1

The Effects of Welding to Human Health

A Research

Presented to
The Faculty of Lapasan National High School
Cagayan de Oro City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
Practical Research 1

By

Lemmuel,Boy Talisayon
Rachel May Y. Calipes
Jerson M. Gumahad
Reymark B. Obut
Kevin Malazarte
Carl Devengel Rosal

March, 2019
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Approval Sheet

This research is titled “The Effect of Welding to Human Health” in partial

fulfillment of requirements for the course Practical Research, has been examined and
recommended for Oral Examination.

ANGEL ROSE MARIE L. YBANEZ

Research Adviser

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

Approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Practical

Research 2 by the Oral Examination Committee.

MARYLINDA T. PUZON, DM
Chairman

EMELITA V. ANTINERO GENELOU DAWN P. SALON

Member Member

Accepted in the partial fulfillment of the requirement Practical Research 1.

GILJUN T. PENULIAR
Secondary School Principal
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ABSTRACT

Overall of this study, Welding is hazardous undertaking burns, vision, and damage,
inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation.
However, the health effects of welding exposure are also something that were very
passionately about. Welding effects studies showing that there are many chronic deadly
disease .In fact, welding has been labeled the most potentially hazardous gases that many
welders suffer of course because of many hazard involved. But perhaps the most dangerous
aspect of welding is exposure to the fumes that are produced by molten metal and the gases
that are released during various welding process. If you really want to take welding on your
welding be keep safety on your job because there are many effects of welding in human
health
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Acknowledgment

The researchers would like to acknowledge God Almighty, who continuously gives
them loving strength, patience, intelligence and good health that made this research
possible. And also to our family for financial support. They would like to thank also the
following person who had helped in this undertaking:

To Ms. Angel Rose Marie Ybañez, for helping them in making their first practical
research. They can’t do this kind of research without her effort to help them finish this
research. They are so thankful for all the kindness, untiring effort, encouragement, patient,
professional advice for the enhancement of this study, and new learning that she taught
them.

To the Panel of Examiners, for their comments and suggestions.

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Dedication

We dedicate this research to our beloved parents who provided the financial support
and inspiration. To our friends who help us and give us an inspirational message. We thank
our Research Teacher for her patience and understanding and lastly, to the Father Almighty
for the blessings, strength, good health, courage, knowledge and wisdom.
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Table of Contents

Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Abstract iii
Acknowledgment iv
Dedication v
Table of Contents vi
List of Figures vii
List of Tables viii
CHAPTER
Problem
Introduction 1
Statement of Problem 2
Scope and Limitation 3
Significance of the Study 3
Conceptual Framework 4
Theoretical Framework 4
Review of Related Literature and Studies 6
Research Methodology
Research Design 10
Research Locale 10
Research Instrument 11
Research Sampling 11
Respondents of the Study 11
Data Collection Technique 12
Data Analysis 12
Result and Discussion
Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation
Bibliography
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Appendices
A. Letter of Approval from the School Principal
B. Letter for the respondents
C. Questionnaire
Documentation
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Chapter 1

