Search

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

Welding fumes are a Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) carcinogen as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The process of welding creates inhalable fumes rich in iron (Fe) that may also contain known carcinogenic metals such as chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni). Epidemiological evidence has shown that both mild steel (Fe-rich) and stainless steel (Fe-rich + Cr + Ni) welding fume exposure increases lung cancer risk, and experimental animal data support these findings. Copper-nickel (CuNi) welding processes have not been investigated in the context of lung cancer. Cu is intriguing, however, given the role of Cu in carcinogenesis and cancer therapeutics. This study examines the potential for a CuNi fume to induce mechanistic key characteristics of carcinogenesis in vitro and to promote lung tumorigenesis, using a two-stage mouse bioassay, in vivo. Male A/J mice, initiated with 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA; 10 µg/g), were exposed to CuNi fumes or air by whole-body inhalation for 9 weeks (low deposition-LD and high deposition-HD) and then sacrificed at 30 weeks. In BEAS-2B cells, the CuNi fume-induced micronuclei and caused DNA damage as measured by γ-H2AX. The fume exhibited high reactivity and a dose–response in cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. In vivo , MCA/CuNi HD and LD significantly decreased lung tumor size and adenomas. MCA/CuNi HD exposure significantly decreased gross-evaluated tumor number. In summary, the CuNi fume in vitro exhibited characteristics of a carcinogen, but in vivo , the exposure resulted in smaller tumors, fewer adenomas, less hyperplasia severity, and with HD exposure, less overall lung lesions/tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMetal carpentry includes a wide range of work activities such as welding and cutting metallic components, use of solvents and paints. Therefore, the employees in these types of activities are mainly exposed to welding fumes and volatile organic solvents. Here, we present an NMR-based metabolomic approach for assessing urinary profiles of workers in the same company that are exposed to two different risk factors.MethodsThe study enrolled 40 male subjects exposed to welding fumes, 13 male subjects exposed to volatile organic compounds of a metal carpentry company, and 24 healthy volunteers. All samples were collected, in the middle of the working week at fast. Thirty-five urinary metabolites belonging to different chemical classes such as amino acids, organic acids and amines were identified and quantified. Results were processed by multivariate statistical analysis for identifying significant metabolites for each working group examined, compared to controls.ResultsWorkers exposed to welding fumes displayed urinary increase in glutamine, tyrosine, taurine, creatine, methylguanidine and pseudouridine associated to oxidative impairment, while workers exposed to volatile organic compounds showed higher urinary levels of branched chain aminoacids.ConclusionOur work identified specific urinary profile related to each occupational exposure, even if it is below the threshold limit values.

This study aims to predict the migration time of toxic fumes induced by excavation blasting in underground mines. To reduce numerical simulation time and optimize ventilation design, several back propagation neural network (BPNN) models optimized by honey badger algorithm (HBA) with four chaos mapping (CM) functions (i.e., Chebyshev (Che) map, Circle (Cir) map, Logistic (Log) map, and Piecewise (Pie) map) are developed to predict the migration time. 125 simulations by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method are used to train and test the developed models. The determination coefficient (R2), the variance accounted for (VAF), the Willmott’s index (WI), the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and the sum of squares error (SSE) are utilized to evaluate the model performance. The evaluation results indicate that the CirHBA-BPNN model has achieved the most satisfactory performance by reaching the highest values of R2 (0.9945), WI (0.9986), VAF (99.4811%), and the lowest values of RMSE (15.7600), MAPE (0.0343) and SSE (6209.4), respectively. The wind velocity in roadway (Wv) is the most important feature for predicting the migration time of toxic fumes. Furthermore, the intrinsic response characteristic of the optimal model is implemented to enhance the model interpretability and provide reference for the relationship between features and migration time of toxic fumes in ventilation design.

