Amount and distribution of welding fume lung contaminants among arc welders.

Abstract

The amount and distribution of the welding fume lung contaminants was measured in 44 arc welders from 2 shipyards. The measurement was made from the determination of the permanent field after the subject was magnetized in a low external magnetic field, the values being used for the calculation of the amount of contaminants in the lungs. Less than 4 mg of dust was found in the lungs of non-exposed controls. In the shipyard welder''s lungs, after 2 yr of exposure, on the average 7 mg (range 4-15) of welding dust was observed. After a continuous exposure of about 18 yr the amounts were 200 mg (range 30-1500) in shipyard A and 700 mg (150-2000) in shipyard B, respectively. On the basis of data obtained from retired welders, the clearance rate of 45% in welders from shipyard A and 18% in shipyard B were calculated, the latter figure being probably more accurate. The distribution of contaminants was 52% in the right and 48% in the left lung. The radiological findings correlated well with the amounts of welding fume contaminants measured with the magnetic method.