Introduction

Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or

thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool
causing fusion. Welding is distinct from lower temperature metal-joining techniques such
as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base metal. In addition to melting the base
metal, a filler material is typically added to the joint to form a pool of molten material (the
weld pool) that cools to form a joint that, based on weld configuration (butt, full
penetration, fillet, etc.), can be stronger than the base material (parent metal). Pressure may
also be used in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce a weld. Welding also requires
a form of shield to protect the filler metals or melted metals from being contaminated or
oxidized. Many different energy sources can be used for welding, including a gas flame
(chemical), an electric arc (electrical), a laser, an electron beam, friction, and ultrasound.
While often an industrial process, welding may be performed in many different
environments, including in open air, under water, and in outer space. Welding is a
hazardous undertaking and precautions are required to avoid burns, electric shock, vision
damage, inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet
radiation. However, the health effects of welding exposure are also something that we’re
very passionate about. The detrimental long-term health effects of welding exposure are
well documented, with studies showing that there are many chronic conditions and deadly
disease. In fact, welding has been labeled the most potentially hazardous gases that many
welders suffer Of course because of the many hazards involved, there are comprehensive
health and safety procedures that must be followed, including the necessity for protective
clothing and safety equipment. But perhaps the most dangerous aspect of welding is
exposure to the fumes that are produced by molten metal and the gases that are released
during the various welding processes. One organization that has collated studies and
research results is the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) that lists both short-
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term and long-term effects of exposure to welding fumes. Common short-term effects
range from eye, nose, ear, throat and chest irritations to coughing and shortness of breath,
bronchitis, pneumonitis (the inflammation of the lungs), encephalopathy (a syndrome that
results in brain dysfunction) and nausea. Another short-term effect is known as metal fume
fever that has flu-type symptoms that last between 24 and 48 hours. But some welding
fumes are more deadly than others, and the Society warns that work involving metal that
contains cadmium can result in death. According to the ASSE, other common long-term
health effects of welding exposure include pulmonary infection and heart disease,
respiratory illness, lung and throat cancer, stomach problems, kidney disease, and a variety
of neurological problems. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees (AFSCME) has issued a health and safety fact sheet that details many of the
welding hazards welders need to be aware of. The American Welding Society (AWS) also
has a number of safety and health fact sheets that are more detailed and focused on each of
the areas of concern – more than 40 in all. Welders may not develop cancer, but many
experience chronic lung problems including asthma, bronchitis, decreased lung capacity,
emphysema, pneumonia, as well as pneumoconiosis (a dust-related disease), siderosis (also
dust-related but specifically caused by iron oxide dust), and silicosis (which often develops
when welders have been exposed to silica). And it doesn’t even begin to stop there;
additional health issues that research has found to relate to welding include skin diseases,
heart disease, loss of hearing, chronic gastritis and gasto-duodentitis (which causes the
stomach to become inflamed), and small intestine and stomach ulcers. Those exposed to
nickel and chromium have been found to be especially vulnerable to kidney damage.
(Ismuser, 2015)

Statement of the Problem

In order to get the answers to the things that are connected to the effects of welding
in human health especially its manifestation factors, the researcher will gather different
questions to find the solution to the effects of welding especially this research sought to
answer the questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

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a. Age
b. Gender
2. What are the side effects or causes you can get on welding?

3. What problems can reflect welding light cause?

Scope and Limitation

This study will focused on effects of welding in human health among welders. The
data collection will be conducted to 30 of the total respondents of welders in Lapasan
Cagayan de Oro City 2018-2019. This study will not cover other problems that are not
consider as one of the effects of welding to human health.

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following:

Students. The result will provide the students with some knowledge on what are
the effects of welding to human health and how it can be avoided. It will give the students
realization that the welding can affect your health if you do not use the PPE.

Teacher. It can help give the proper way of welding on what are the steps you can
do to be keep safety on welding.

Welders. It can help the welders to improve their skills and strategies

Profit- if you have a skill of welding you can gain a lot of money if somebody
know your mind set and planning of welding.
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Conceptual Framework

Figure 4.1 shows the conceptual framework of the effects of welding to human health.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework

Many studies performed are difficult to compare because of difference in worker

population, in industrial settings welding techniques, duration of exposure, and other
occupational besides Welding fumes. Some studies were conducted in carefully controlled
work environments others during actual workplace conditions, and some in laboratories
studies have shown that a large Number of welders experience some types of respiratory
illness. Respiratory effects seen in Fulltime welders have include bronchitis, airway
irritation, lung function changes, and a possible Increase in the incident of lung cancer.
Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of severity Duration, and frequency among
welders although epode mycological studies have demonstrated an increase in pulmonary
illness after exposure to welding fumes, little information of the Causality dose response
and possible underlying mechanisms regarding the inhalation of Welding fumes exists.
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Even less information is available about the neurological, reproductive and dermal effects
after welding fume exposure. More over carcinogenicity and short term and long term
toxicology studies of welding fumes are complete or incomplete. Therefore, an
understanding of possible adverse health effects of human health is essential to risk
assessment and the development of prevention. Strategies and will impact a large
population of workers.

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2003:33 (1):61-103. Health Effects of Welding PubMed-NCBI

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CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

Impact of Welding Processes on Environment and Health

Environment considerations today tend to control, guide and develop engineering

processes affecting both men and environment. The melting of filler metal, base metal and
the coating on base metal during welding processes and subsequently the gases formed
release minute, solid particles into the air creating a plume and is called welding fume.
Compared to other industrial production processes, welding is fairly dangerous. Welding
processes involve the potential hazards for inhalation exposures that may lead to acute or
chronic respiratory diseases. Risks include asphyxiation due to dangerous inhalants,
damage to skin and eye due to ultraviolet light, chemical or electrical fires, and long-term
negative effects from fumes. This article is adapted from recent print and online resources
to provide an overview of welding fumes, health effects and the measures to protect
welders from welding fumes. This review describes the information currently available on
air pollutant effects in welders, as the result of experimental studies. Results from the
analysis shows that most of the welders’ possess limited knowledge of welding fumes
hazard. The aim of this review is to gather the potential toxic effects of welding fumes
documented by individual efforts and spread awareness about the environmental and health
hazards of welding fumes (Pankaj Kumar J. Mistry, 2015).

