Resumen

PUELLO SILVA, Jorge et al. Determination of heavy metals in metal fumes present in informal work environments dedicated to welding. Rev. colomb. cienc. quim. farm. [online]. 2018, vol.47, n.1, pp.14-25. ISSN 0034-7418.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rcciquifa.v47n1.70653.

Metalworking industry, especially welding processes, is one of the most economically active in the world. Transformation and joining of metal parts are used in many labor activities, for example, construction. Welding generates a high degree of risk to workers' health. Due to emission of metallic fumes, which have a varied composition and concentration of both heavy and non-heavy metals. Other risk factors are exposure time and hygienic conditions of workplace, which may influence whether these effects can be acute or chronic. Some affections could be local conditions such as pain, fatigue, fever, to sterility and in serious cases increases the risk of cancer. In order to establish the risk of exposure to metals, this exploratory study evaluated the concentrations of Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb) in 15 companies in environments dedicated to welding. As a result, elevated Pb values were found at 13 sites just below the threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.05 mg Pb/ m3 of air and 2 above it. Mn values found correspond to below their TLV (0.2 mg/ m3). Levels of As and Cr are well below those allowed. Even so, the variety of metals and their concentrations in the air can generate possible health conditions in the medium and long term. For all of the above reasons, there is an imminent risk to the health of welding workers because of individual or combined Metals effects inhaled in fumes.

Palabras clave : Heavy metals; welding; health; occupational safety.

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