Title: Assessment of Blood Iron and Manganese on Artesant Welders Exposed to Welding Fumes

Authors: Torka N. Sordum, Ndokiari Boisa

 DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i5.47

Abstract

Whole blood iron and manganese levels in artesant welders control subjects were invstigated. Five (5ml) blood samples were collected via venepuncture from thirty (35) welders and twenty five (25) control subjects after their voluntary consent. Samples were digested using standard method. Aliquots of digested samples were assessed for Mn and Fe content with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.  The data obtained were expressed as the  mean ± Standard Deviation. Independent sample t- test was conducted with the means with SPSS Version 22.0.  It was observed that  both welders and controls subjects the  mean  ± S.D  were 3.37±  1.34 µg/l and 3.34 ± 1.43 µg/l respectively. Means and standard deviations of blood manganese (Mn-B) levels in  welders and controls subjects  were 3.37 ± 1.34 µg/l and 3.34 ± 1.43 µg/l respectively. Means and standard deviations blood iron (Fe-B) levels for welders and control subjects were 410 ± 104 µg/dl and 166 ± 37 µg/dl respectively. Significant  difference at p < 0.001 was observed when means for test and control subjects were compared. There were no correlations between Mn-B and Fe-B levels  of welders with duration of exposure and age. This study has revealed that  welders  in Elekahia Estate, Community and  railway off  Trans –Amadi Layout of Port Harcourt have normal Mn-B level with non welders while there Fe-B level is exceptionaly high than non welders. Exposure to iron, may cause iron overload (siderosis) and iron accumulation in liver, heart, and kidney leading to hepatomegaly, myocardial siderosis and metabolic  acidosis. 

Keywords: Iron; Manganese; Welder; Duration of exposure; Welding fume; Welding electrode.

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Corresponding Author

Torka N. Sordum

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