Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with ocular protection practices among welders in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Due to hazardous working conditions, welders are more likely to be exposed to mild to severe eye issues during the welding process. Globally, this issue is a major contributor to vision loss and blindness. One of the most frequent causes of unilateral blindness in the globe is ocular injury. Objective: This review aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Scopus, web of Science, Google Scholar, and the African Journals Online were systematically searched for relevant literature. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA data analysis software version 14, while Microsoft Excel was used for data abstraction. We checked publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger and Begg regression tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant, suggesting the presence of presence publication bias. The I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies. The study's overall effect was evaluated using the random effects model. Results: From retrieved 2,326 original studies, 17 studies were included in the final pooled prevalence analysis. The overall prevalence of ocular protection practice among small-scale welders in sub-Saharan Africa was 53.71% (95% CI: 42.54, 64.88). Having pre and in-service training [AOR: 4.97, 95% CI: (2.64, 9.36)], having work experience as a welder [AOR: 4.94, 95% CI: (3.24, 7.54)], and having a history of ocular injury [AOR: 2.99, 95% CI: (1.58, 5.66)] were significantly associated with the ocular protection practices. Conclusions: In sub-Saharan African countries, the ocular protection practices among small-scale welders were low. Furthermore, the current meta-analysis found ocular protection practice to be significantly associated with on-the-job training, work experience of welders, and a history of ocular injury in the past year of small-scale welders in sub-Saharan Africa. This review will serve as baseline data for further studies to generate inputs for eye care providers and policymakers to improve good practice levels about ocular protection. Policies should be put in place to ensure all welders use proper personal-protective equipment, and receive regular health training.

Welding fume exposure and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders in micro- and small-scale enterprise in Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to welding fumes can lead to different respiratory health disorders, including lung cancer, due to long-term exposures. In Ethiopia, large numbers of people are engaged in the welding sector. Often, these workers are exposed to welding fumes at their workplaces, however, the level of exposure and its health effects have never been studied. OBJECTIVE: To measure the level of personal welding fume exposure and assess chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors, among micro and small-scale enterprise metal workshop workers, in Akaki Kality Sub city, Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 226 welders and 217 controls. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Welding fumes were collected from the welder's breathing zone using 37 mm close-faced plastic cassettes fitted with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) filters connected to Casella pumps at an airflow rate of 2 L/min. RESULT: The overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders and controls were 54 (23.9%) and 20 (9.2%) respectively. The geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of personal welding fume exposure, among welders was 5.98 mg/m3 (± GSD = 1.54). In this study, 53.3% of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit defined by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene. Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 5.11, 95% CI: 1.35, 19.33), respiratory protective equipment use (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.52, 7.31), safety training (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.28), smoking (AOR:3.57, 95% CI: 1.54, 8.23), welding machine maintenance (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59) and welding site (i.e. indoors vs. outdoor) (AOR: 6.85. 95% CI: 2.36, 19.89). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welding workers was significantly higher than controls. More than half of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit. Educational status, implementation of safety training, and welding sites were significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. The results suggested a need to reduce welding fume exposure to improve the respiratory health of the workers.

Modulatory role of welding fumes on serum zinc and copper levels and oxidative stress markers among welders: Considering smoking as a possible implication.

The presence of heavy metals in welding fumes and the numerous metals that make up welding gases expose welders to numerous occupational dangers, including major occupational health issues worldwide. The gases from welding are a significant and highly skilled process that have a considerable negative impact on welders' overall health and wellbeing. This study evaluated the influence of welding fumes on serum zinc and copper levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in welders considering smoking as a potential risk factor. The study used a case-control experimental design. Forty (40) healthy adult males were randomly selected comprising twenty (20) in the experimental group involving smokers and nonsmokers with welding experience and twenty (20) in the control group involving smokers and nonsmokers without welding experience. Data are expressed as the mean±SEM, and comparisons of means across groups were performed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Turkey's multiple comparisons test. The results showed that the serum zinc and copper levels of smokers were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in comparison to the control group, and a graded increase in the serum GST and MDA levels was observed across groups. The serum SOD level of smoker nonwelders was significantly (p < 0.05) increased when compared with the control group. Smokers who did not weld had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum SOD levels. The results likewise showed a statistically nonsignificant reduction in glutathione levels and a substantial decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the experimental group. Overall, changes in the antioxidant parameters showed that smoking and welding fumes can exacerbate an increase in the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in deteriorated health conditions.

