Welding Fumes and Associated Lung Function Outcomes among Welders in the Birim North District

Abstract

Background: Occupational hazards account for a significant percentage of worldwide burden of disabilities and injuries. Welders are exposed to a variety of fumes during the welding process. Continuous exposure to these fume particles can pose harmful threats to the lungs of welders. This can result in a number of conditions such as metal fume fever, nose and throat irritation, bronchitis, emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer thereby reducing lung function. Though a number of control measure have been recommended for reducing exposure to welding fumes among welders, most welders do not however adhere to the proper utilization of these measures and as a result, become exposed to hazards from welding fumes. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the effects of welding fumes on lung function outcomes of welders in the Birim North District. Methodology: A Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among welders in the Birim North District of Ghana. Interviews were conducted for welders using a structured questionnaire in gathering data from 103 respondents using census and purposive sampling. Thereafter lung function was assessed using a spirometer. Data was analyzed using STATA version 15. Chi square test, Fishers exact test were employed in assessing associations. Results: Prevalence of low lung function outcome among welders in the Birim North district was (4.85%) and sex was significantly associated with lung function outcome (p=0.011). Majority of welders were knowledgeable of the effects of welding fumes on the lungs, however utilization of PPEs to reduce fume exposure was not fully effective. This was influenced by hindrances such as cost and availability hence (p=0.013<0.05) was significantly associated with lung function outcomes. Smoking (p-value =0.383<0.05) had no significant association with lung low function outcome in this study. Conclusion: Though the majority of welders (95.15%) had Normal lung outcome, some cases of low Lung function outcomes were also recorded among five participants (4.85%) of which three (3) were males and two (2) were females. However as this could be linked to the anatomical structure of the female lungs, since it was not influenced by factors and practices associated with welding fumes exposure. Also smoking had no influence on lung function outcome but sex was statistically significant (p=0.011) therefore needs to be further researched into.