Welding Fume Exposure and Health Risk Assessment in a Cohort of Apprentice Welders

Abstract

Welding fumes vary in composition depending on the materials and processes used, and while health outcomes in full-time welders have been widely studied, limited research on apprentices exists. Besides, few data are available for metals such as vanadium and antimony. This study aimed to look at individual metals present in welding fumes in the learning environment of apprentice welders. Forty-three welders and 41 controls were chosen from trade programmes at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Ambient and personal air samples were collected at days 0, 1, 7, and 50 of their training and analysed for mass and metal concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Results showed increases in particle and metal concentrations as apprentices progressed throughout their education and that concentrations at day 50 were similar to levels found in the literature for professional welders. Variable concentrations indicate that some individuals may not properly use the local exhaust ventilation system. Other possible explanation for variations are the position of the sampler on the shoulder, the time spent welding and in each welding position, and the skills of the welders. Strong relationships were observed between particle and metal concentrations, suggesting that these relationships could be used to estimate metal exposure in welders from particle exposure. Welding processes were the most important determinant of exposure in apprentice welders, with Metal Core Arc Welding producing the largest particle concentrations followed by oxyacetylene cutting, and Gas Metal Arc Welding. Health risk assessment showed that welder apprentices are at risk for overexposure to manganese, which suggests that professional welders should be monitored for manganese as they are exposed more than apprentices. Training in proper positioning of local exhaust ventilation system and proper use of respirators are recommended in training facilities.

Characterization of welding fume and airborne heavy metals in electronic manufacturing workshops in Hangzhou, China: implication for occupational population exposure

“…In this study, Fe was found to be the chief component (22.6%) in welding fume generated from welding process, which is consistent with the previous findings (Dueck et al 2021;Ellingsen et al 2006;Insley et al 2019;Hariri et al 2018). Fe oxide is considered with little likelihood of causing chronic lung disease after inhalation.…”

“…Flynn and Susi (2010) examined three databases suggesting that arc welding produces Mn exposures that are frequently close to or in excess of ACGIH TLV. Dueck et al (2021) conducted health risk assessment for twelve metals in a cohort of apprentice welders. Their findings showed that 8-hour TWA of Mn was in excess of ACGIH TLV for welding participants for day 50, which indicating that welder apprentices were at risk for overexposure to Mn.…”

Effect of welding parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties and environment

“…It is believed that the presence of these contents has negative effects on the environment, particularly human health. Welders over a long period can have over exposure to manganese in their body or other elements, occupational asthma, and lung disorders [19,20]. Furthermore, the SMAW shows a better reduction of global warming than TIG through reducing CO2 emissions [21].…”

An Investigation of Lead Concentration in the Breathing Air and the Blood of Automobile Welders in Birjand, Iran

“…The fields around the welders (breathing zone) contain the contaminants produced during welding operations 21 . Lead is one of these pollutants, and 40% of inhaled lead is absorbed to blood circulation, which is the main rout of inorganic lead absorption 6,22 . in the present study, we have investigated the ALCs and BLCs of automobile welders in Birjand city.…”