Ocular Protection Practice and Associated Factors Among Ethiopian Welders: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Work-related ocular injury is a global public health problem, particularly among welders and is reduced through proper ocular protection practice. No previous studies have explored ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in Ethiopia or in the study area. Objective: This study aimed to assess the proportion of ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 welders in Gondar city, selected using systematic random sampling with an interval of 2, from July 6 to 23, 2021. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ocular protection practice and association was expressed using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of 396 participated welders, 81.8% worked without job training, and 33.1% had faced ocular injury. Nearly 86% of welders had access to personal protective eyewear but their knowledge and attitude towards personal protective eyewear were 48.2% (95% CI: 44.8, 51.4) and 61.4% (95% CI: 57.6, 64.7), respectively. The proportion of a good-level of ocular protection practice was 56.8% (95% CI: 52.8, 61.9). Being gas welder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.26, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.53), work experience (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.21), job training (AOR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.32, 10.35), welders rated the cost of personal protective eyewear as fair (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.20) and history ocular injury (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI: 2.40, 6.97) were positively associated with a good-level proportion of ocular protection practice. Conclusion: This study found that the proportion of a good-level of ocular protection practice of welders was fair. Being gas welder, job training, work experience, history of ocular injury and welders rated the cost of personal protective eyewear as fair were significantly associated with a good-level of ocular protection practice.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Welders and Non-Welders in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal symptoms in welders may affect their health and quality of life. This study determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among welders compared to non-welders and determined the body part(s) mostly affected. METHODOLOGY: The study is a comparative cross-sectional study. 142 welders and 136 security officers in Ikenne local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria were included in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to obtain information on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Descriptive statistics methods were used to summarize the data. Chi-square bivariate analysis was conducted to test for associations between welders' occupational characteristics and the 12-month prevalence of back pain. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 36.8±13.9 years and 36.7±9.4 for non-welders. Two-fifth (40.8%) of the welders had less than 10 years of work experience. About half (50.7%) of them worked six days a week, and many (54.9%) worked more than eight hours daily. The prevalence of back pain was higher among welders (74.6%) than in security officers (33.8%). This finding was significant (P<0.001). Also, knee pain was more common among welders (31.7%) compared to security officers (16.2%). The 12-month prevalence of back pain among welders and control was 74.6% and 33.8% respectively and knee pain among welders and control was 31.7% and 16.2% respectively. Both were statistically significant (p=0.001). In the last seven days, back pain was present more among welders than in controls (50.0% Vs 26.5%). CONCLUSION: The study shows a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among welders compared to non-welders. The lower back is the part of the body most affected. Training and health education of the workers on the negative effect of musculoskeletal symptoms on the body, and the right posture to adopt at work would go a long way in reducing the occurrence of these symptoms.

CONTEXTE: Les symptômes musculo-squelettiques chez les soudeurs peuvent affecter leur santé et leur qualité de vie. Cette étude a déterminé la prévalence des symptômes musculo-squelettiques chez les soudeurs par rapport aux non-soudeurs et a déterminé la ou les parties du corps les plus touchées. MÉTHODOLOGIES: L'étude est une étude transversale comparative. 142 soudeurs et 136 agents de sécurité dans la zone de gouvernement local d'Ikenne de l'État d'Ogun, au Nigéria, ont été inclus dans l'étude. Le questionnaire nordique sur les troubles musculo-squelettiques (NMQ) a été utilisé pour obtenir de l'information sur la prévalence des troubles musculo-squelettiques (TMS). Des méthodes statistiques descriptives ont été utilisées pour résumer les données. Une analyse bivariée du chi carré a été effectuée pour vérifier les associations entre les caractéristiques professionnelles des soudeurs et la prévalence des maux de dos sur 12 mois. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des répondants était de 36,8±13,9 ans et de 36,7±9,4 ans pour les non-soudeurs. Les deux cinquièmes (40,8 %) des soudeurs avaient moins de 10 ans d'expérience de travail. Environ la moitié (50,7 %) d'entre eux travaillaient six jours par semaine, et beaucoup (54,9 %) travaillaient plus de huit heures par jour. La prévalence des maux de dos était plus élevée chez les soudeurs (74,6 %) que chez les agents de sécurité (33,8 %). Ce résultat était significatif (P<0,001). De plus, la douleur au genou était plus fréquente chez les soudeurs (31,7 %) que chez les agents de sécurité (16,2 %).La prévalence à 12 mois des maux de dos chez les soudeurs et les témoins était de 74,6 % et 33,8 % respectivement, et la douleur au genou chez les soudeurs et le groupe témoin était de 31,7 % et 16,2 % respectivement. Les deux étaient statistiquement significatifs (p = 0,001). Au cours des sept derniers jours, les maux de dos étaient plus présents chez les soudeurs que chez les témoins (50,0 % contre 26,5 %). CONCLUSION: L'étude montre une prévalence élevée de symptômes musculo-squelettiques chez les soudeurs par rapport aux non-soudeurs. Le bas du dos est la partie du corps la plus touchée. La formation et l'éducation sanitaire des travailleurs sur l'effet négatif des symptômes musculo-squelettiques sur le corps, et la bonne posture à adopter au travail contribueraient grandement à réduire l'apparition de ces symptômes. Mots clés: Symptômes musculo-squelettiques, Soudeurs, Nigeria, Questionnaire nordique sur les troubles musculo-squelettiques.

