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Associations between welding fume exposure and neurological function in Japanese male welders and non-welders
Mayumi Tsuji1, Chihaya Koriyama2, Yasuhiro Ishihara3
1Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan.
Objectives:
There are some studies reporting the association between (manganese [Mn]) exposure to welding fume and neurological dysfunction. This study examined the relationship between Mn exposure and neurological behavior in Japanese male welders and non-welders using biological samples, which to date has not been assessed in Japan.
Methods:
A total of 94 male welders and 95 male non-welders who worked in the same factories were recruited. The blood and urine samples were obtained from all the participants to measure Mn exposure levels. Neurological function tests were also conducted with all participants. The sampling of the breathing air zone using a personal sampler was measured for welders only.
Results:
The odds ratios (ORs) for the Working Memory Index (WMI) scores were significantly higher among all participants in the low blood Mn concentration group than those in the high blood Mn concentration group (OR, 2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24, 6.19; P = .013). The association of WMI scores and blood Mn levels in welders had the highest OR (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.04, 13.38; P = .043). Although not statistically significant, a mild relationship between WMI scores and blood Mn levels was observed in non-welders (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.63, 6.94; P = .227).
Conclusions:
The results revealed a significant positive relationship between blood Mn and neurological dysfunction in welders. Furthermore, non-welders at the same factories may be secondarily exposed to welding fumes. Further research is needed to clarify this possibility.
Insights
Manganese (Mn) exposure from welding fumes is linked to neurological issues, particularly affecting working memory in Japanese welders. Even non-welders in similar environments may face secondary Mn exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Welding fumes contain manganese (Mn), a known neurotoxicant.
- Previous studies suggest a link between Mn exposure and neurological dysfunction.
- No prior studies in Japan have assessed Mn exposure and neurological behavior in welders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between manganese exposure and neurological dysfunction in Japanese male welders and non-welders.
- To utilize biological samples for assessing Mn exposure levels.
- To evaluate neurological behavior in relation to Mn exposure.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 94 male welders and 95 male non-welders from the same factories.
- Collected blood and urine samples to measure Mn exposure.
- Administered neurological function tests and measured breathing zone air for welders.
Main Results:
- Lower blood Mn concentrations were associated with higher Working Memory Index (WMI) scores across all participants (OR, 2.77).
- Welders showed a significant association between WMI scores and blood Mn levels (OR, 3.73).
- A non-significant trend was observed for non-welders (OR, 2.09).
Conclusions:
- A significant positive relationship exists between blood manganese levels and neurological dysfunction in welders.
- Secondary exposure to welding fumes may affect non-welders in the same factories.
- Further research is warranted to confirm secondary exposure risks.