Xin Su,1,&ast; Hengqiong Gu,1,&ast; Fajun Li,2 Donglei Shi,3 Zhaojun Wang3 1Department of Respiratory, Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Donglei Shi; Zhaojun Wang, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-755-81206874, Email shidlei@mail.sysu.edu.cn; wangzhj55@mail.sysu.edu.cnBackground: A study aimed to estimate the burden of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by occupational exposure to particulate matter, gases, and fumes in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019.Methods: Data on the deaths number, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates (ASDR) of COPD attributable to occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes were collected from the GBD study 2019. We also investigated the association between the ASDR and SDI.Results: There were 517.7 thousand deaths [95% UI: 413.9 to 634.5] in 2019. The number of deaths increased from 1990 to 2019. The ASMR and ASDR were 6.61 (5.24 to 8.17) and 143.02 (118.56 to 168.69) in 2019, respectively, representing a 46% and 44.5% decrease since 1990. China had the highest number of deaths [200,748.4 (151,897.6 to 260,703.9)], while Nepal had the highest ASMR [39 (27.7 to 50)] and ASDR [724.5 (549 to 894.2)]. Males and females 75– 79 and 80– 84 years old had the highest number of COPD deaths. A negative correlation was observed when SDI > 0.4, whereas a positive correlation was found when SDI < 0.4.Conclusion: From 1990 to 2019, there was an increase in the number of deaths, but a decline in ASMR and ASDR globally. Besides, there was a heterogeneous burden of COPD attributable to occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes across regions and countries. It is important to develop and implement strategies to prevent and reduce the burden of COPD attributable to occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes.Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational particulate matter, gases, fumes, global burden of disease, deaths number, age-standardized rates

In this study a paper-based analytical device was developed using screen printing technique for the determination of particulate iron from welding fumes. The operational parameters such as volume and concentration of 1,10-phenanthroline, volume and concentration of hydroxylamine were optimized by the Box Behnken Design (BBD) using Minitab. Additionally, the μ-PAD's sample solution holding capacity and reaction time were also optimized. Under the optimized condition, particulate metal concentrations were colorimetrically quantified using a handheld mobile phone and image processing software, ImageJ. Very good analytical performance such as good linearity of the calibration curve and better selectivity was observed by the developed method. The limit of detection for Fe3+ assay was 4.6 mg/L; which is adequate to determine the threshold concentration limit of particulate iron set by the regulatory bodies (6 mg/L). The μ-PAD revealed 95-99% recovery compared with the UV-Vis spectrophotometry (98-100%). Furthermore, welding fume samples were collected in Addis Ababa over five days, using mixed cellulose ester filters and the findings show a high concentration that exceeds the standard levels. Analyzing particulate iron with μ-PADs yielded results consistent with UV-Vis spectrophotometry, suggesting μ- PADs' potential application for occupational particulate iron exposure measurement, eliminating the need for expensive analytical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThis study aimed to quantify the global impact of pneumoconiosis resulting from occupational exposure to particulate matter, gasses, and fumes from 1990 to 2021, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.MethodThe analysis evaluated the global, regional, and national burden of pneumoconiosis attributable to workplace exposure to particulate matter, gasses, and fumes. It explored variations in disease impact across different demographics, including age and gender, and analyzed the relationship between disease burden and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). Furthermore, an ARIMA model was employed to forecast future trends of pneumoconiosis up to 2050.ResultThe year 2021 saw pneumoconiosis from occupational particulate matter, gasses, and fumes account for roughly 4,775 deaths and 117.80 thousand disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Over the past three decades, there was a notable decline in the disease’s burden. The condition predominantly affected males and those aged above 60. Future projections suggest a decrease in mortality rates in low to middle SDI regions, while high SDI regions may experience an increase in ASMR. Additionally, both ASMR and ASDR are anticipated to rise globally. Nationally, the Czech Republic, France, and the United States are expected to show relatively higher mortality rates in 2030 and 2050. Countries like Kazakhstan, Egypt, Mongolia, and Peru are projected to experience elevated levels of ASMR, DALY rates, and ASDR.ConclusionThe findings underscore the urgent need for policymakers to create and improve targeted preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of pneumoconiosis among specific populations.

Introduction: Over the years, welding fumes’ harmful effects have been demonstrated countless times in the scientific literature. Recently, studies in the field have shown an increasing interest in the negative consequences that these fumes may have on the tissues of the oral cavity. Materials & method: The current study aimed to investigate the impact that welding fumes have on the structure of human dental enamel by analyzing the microhardness of the dental enamel in 15 extracted human teeth, after various exposure times, using the Vickers method. Results: The results obtained after 48, 96, 168, and 336 h of direct exposure of the extracted specimens to the welding fumes show a statistically significant increase in the depreciation of the dental enamel’s microhardness, related to the duration of exposure (p < 0.05). An average of 305 Vickers units was observed at the longest exposure time, 336 h, in the present study, whereas in the control group, the microhardness analysis showed an average of 327 Vickers units.