Occupational Exposure to Welding Fumes and Associated Respiratory Morbidities among arc Welders in Ikenne, Nigeria.

Background: Few studies have been conducted on the respiratory morbidities of welders in Nigeria, and further research is needed to determine the extent of fume exposure and the implicated metals at workplaces. This study was done to determine whether welding gases are associated with respiratory illness among welders in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study comparing 142 welders and 142 controls was carried out. Lung function testing and clinical assessments were done. The Chi-square test & the independent T-tests were used to test for the association between socio-demographic characteristics and respiratory symptoms & the association between differences in means of lung function parameters among welders and controls respectively. Results: Chromium, nickel, manganese, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide levels were higher than the recommended values. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was significantly lower in welders (2.62±0.7) than in controls (2.81±0.7) (t=2.148, p<0.05). FEV1/FVC was significantly lower among welders (75±13.7) compared to controls (80.7±8.0). (t=4.165, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study showed that the welders presented with more respiratory morbidities than the controls, this may be a result of exposure to high levels of welding fumes beyond the recommended values for prolonged periods without using personal protective equipment, which results in significant morbidities. There should be enforcement of basic workplace safety standards by ensuring that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is enforced and the construction of workshops that are well-ventilated through the welders' association and relevant law enforcement agencies.

Micronucleus assay of DNA damage among welders: Effects of welding processes.

Metal fumes, gases, noise, and radiation are hazardous occupational exposures that may be encountered by welders. We have evaluated DNA damage among welders; the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay was used. Thirty-four exposed welders (cases) and an equal number of non-welders (controls) participated in this study. Cell types including basal, early and late differentiated cells with micronucleus (MN), dense chromatin, karyorrhectic, pyknotic, karyolitic, and binucleated cells (NBUD) were measured. Damage levels among, arc, argon, and CO2 welders were statistically significantly higher, compared to the control group. Results showed that mean of MN and NBUDs as indicators of DNA damages among arc, argon and CO2 welding's were significantly higher compared to control group. Also, the mean of DNA damage levels were statistically higher among the arc welders than among the argon or CO2 welders; and levels were higher among the argon welders than the CO2 welders. Preventative measures need to be implemented to reduce exposure to harmful agents during welding.

Sensitive methods for assessment of lung health in welders and controls.

BACKGROUND: Welders are exposed to gas and particle emissions that can cause severe lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is difficult to detect COPD early and therefore mitigating measures may be delayed. The aim of this study was to investigate lung health in welders and evaluate new sensitive methods with potential to assess early onset pulmonary changes in occupational settings. METHODS: This study assessed the lung health and symptoms in active welders (n = 28) and controls (n = 17). Lung measurements were performed with standard spirometry and new methods: airspace dimension assessment (AiDA), oscillometry, blood serum biomarkers (club cell secretory protein 16, surfactant protein D, matrix metalloproteinases, fibroblast, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukins), and one urine biomarker (desmosine). RESULTS: According to spirometry measurements, all participants had normal lung function. However, prevalence of cough was significantly higher among welders compared with controls and lung changes were found in welders with the novel methods. Welders had significantly higher respiratory system resistance assessed with oscillometry, serum levels of metalloproteinases 9 and hepatocyte growth factor, compared with controls. Airspace dimensions were on average higher among welders compared with controls, but the difference was not significant. The number of welding years correlated with decreased respiratory system reactance and increased serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases 9, interleukin 6, and hepatocyte growth factor. Airspace dimension assessment indices were correlated with increasing levels of inflammatory markers and matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated the potential to use new and more sensitive methods for identification of changes in lungs when standard spirometry failed to do so.

