Respiratory Flow Rates of Metal Welders Compared to a Population Not Exposed to Metal Welding Dust

Abstract

Background: The welding trade includes many industrial activities in both the formal and informal sectors. Workers in this professional environment do not have access to individual and collective means of protection adapted to the activity, which exposes them to the dust emitted during their activity and therefore contributes to increasing the risk of developing respiratory disorders in this population. Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the ventilatory function of metal welders in the city of Dakar. Method: This was a comparative study based on the analysis of the spirometric parameters of metal welders working in the city of Dakar (Senegal) with those of a control group of the same kind, selected from the general population. Measurements of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF) were measured. Results: A total of 75 men between the ages of 19 and 61 were recruited and divided into two groups (43 controls and 32 welders). The welding population had more frequent distal and central obstructions and pulmonary restriction compared to the control group. The metals most commonly used by welders were aluminum for welders who had an obstruction, while for those who had a restriction, iron was the most used metal. Signs of metal fever were frequently found in welders, especially those with ventilatory disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory disorders observed is close to that observed in industrial environments, where exposure levels are the highest. The lack of personal protective equipment could also be a significant risk factor in the development of these disorders.