This article examines the intricate health hazards of welding, emphasizing cancer risks, respiratory and neurological impacts, and the need for ventilation measures. Utilizing advanced techniques, welding fumes' composition and morphology, revealing elevated risks for stainless steel welders were analyzed. A novel robotic system for continuous exposure assessments, advocates for a thorough re-evaluation of welding practices. It navigates the complexity of risk factors, addressing short-term and long-term health risks, including emissions' broader environmental impacts. The research underscores the importance of controlled animal models, investigating the link between welding and various cancers. Acknowledging collaborative efforts, the study aims to enhance our understanding of safer working conditions in the welding community. The article narrates the negative side of welding fumes on the health of human beings and its detrimental effects on the human life cycle. The authors have gone through the various articles and presented a comprehensive review that brings out the problems associated with welding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The admissible concentrations of toxic fumes, which appear after blasting works in open pits and underground mine excavations, are presented in this paper. Fumes were examined according to the national standard, which was designed according to European regulations. Fumes that are taken under consideration according to the European standard are carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrate oxides (NOx). The afterburning effect was not included. Analysis showed inconclusive results of possible explosive applicability in countries that are applying the general toxicity index (toxicity coefficient may vary between countries from 5 to 10) instead of the recommended European regulation. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the most environmentally friendly explosives are emulsion explosives. Moreover, the ammonium nitrate prill diameter has not significantly affected the fumes’ concentration; however, it significantly influences the velocity of detonation.

Objectives This study measured cooking fumes to which workers in school cafeterias may be exposed. Methods The measurement items were respirable dust, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. A total of 111 samples were obtained from 55 schools. Data on variables such as school size and daily cooking oil usage were collected. Correlation and association analysis were performed. Results The median of concentrations of respirable dust was 38.37 µg/m3 (min–max: 20.73–49.71 µg/m3). The concentrations of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide also showed levels that did not exceed 20% for occupational exposure limits. The increase in school size was significantly correlated with the increase in daily cooking oil usage and had a significant correlation with respirable dust concentration (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.36; P <0.05). The linear regression test results adjusting for other variables were also similar. Conclusions Cooking food by frying at high heat using cooking oil can increase the exposure of kitchen workers to respirable dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooking oil fumes (COFs) are widely acknowledged as substantial contributors to indoor air pollution, having detrimental effects on human health. Despite the existence of commercialized in vitro aerosol exposure platforms, assessment risks of aerosol pollutants are primarily evaluated based on multiwell plate experiments by trapping and redissolving aerosols to conduct comprehensive in vitro immersion exposure manner. Therefore, an innovative real-time exposure system for COF aerosol was constructed, featuring a self-designed microfluidic chip as its focal component. The chip was used to assess toxicological effects of in vitro exposure to COF aerosol on cells cultured at the gas–liquid interface. Meanwhile, we used transcriptomics to analyze genes that exhibited differential expression in cells induced by COF aerosol. The findings indicated that the MAPK signaling pathway, known for its involvement in inflammatory response and oxidative stress, played a crucial role in the biological effects induced by COF aerosol. Biomarkers associated with inflammatory response and oxidative stress exhibited corresponding alterations. Furthermore, the concentration of COF aerosol exposure and post-exposure duration exert decisive effects on these biomarkers. Thus, the study suggests that COF can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in BEAS-2B cells, potentially exerting a discernible impact on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquito coils, common in resource-constraint countries where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, are slow- burning sticks that emit smoke containing mosquito repellents, commonly pyrethroids like meperfluthrin. In humans, the documented side effects of inhaled meperfluthrin are few. We report a case of meperfluthrin toxicity following exposure to mosquito coil fumes. A 14-year-old male adolescent developed multiple episodes of vomiting, respiratory distress, and altered consciousness following exposure to mosquito-repellent fumes containing 0.25% meperfluthrin. He had slept on a floor mat CC –BY 4.0 with the burning coil 20cm from his face before the onset of symptoms. He received initial oxygen, steroids, and antibiotics care at a private hospital before being referred to the teaching hospital. At presentation, his Glasgow Coma Score was 12, otherwise normal CNS finding. He developed irrational talk, violent behaviour and insomnia three days later. He recovered fully with supportive care. Excessive inhalation of meperfluthrinfumes maylead to neurotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity.