HBM4EU chromates study - the measurement of hexavalent and trivalent chromium in exhaled breath condensate samples from occupationally exposed workers across Europe.

The aim of this study was to investigate the practicability of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a biological matrix to detect and measure hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) in workers occupationally exposed to Cr(VI). EBC samples were collected from workers in France, Finland, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom from three different target activities: chrome platers, stainless steel welders and surface treatment workers. Pre and post working week EBC samples were collected from 177 exposed workers and 98 unexposed workers (control group). Hyphenated chromatography systems with inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were for the analysis. The results showed that the occupationally exposed workers had significantly higher levels of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) than the control group. Chrome platers exhibited the highest Cr(VI) levels in their EBC samples, with a significant increase from their pre to post samples for both Cr(VI) and Cr(III). A significant difference was also found between pre and post EBC samples for Cr(III) in welders. This study has shown that EBC has the potential to be a valid, non-invasive biological matrix to assess occupational exposure to Cr(VI) and Cr(III) for biological monitoring assessment, with the ability to detect low level inhalation exposures.

Occupational Exposure to Metal Fumes Among Iranian Welders: Systematic Review and Simulation-Based Health Risk Assessment.

There have been numerous reports of welder's worker exposure to metal fumes. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic (neurological, dermal, and etc.) effects are the adverse outcomes of exposure to welding fumes. In this review study, data were collected from previous studies conducted in Iran from 1900 to 2020. The risk of carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity due to exposure to welding metal fumes was assessed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method based on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Results showed mean of metal fume concentration in gas welding was in the range of 1.8248 to 1060.6 (µg/m3) and in arc welding was 54.935 to 4882.72 (µg/m3). The mean concentration of fumes in gas welding is below the recommended American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard exposure limit except for manganese, and in the arc welding, all metal fume concentrations are below the standard exposure limit except for manganese and aluminum. The results showed that the risk of carcinogenicity due to exposure to nickel, manganese in both gas and arc welding, and cadmium in gas welding was higher than standard level (hazard quotient (HQ) more than 1). Cancer risk due to exposure to nickel in both gas and arc welding was probable (1 × 10-6 < cancer risk (CR) < 1 × 10-4). Health risk assessment showed that welders are exposed to health risks. Preventive measures should be applied in welding workplaces to reduce the concentrations of metal fumes.

Occupational exposure to nickel and hexavalent chromium and the risk of lung cancer in a pooled analysis of case-control studies (SYNERGY).

There is limited evidence regarding the exposure-effect relationship between lung-cancer risk and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) or nickel. We estimated lung-cancer risks in relation to quantitative indices of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) and nickel and their interaction with smoking habits. We pooled 14 case-control studies from Europe and Canada, including 16 901 lung-cancer cases and 20 965 control subjects. A measurement-based job-exposure-matrix estimated job-year-region specific exposure levels to Cr(VI) and nickel, which were linked to the subjects' occupational histories. Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for study, age group, smoking habits and exposure to other occupational lung carcinogens. Due to their high correlation, we refrained from mutually adjusting for Cr(VI) and nickel independently. In men, ORs for the highest quartile of cumulative exposure to CR(VI) were 1.32 (95% CI 1.19-1.47) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.15-1.45) in relation to nickel. Analogous results among women were: 1.04 (95% CI 0.48-2.24) and 1.29 (95% CI 0.60-2.86), respectively. In men, excess lung-cancer risks due to occupational Cr(VI) and nickel exposure were also observed in each stratum of never, former and current smokers. Joint effects of Cr(VI) and nickel with smoking were in general greater than additive, but not different from multiplicative. In summary, relatively low cumulative levels of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) and nickel were associated with increased ORs for lung cancer, particularly in men. However, we cannot rule out a combined classical measurement and Berkson-type of error structure, which may cause differential bias of risk estimates.

Knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of personal protective equipment among welders in small-scale metal workshops in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda.