Effects of Welding on Health

The objective of this report is to evaluate and present the state-of-knowledge of the
effects of welding on health, to point out gaps in this knowledge, and to provide
recommendations to the American Welding Society for future studies. This report covers
the period of June 1979 to December 1980, and must be read in conjunction with the
previous literature review (Villaume et al., 1978) and the update which covers the period
January 1978 to May 1979 (Zakhari & And-erson, 1981). This report, as is the case of the
previous two reports, is divided into 4 sections entitled: 1) The Exposure, 2) Effects of
Welding on Human Health, 3) Toxicologic Investigations in Animals, and 4) In Vitro
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Studies. Welding is a materials joining process which produces coalescence of materials

by heating them to suit-able temperatures, with or without the application of pressure or by
the application of pressure alone, and with or without the use of filler metal. During this
process a welder is exposed to different factors which, in the absence of appropriate
protective measures, might affect his or her health. These factors include the production of
fumes, gases, radiation, heat, and noise. The potential hazards are well-known, and by
exercising precautions and alertness, the possibility of endangering the welding operator is
remote. Hazards associated with welding can be overcome by the appropriate use of
protective devices and engineering controls (Eaton, 1977). Fumes generated during
welding pose least hazard to welders compared to burning, cutting or mechanical injury
(Tierney, 1977), although it is of major concern to industrial hygienists. This update of the
effects of welding on health which covers the period of June 1979 to December 1980, will
be organ-ized as previously submitted reports (Villaume et al.,1978; Zakhari & Anderson,
1979).

Health Effects of Welding

Many of the epidemiology studies performed are difficult to compare because of

differences in worker populations, industrial settings, welding techniques, duration of
exposure, and other occupational exposures besides welding fumes. Some studies were
conducted in carefully controlled work environments, others during actual workplace
conditions, and some in laboratories. Epidemiology studies have shown that a large number
of welders experience some type of respiratory illness. Respiratory effects seen in full-time
welders have included bronchitis, airway irritation, lung function changes, and a possible
increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of
severity, duration, and frequency among welders. Although epidemiological studies have
demonstrated an increase in pulmonary illness after exposure to welding fumes, little
information of the causality, dose-response, and possible underlying mechanisms
regarding the inhalation of welding fumes exists. Even less information is available about
the neurological, reproductive, and dermal effects after welding fume exposure. Moreover,
carcinogenicity and short-term and long-term toxicology studies of welding fumes in
animals are lacing or incomplete. Therefore, an understanding of possible adverse health
 15

effects of exposure to welding fumes is essential to risk assessment and the development
of prevention strategies and will impact a large population of workers (James M. Antonini,
2003).

Impacts of Welding on Environmental Problems and health and Solutions to

overcome these Problems

According to scientific progress and industrialization, engineering sciences and

processes have significant progress in all the areas. There are important problems because
of this progress in addition to the advantages such as life simplicity, life quality
improvement and many other advantages. Environmental problems are one of the main
problems due to the rapid development of engineering technologies. Therefore, nowadays
environment should enter on different the field of engineering, and it should control, guide
and develop these processes according to the specific principles and effects of these
processes on environment and health. According to the nature and used equipment, welding
is a job with the major impact on environment and human health. Released fume in
welding, is a combination of various and fine particles such as carbon monoxide, silicates
and so on. Welding fume analysis showed this fume is rich in toxic and hazardous
compounds. On the other hand, medical investigations proved, welders are in serious
danger of acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The problems are not limited to the
respiratory diseases only. In this regard, it can be noted some problems such as suffocation,
skin diseases, visual disturbances, many long-term negative effects and environmental
problems due to the welding fume. It is very painful that many welders don’t know
anything about these problems, and the suffered from irrecoverable effects because this
lack of awareness. The goal of this paper is creating awareness about welding effects on
the health and environment; furthermore, it proposed some solutions to overcome these
dangers (Fard et al. 2016).
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Pulmonary Effects of Welding Fumes: Review of Worker and Experimental Animal

