The Determination of Exposure to Total, Inhalable and Respirable Particles in Welders in Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

In many welding processes, air pollutants are generated and take the form of dust, fume and gases. These particles generally remain suspended in air and in that way can be carried long distances from the welding arc. Plethora of studies have suggested that welding is insidious to the male reproductive system, other pernicious effect includes the development of benign pneumoconiosis, siderosis, respiratory impairment, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, muscle pain and a metallic taste in the mouth. The objectives of this study was to determine the personal exposure to total, inhalable and respirable particulate matter among welder in Benin City, subject the data to statistical analysis and compare the values obtained to the regulatory limits. The particles were captured using SKC Air Check Gravimetric Sampler. The sampling was done three times a week for six months between October 2011 to March 2012. The result showed that there was spatial variation in the measured TSP, respirable and Inhalable PM and also that the measured particulate matters were above the threshold Limit Value (TLV) in most of the locations studied except for welders in Oluku and Agbor which their TSP, Respirable and Inhalable are below this limit.