Background: Despite the risks involved in welding, there is limited evidence of the knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among welders in small-scale metal workshops. We assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to PPE use among welders in small-scale workshops in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso district, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 welders. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on welder knowledge and attitude while an observation checklist was used to establish utilization of PPE. Ten key informant interviews were conducted to further understand welders' knowledge, attitude and PPE-related practices. A 'modified Poisson' regression analysis was done to establish the independent factors associated with PPE KAP. NVivo 12 was used for the management of qualitative data. A thematic content approach guided qualitative data analysis. Results: About 61.4% (202/329) of the respondents had a high level of knowledge, 68.7% (226/329) had a negative attitude, and only 37.1% (122/329) exhibited good PPE-related practices. Knowledge of PPE use was associated with the type of training (aPR = 1.52, CI = 1.29-1.80). Attitude toward PPE use was associated with the level of education (aPR = 2.31, CI = 1.28-4.14), duration of work experience (aPR = 2.37, CI = 1.01-5.55), (aPR = 2.79, CI = 1.13-6.89), and level of knowledge (aPR = 1.73, CI = 1.13-2.65). PPE-related practices were associated with the type of training (aPR = 2.91, CI = 2.14-3.96) and attitude (aPR = 1.45, CI = 1.08-1.93). Conclusion: While the welders' level of knowledge of PPE was found to be high, the majority exhibited a negative attitude and poor PPE-related practices. A high level of knowledge was associated with a positive attitude. In turn, a positive attitude was associated with good PPE practices. Welders need to be sensitized on the health risks that may arise from the non-use of PPE.

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among welders in the informal sector under resource constrained settings.

BACKGROUND: Welding tasks involve the use of awkward working postures and repetitive movements and therefore pose a risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and risk factors for WRMDs among welders in the informal sector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 welders (33±10.5 years) were purposively selected from three urban centers in Zimbabwe. WRMDs were assessed using a Modified Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MCMQ). The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used for postural risk analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Analyses showed a high prevalence of pain in the lower back (78%), right shoulder (66%), left hand wrist (62%) and right hand wrist (61%). With regards to the severity of lower back pain, 4% reported low pain, 24% mild pain and 48% were severe cases of pain. Elevated grand REBA scores were significantly associated with self-reported in various body regions. Multinomial regression analyses showed that smoking, prolonged working hours and not engaging in physical activities were significant predictors for pain. High job satisfaction and taking adequate work-rest breaks were protective factors for WRMDs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of WRMDs among welders due to individual and work-related risk factors. Ergonomics education is required to address the risk factors for and progression of WRMDs among welders.

Associations of multiple metals with lung function in welders by four statistical models.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to heavy metals has been related to decreased lung function in workers. However, due to limitations in statistical methods for mixtures, previous studies mainly focused on single or several toxic metals, with few studies involving metal exposome and lung function. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of co-exposure to the metal mixtures on multiple parameters of pulmonary function tests and to identify the elements that play an essential role in elastic-net regression (ENET), multivariate linear regression, bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation (QG-C) models. METHODS: We have recruited 186 welders from Anhui (China) in 2019. And their end-of-shift urine and lung function measure data were collected with informed consent. The urinary concentrations of 23 metals were measured by inductively coupled urinary mass spectrometry. The lung function measures including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were also detected as outcome indicators. Four statistical methods, ENET, multivariate linear regression, BKMR, and QG-C models were used to evaluate the associations of element mixtures on lung function comprehensively. RESULTS: Lead and cadmium were negatively associated with FVC and FEV1, nickel and chromium were inversely associated with PEF, and strontium showed significant positive effects in linear regression models, which were consistent with the results in BKMR and QG-C models. Both BKMR and QG-C models showed a significantly negative overall effect of metal mixtures on lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1, and PEF). Meanwhile, BKMR showed the non-linear relationships of cadmium with FVC. CONCLUSION: Multi-pollutant mixtures of metals were negatively associated with lung function. Lead, cadmium, nickel, and strontium might be crucial elements. Our findings highlight a need to prioritize workers' environmental health, and guide future research into the toxic mechanisms of metal-mediated lung function injury.

Ergonomic demands and fetal loss in women in welding and electrical trades: A Canadian cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between ergonomic demands of the job at conception and fetal loss (miscarriage or stillbirth). METHODS: Women with a welding or electrical trade apprenticeship were identified across Canada for the Women's Health in Apprenticeship Trades-Metal and Electrical study. They completed a reproductive and employment history at recruitment and every 6 months for up to 5 years to provide details on pregnancies and work demands. Job at conception was identified and fetal loss examined in relation to ergonomic exposures/demands, allowing for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 885 women were recruited; 447 in welding and 438 in electrical trades. Of these, 574 reported at least one pregnancy. Analysis of 756 pregnancies since the woman started in her trade suggested no increased risk of fetal loss in those choosing welding rather than electrical work. Among 506 pregnancies conceived during a period working in a trade, 148 (29.2%) ended in fetal loss: 31.2% (73/234) in welding, and 27.6% (75/272) in electrical work. Detailed exposure information was available for 59% (299/506) of these pregnancies. In welders, the risk of fetal loss was increased with whole-body vibration (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-3.31) and hand-arm vibration for > 1 hour/day (PR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.33-3.49). In electrical workers risk increased with more than 8 days working without a rest day (PR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.25-4.17). Local exhaust ventilation reduced risk in welders. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant increase in fetal loss in welding trades compared to electrical work. Vibration, largely from grinding, and extended work rotations appear to be potentially modifiable factors of some importance.