Studies

Approximately one million workers worldwide perform welding as part of their

work duties. Electric arc welding processes produce metal fumes and gases which may be
harmful to exposed workers. This review summarizes human and animals’ studies which
have examined the effect of welding fume exposure on respiratory health. An extensive
search of the scientific and occupational health literature was performed, acquiring
published articles which examined the effects of welding on all aspects of worker and
laboratory animal health. The databases accessed included PubMed, Ovid, NIOSHTIC, and
TOXNET. Pulmonary effects observed in full-time welders have included metal fume
fever, airway irritation, lung function changes, susceptibility to pulmonary infection, and a
possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Although limited in most cases, animal
studies have tended to support the findings from epidemiologic studies. Despite the
numerous studies on welding fumes, incomplete information still exists regarding the
causality and possible underlying mechanisms associated with welding fume inhalation
and pulmonary disease. The use of animal models and the ability to control the welding
fume exposure in toxicology studies could be utilized in an attempt to develop a better
understanding of how welding fumes affect pulmonary health (Lewis AB et al. 2003).
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Chapter 3

Methodology

Research Design

This study used the qualitative method of research. Our general procedure of
describing had the chief purpose of description of the studies the effects of welding to
human health that might have affected by their own psychological factors. Along with the
things that we see in a regular welders many welders are struggling in many different ways

Research Locale

This shop we have chosen is the shop where the researchers are assigned in their
field study subject. This shop is now having the name as Dansons Metalcraft shop and
other shops situated at Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. It is headed by the team
leader to conduct study to some welders in Barangay Lapasan.
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Research Instrument

The instrument used was a researcher-made questionnaire checklist gather the

needed data for the welders. The draft of the questionnaire was drawn out based on the
researchers on how to avoid injuries while you are in welding and to know what the side
effects of welding into human health are. For instance, statement describing the situation
or issues about effect welding in human health to accommodate the knowledge
preparedness of the respondents. Open-ended options were provide to accommodate
formulated view’s related to the topic of welding effect in human health. In this way the
instrument is authorized to obtain valid responses of the welders. This Questionnaire will
prepare by the researcher was develop by reading reference material and related about the
effect of welding in human health.

Research Sampling

The study uses the Quota sampling. The researchers select welders as a respondents
to get the quota needed. Why we choose the Quota sampling, because a researcher made a
questionnaire and might ask for a sample of (0) Female and (30) Males between the age of
25-57.

Respondents of the Study

This research study was conducted with the welders in shops of Lapasan Cagayan
de Oro City for the school year 2017-2018.

Table 1
Summary of Age Respondents

AGE TOTAL
20-30 24
31-40 4
41-50 1
51-60 1
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Table 2
Distribution of Respondent of Selected Welders of Lapasan CDOC

Gender Frequency Percentage

Female 0 0%
Male 30 100%
Total 30 100%

The table shows that frequency distribution of the respondents’ gender. The table
showed that majority of the respondents are male. It has a total frequency of 30 with total
percentage of 100%.

Data Collection Technique

Before gathering data, a letter request is sent to the principle of the said school at
Cagayan de Oro , asking permission to allow the research to conduct a study and the
research started to collect data upon the approved of request Questionnaire was distributed
to the respondents as approved by the administrator. The questionnaire was administered
to the respondent directly by the research to know the significance of maintaining good
welders in Dansons Metal Craft (002 Sta. Cruz 1, Lapasan , Cagayan de Oro City).
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Data Analysis

Upon completion of the data gathering, descriptive statistical analysis were

conducted by providing tabular descriptions of the data gathered from the survey in terms
of mean, and standard deviation.

Table
Hypothetical Mean Range and Qualitative Equivalence

Range Description
1.00-1.75 Strongly Disagree
1.75-2.50 Disagree
2.50-3.25 Agree
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree
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Chapter 4
Results and Discussions
Presentation of Results

