Ocular effects of chronic exposure to welding light on calabar welders

Abstract

Summary:It was generally observed that welders in Calabar, Nigeria did not always wear their protective goggles during welding. Since chronic exposure to welding light can impair vision this study was done to assess the effect of exposure to welding light on ocular function of welders in Calabar, Nigeria. There were 195 subjects comprising 110 welders (test) and 85 control subjects. Both groups were all male and had similar age range. The tests employed were clinical examination for ocular disorders, assessment of visual acuity, and opthalmoscopy. Test questionnaire was also used to record information on length of service, precautionary measures at work place, age and past ocular illnesses. The study also compared incidence of ocular disorders between the two groups of welders (arc and carbide welders). The mean ages of the welders and their control were not significantly different (27.53  10.0 vs 27.78  8.5 yrs respectively). There was a significantly (P<0.01) higher incidence of pingueculum, cataract, allergic conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, and keratoconjunctivitis (arc eye) in welders than in their control subjects. However, visual acuity, incidence of pterygium and glaucoma were similar. Between the two groups of welders, the incidence of pterygium, corneal opacity and keratoconjunctivitis was significantly (P< 0.01) higher in arc welders than carbide welders. The incidence of pingueculum and glaucoma were however, similar. In conclusion, chronic exposure to welding light without adequate precaution may cause ocular disorders. Arc welding is more dangerous to ocular function than carbide welding. Length of service and age are predisposing factors to ocular disorders in the welding business.

Awareness and utilization of protective eye device among welders in a southwestern Nigeria community

“…In a study in Mauritius, 85.5% of the women had never heard about HRT and of the 14.5% who said that they heard about it, over 30% said that they had no idea what it was. [16] None of the women studied was on HRT and this finding was similar to the finding in Ibadan where none of the participants was on HRT. [8] Okonofua et al reported that six out of the 563 (1.1%) menopausal women studied at Ile-Ife were on HRT.…”

“…[12] It was generally observed that welders in Calabar, Nigeria, did not always wear their protective goggles during welding; human behavior is complicated and is often affected by sociocultural factors apart from awareness. [16] A statistically significant lower level of utilization of protective eye devices among the gas welders compared with the arc welders was noted in this study. This may be related to the lower level of awareness about protective eye devices among the former.…”

Photokeratoconjunctivitis Symptoms among Informal Welding Operators in North Samarinda, Indonesia

“…The results of this study are consistent with previous research by Sabitu et al 5 that concluded that some of the effects of welding on health include photokeratitis or arc eye. This results was in accordance with the opinion of Davies 8 which concluded that welding emits a wide spectrum of radiations ranging between 200-1,400 nm. These radiations include ultraviolet (UV) rays (200-400 nm).…”

Morbidity patterns among the welders of eastern Nepal: a cross-sectional study

“…Common health effects in the eyes, lungs, skin and fertility are reported among the welders [1, 2]. The employment of safety measures to minimize the hazards and the use of personal protective equipment has been seen to decrease morbidity and mortality among the welders.…”