the manufacturing industry
Authors: Maria Hedmer
Jan-Eric Karlsson
Ulla Andersson
Helene Jacobsson
Jörn Nielsen
Håkan Tinnerberg
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-013-0896-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Exposure to respirable dust and manganese and prevalence of airways symptoms, among Swedish mild steel welders in the manufacturing industry

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

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