Hedmer Maria, Karlsson Jan-Eric, Andersson Ulla, Jacobsson Helene, Nielsen Jörn, Tinnerberg Håkan
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 85, Lund, Sweden,
Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2014 Aug;87(6):623-34. doi: 10.1007/s00420-013-0896-3. Epub 2013 Aug 25.
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.
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.
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/m(3) (min-max 0.1-38.3 mg/m(3)) and 0.08 mg/m(3) (min-max <0.01-2.13 mg/m(3)), 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.
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.
焊接烟尘由金属烟尘（如锰（Mn））和气体（如臭氧）组成。可吸入粉尘（RD）粒径范围内的颗粒占主导。接触焊接烟尘可能会导致短期和长期的呼吸道影响。本研究调查了低碳钢焊工中与工作相关症状的患病率，并通过对RD、可吸入锰和臭氧的重复测量来量化职业性焊接烟尘暴露。同时还研究了方差成分。
484名焊工队列中的79%回答了一份关于呼吸道症状和职业史的问卷。选取一组焊工（N = 108），在1年期间对其进行3次RD和臭氧的个人暴露测量。
焊工中与工作相关症状的发生率较高，如鼻塞（33%）、眼部症状（28%）和干咳（24%）。RD和可吸入锰的几何平均暴露量分别为1.3毫克/立方米（最小值 - 最大值0.1 - 38.3毫克/立方米）和0.08毫克/立方米（最小值 - 最大值<0.01 - 2.13毫克/立方米）。超过50%的锰浓度超过了瑞典职业暴露限值（OEL）。主要测量到的臭氧浓度较低，但2%的样本超过了OEL。RD总方差的30%和33%可分别归因于工人内部变异性和公司间变异性。
焊工呼吸道和眼睛出现与工作相关症状的患病率较高。焊工对锰的暴露高得令人无法接受。为进一步降低暴露，焊接车间需要采取控制措施。例如，正确使用全面机械通风和局部排风通风可有效降低暴露。
