THE EFFECT OF SOLDERING FUMES ON LUNG FUNCTION IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY
Umoren E.B.*, Etim O.E., Nwangwa E.K., Ekpenyong J.F., Okon I.L.5 and Obembe A.O.
ABSTRACT
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the long term (6 months) effect of soldering gases and fumes on lung function and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among solderers in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. A comparative study using questionnaires and spirometry in ten (10) male electronics repairers engaged in rosin-based soldering of metallic joints in technical workshops and ten (10) male medical students and staff as control was performed. Two groups with similarity in age, height and weight were used. The mean age (25–54) years for the technicians was 34 ± 0.09 years; while that of students and some staff of medical school (25-54) years was 37 ± 1.56 years; The technicians were constantly exposed to the poisonous gas (3-4) hours daily, while the staff and students who were not exposed to the fumes served as control group. Measurements were made of their forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) during the course of a working shift, using a Vitallograph-Compact portable spirometer. The mean duration of exposed workers to solder fumes was (15 ± 1.62) hours. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms (eye irritation, running nose, wheezing, fatigue and mild cough) amongst the technicians was (72% versus 48%). This was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared with the unexposed control group. There was a decrease (p<0.05) in mean peak expiratory forced rate (PEFR). Also, the means in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) were observed to be significantly reduced (p<0.05) respectively among the electricians. From the results obtained, no significant decrease was observed in control subjects of medical school. In conclusion, the study has shown a slight change in lung capacity and volume amongst solder-lead workers. Although the change in lung function is relatively insignificant, it hardly posed any appreciable decrease in physical activity and capability of the technicians.
Keywords: Soldering fumes, lung function, respiratory symptoms, Calabar Municipality.
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