Pulmonary Function Status among Welders in Malaysian’s Automotive Industries

Abstract

Welding process has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Welding fumes, toxic gases and metal particles are the chemical hazard that leads to long-term and chronic lung function effects. This study investigates the effects of duration of exposure and smoking status on pulmonary function status among welders of two automotive assembly plants in Malaysia (Plant 1 and Plant 2). This study assesses 61 male welders by pulmonary function test (PFT) using spirometer. These welders worked with spot, metal inert gas (MIG) and robotic welding without the benefit of fume control ventilation or respiratory protective devices. Welding workers in both plants showed significant reduction in lung function parameters relative to controls. The results of the study also showed that in Plant 1, smoking status influence significantly on pulmonary function status. However, in Plant 2, duration of work and smoking status both influence significantly on welders pulmonary function status. This study provides information to welders on chemical hazard effects among Malaysia’s automotive industries.