Abstract
Background and Objectives: Welding is connection of two wires locally and as a result in this process fumes are produced. Since in welding, distance of welder face to the site of connection is not more than 50 centimeter, fumes cause damage to the tissues specially respiratory system and it is the the main cause of pulmonary diseases in welders. These side effects show themselves as chronic pulmonary abnormalities and carcinogenic effects. For diagnosis of pulmonary abnormalities including restricting and blocking diseases clinicians can use chest x-ray and spirometery.
Materials and Methods: In this study that developed as a case-control, 70 male welder labors with age of 20-70 in Ardabil that worked minimally with electrical welding for three years, were chosen. Via spirometery of volumes and capacities of pulmonary special Forced Expiratory Volume after 1s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and ratio of them were determined. For comparison of these parameters, the same number of persons with the ages and economic conditions without no disease were chosen and spirometery was done in this group. Comparison of two groups carried out using unpaired Student's t test.
Results: Results of this investigation showed that volumes and capacities of pulmonary in welders in comparison with normal persons had significant differences. Comparison of FEV1 between welders (1.87 0.22 Liter) and normal person (2.95 0.11 Liter), and comparison of FVC between welders (2.64 0.5 Liter) and normal person (3.22 0.2 Liter) showed significant differences (p<0.05). Since existence of high abnormality in respiration like cough and mucus in welders and high ration of FEV1/FVC in welders (70.83 in comparison with normal 91.16), chronic bronchitis exists in the welders. Gases like fosgen, nitrogen and materials such as lead, mercury cause these abnormalities. Cupper, nickel, iron and magnesium exist in fumes produced by welding and can destroy alveolus and pulmonary tissues and produce diseases such as bronchitis.
Conclusion: In according with results obtained, we suggest welders to use the masks while welding to prevent from the side effect of fumes on pulmonary tissues. In addition, welders should be encouraged to perform necessary pulmonary tests every six months.