Figure 4.1 shows then evaluation of welders to the sets of question given to them. In
Question number one, ten respondents strongly agreed that they experienced welding. In
Question number two, eight respondents strongly agreed that is difficult. In Question
number three, eleven respondents strongly agreed that welding is dangerous. In Question
number four, ten respondent agreed that is welding stainless steel is dangerous. In Question
five, fifteen respondents strongly agreed that is important to study safety precautions in
welding. In Question number six eleven respondents strongly agreed that is welding can
affect the health. In Question number seven, twenty-two agreed that ultraviolet rays from
welding can affect your eyes. In Question number eight, nineteen respondents agreed that
they had injuries from welding. In Question number nine, twenty-three respondents agreed
that they experienced being hit by the sparks on the eyes. In Question number ten, twenty-
two respondents agreed that is welding have other possible effects to the eyes. In Question
number eleven, twenty-one respondents agreed that the smoke you inhale is bad for the
lungs. In Question number twelve, eighteen respondents agreed that welding change
environment. In Question number thirteen, eighteen respondents agreed that we can get
skin cancer from welding. In Question number fourteen, twenty-two respondents agreed
that welding get lung cancer, and in Question number fifteen, and eight strongly agreed
that welding aluminum is dangerous.

25 22 23 22 22
21
19 19 18 18
20
15 15 1515 16
15 13 1211
10 11 10
8 9 8
10 7 7
5 6 6 6 5 5 6 5 5
3 3 3 4 3
5 2
10 1 1 00 1 11 11 10 11 12 1 1 1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Strongly Agree

Figure 4.1 Shows Presentation of Result

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CHAPTER 5

Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation

Findings

Conclusion

Overall of this study, Welding is hazardous undertaking burns, vision, and damage,
inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation.
However, the health effects of welding exposure are also something that were very
passionately about. Welding effects studies showing that there are many chronic deadly
disease .In fact, welding has been labeled the most potentially hazardous gases that many
welders suffer of course because of many hazard involved. But perhaps the most dangerous
aspect of welding is exposure to the fumes that are produced by molten metal and the gases
that are released during various welding process. If you really want to take welding on your
life or if you take welding there are the possibilities can affect your health which is
pulmonary infection and heart disease , respiratory illness , lung and throat cancer , kidney
disease and a variety of neurological problems , loss of hearing . And the other case
Welders may not develop cancer, but many experience chronic lung problems including
asthma, bronchitis, lung capacity etc. That is why before you take welding be sure that
metals and any other things you should weld are already planned and be sure you are
serious and focus to avoid many injuries and also first of all use the proper way of welding
to avoid physical injuries which is the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .Therefore,
Welding can really affect our health. It is very painful that many welders don't know
anything about these problems and the suffered from irrecoverable effects because this lack
of awareness. The goal of this study is creating awareness about welding effects on the
health and also to our environment.
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Recommendation

To create a clean, safe and comfortable welding environment, consider four keys
and implement the proper safety equipment and to avoid physical injuries. Engage
welders/employees in hazard assessments by reviewing recordable injuries and trends
with potential safety risks and then working with them to make corrections. Management
should also challenge employees to look at overall safety in the weld cell and offer
suggestions for improvements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Conducting a job safety analysis ensures

you select the correct PPE for the job. The goal is to find PPE that offers the appropriate
level of protection, without interfering with a welder’s normal activities.

Students. The result will provide the students with some knowledge on what are the effects
of welding to human health and how it can be avoided. It will give the students realization
that the welding can affect your health if you do not use the PPE.

Students. The result will provide the students with some knowledge on what are
the effects of welding to human health and how it can be avoided. It will give the students
realization that the welding can affect your health if you do not use the PPE.
 24

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Journals Online

[1] Samir Zakhari and John Strange, Effects of Welding on Health III, Franklin Institute
Research Laboratory, Inc., A Subsidiary of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. Web. 18,
February. 2019.

[2] Pankaj Kumar.J. Mistry, Impact of Welding Processes on Environment and Health,
International Journal of Advanced Research in Mechanical Engineering & Technology,
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Rungta Engineering College, India. Web. 18, February.
2019.

[3] MOSTAFA HASHEMI FARD, MOHSEN HASHEMI FARD, IMPACTS OF

WELDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND HEALTH AND SOLUTIONS
TO OVERCOME THESE PROBLEMS, Welding Technology, Applied Science and
Technology University Unit Alavicheh, France. Web. 18, February. 2019.

[4] Antonini JM et al, Pulmonary effects of welding fumes: review of worker and
experimental animal studies, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for
Occupational Safety & Health, Morgantown, West Virginia. Web. 18, February. 2019.

[5] James M Antonini, Health Effects of Welding, National Institute For Occupational
Safety and Health, Critical Reviews in Toxicology, England. Web. 18, February. 2019.
 25

APPENDICES

A. Letter of Approval from the School Principal

B. Letter for the respondents

C. Questionnaire
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Documentation
27