ABSTRACT
The study of Lung functions among metal Arc welders in Zaria, Nigeria. Aim of the study was to evaluate long-term effects of exposure to welding fumes on lung functions. The metal Arc welders in Zaria study assessed 100 welders and 100 office workers by a questionnaire to record anthropometric data, work history and lung function status by spirometry. The average pulmonary function values of the welders were lower relative to controls. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of the welders was 2.95 Â� 0.06 L, while that of the non-welders (control) was 4.03 Â� 0.06 L; The mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) for the welders was 2.38 Â� 0.06 L and that for the control group was 3.36 Â� 0.05 L ; The mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for the welders was 361.5 Â� 5.82 L/min and that of the control group was 455.8 Â� 5.96 L/min, All the values in welders were lower than those of the control (P < 0.05). The mean forced expiratory volume in one second percent (FEV1%) for the welder was 81.48 Â� 1.32 % while that of the control group was 84.22 Â� 1.26 % (P > 0.05). Comparing the mean pulmonary variables of welders exposed for ≤ 5years and those exposed for ≥6years, the mean FVC and FEV1% significantly decreased with years of exposure. The overall correlation matrix between years of exposure and pulmonary variables showed negative correlation in FEV1 and FEV1% and a significant difference in FEV1%. The relationship between PEFR and FVC significantly increased as the years of exposure to the welding fumes increased. The results suggest that welders are at the risk of having an impaired pulmonary function.