Welding is a common method for joining metals by heating them to the welding temperature. Exposure to welding fumes has a serious effect on the health of welders. This study examined serum zinc variability and body composition as route for hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia in welders exposed to welding fumes and smoking, exploring the possibilities for the risk of possible cardiovascular disease. The experimental case control design was adopted in the study. Forty apparently healthy adult males were randomly selected comprising of twenty control group (non-smokers and smokers without welding experience) and twenty experimental group (non-smokers and smokers with welding experience) welders. Data obtained were represented as Mean ± SEM while comparison of means across group was done by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison for post hoc test at p-value < 0.05 level of significance using Graph Pad prism version 8. The data obtained showed that the body mass index (BMI) of smokers (non-welders and welders) were slightly reduced while that of non-smoking welders was increased compared to the control. The serum zinc level increased among the smoking welders, while the smoking non-welders and non-smoking welders decreased when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Exposure to welding fumes has been shown to increase total cholesterol levels compared to the control. Weld fumes significantly (p < 0.05) increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels among smoking non-welders compared to the control group, while, HDL was reduced in non-smoking welders and smoking welders, respectively (p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels significantly (p < 0.05) increased in all experimental groups compared to control levels (p < 0.05). Exposure to welding fumes and smoking caused significant changes in serum zinc, HDL and triglycerides levels with implications for the formation of plaques around the arteries interfering with the effective flow of blood through the vascular system, with implications of hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia. This study recommends that further studies should be done using biomarkers from urine or toe nails.

Background: Welding fumes (WFs) contain heavy metals that can induce oxidative stress and health issues in welders. This review investigated the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and trace metals in welders’ bodily fluids. Methods: Online databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were reviewed, with a specific emphasis on the effects of metal fume exposure during welding. Specific keywords such as “welding fumes”, “metal fumes”, “antioxidant enzymes”, “biomarkers”, and similar terms were employed to search for articles published between 2004 and 2023. After the evaluation of article titles and abstracts, this study reviewed a total of 19 articles. Results: Studies suggest that welders experience oxidative stress due to changes in trace metals in their body fluids, affecting antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress biomarkers. Elevated heavy metals in welders’ biological samples lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, even at low levels. Certain metals in blood and urine, such as lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), positively correlate with serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. There is also a significant positive correlation between serum/EBC MDA and blood/urine Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, and Fe, indicating cellular damage, lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant capacity. Additionally, welders may experience more DNA damage compared to non-welders. Conclusion: Exposure to WFs significantly altered oxidative stress biomarkers in bodily fluids, underscoring the importance of the relationship between oxidative stress and trace metal imbalances in WF-related injuries. These factors could serve as valuable biomarkers for monitoring workers exposed to WFs.

Background: Welding is an extensively utilized industrial technique, which involves the fusion of fumes containing various heavy metals. To protect exposed workers, it is crucial to investigate the subsequent adverse effects. This study aimed to carry out the welding process within a regulated welding chamber and examine the effects of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as antioxidant enzymes and pathological damage on rat testicular tissue. Methods: Male adult Wistar rats (n = 7/experiment group) were exposed to an average concentration of (44.48 mg/m3) welding fumes (WFs) for 30 min/d × 8 days through shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). The control group (n = 7) was in similar conditions without direct exposure to WFs. Results: The metal composition of WFs was found to contain iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). Among these metals, Fe had the highest average concentration (12.06 mg/m3), while Cu displayed the lowest one (0.019 mg/m3). The majority of the produced particles were found within the micron size range (0.25 to 0.5 μm). The mean activity of GPX and SOD was determined 15.16777 (mU/mg protein) and 81.955 (U/mg protein) in the exposed group, respectively. In the microscopic examination of testis tissue, some complications were observed. Conclusion: Oxidative damage occurred in the testicular tissue of experimental rats by decreasing the mean activity of antioxidant enzymes. Besides, the exposed group showed reduced sperm quality and quantity indexes.

This article examines various rebellions against the nationalist government in Anatolia during the Turkish War of Independence (TWI) (1919–1922), which began as an insurrection against the Ottoman government and the occupation forces of the Entente. As the nationalists began to extend their authority, they met with resistance from different groups in different parts of the country. While some groups sought independent ethno-states, some consisted of war-weary Turks who simply refused to share the burden of a new conflict; others were supported by the Ottoman government in Istanbul and sought to restore the authority of the Sultan and weaken the nationalists. Most rebellions, especially those supported by the Ottoman government, involved former or current soldiers and government officials. Both sides fought in the name of what they considered to be legitimate governments and had access to heavy weapons. The rebellions often met with violent repression and the use of irregular forces, resulting in significant loss of life and damage to property and leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory of Turkish society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]