Neuropsychological function among workers exposed to aluminum - a mini-review.

Aluminum (Al) is the most common element in nature after oxygen and silicon. Aluminum has been proposed to be a causative agent in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Aluminum made available via the lungs, as it is in occupational settings, is probably better absorbed than that entering the body via the gastrointestinal tract. Neuropsychological tests are sensitive methods for detecting subtle functional impairment of the nervous system. This minireview is based on a systematic literature search for studies on workers occupationally exposed to aluminum. The tests were categorized as belonging to one of 12 different neuropsychological functions. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Among the 559 papers identified, 24 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were no clear, consistent findings of occupational aluminum exposure being correlated with neuropsychological deficits. However, there was a weak tendency toward worse performances on tests related to information processing speed and a slight tendency toward weaker performances on memory tests for workers exposed to aluminum. The limited number of studies in this field makes it difficult to draw a clear conclusion regarding whether occupational exposure to aluminum increases the risk of altered neuropsychological function.

Investigating the field effectiveness of respirators against metal particle exposure in various workplaces: a systematic review.

Welders are exposed to high levels of metal fumes, which could be resulting in various health impairments. Respirators became a practical protective option in workplaces, as they are lightweight and easy to use. This systematic review attempts to explore the field effectiveness of using respirators to reduce metal particle exposure in workplaces. We reviewed papers published from 1900 to April 2019 in five major bibliographic databases, including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL, along with organizational websites to cover gray literature. In total, 983 references were identified from the databases, out of which, 520 duplicates were removed from the EndNote database. The remaining 463 references were screened for their title and abstract. Out of 463, 70 references went through the full-text screening. Finally, eight papers, including 19 workplace respirator studies, satisfied all the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in this report. The geometric means for metal levels in workers' breathing zone with and without respirators were 9.4 and 1,777 µg/m3 for iron, 1.1 and 139 µg/m3 for lead, 2.1 and 242 µg/m3 for zinc, and 27 and 1,398 µg/m3 for manganese oxide, respectively. Most reviewed studies reported significant differences between measured metal particle levels among workers who worn respirators and who did not. In addition, results showed that N95 provided significantly less protection than elastomeric half facepieces, full-face respirators, and powered air-purifying respirators (p<0.001). More field studies are recommended to investigate Workplace Protection Factor (WPF) and fit factor (FF) of different respirators to understand the actual protection levels that they could be provided to control welding fume exposure among welders in various workplaces.

Instructor Training on Opioids and the Workplace, Prevention and Response in the Plumbing and Pipe-Fitting Industry: An Interview With Cheryl Ambrose.

Workers in the plumbing and pipe-fitting industry experience a wide variety of physical and emotional pain related to job hazards and lifestyle issues. Pain treatment and stress can lead to prescription or illicit substance use. The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe-Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada has taken on these issues by adapting training developed by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Opioids and the Workplace, Prevention and Response Training. Under the leadership of Cheryl Ambrose, Health, Safety, and Environmental Administrator, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe-Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada has added an instructor training course and is tailoring the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences curriculum to industry and union needs.

Scalp Hair Metal Analysis Concerning DNA Damage in Welders of Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Welding is used throughout the world in refineries, thermal power plants, chemical facilities, and pressurized containers, and the welders are exposed to toxic heavy metals, electromagnetic fields, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and ultraviolet radiations. In the present study, 59 welders and an equal number of control subjects were assessed for DNA damage in the lymphocytes using the comet assay. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd) levels in the scalp hair of the subjects were evaluated by using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results of the current study showed that DNA damage in the lymphocytes of welders (121.8 ± 10.7) was significantly higher as compared with controls (56.5 ± 17.6) (P < 0.001). Besides, the levels of Pb, Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Cd were remarkably higher in the scalp hair of workers as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a prominent association between the heavy metals and total comet score (TCS) in the exposed subjects. Age and duration of occupational exposure had significant effects (P < 0.05) on TCS values. Our results concluded that occupational exposure to welding fumes may cause DNA damage and can lead to important health hazards in the workers.