Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ’Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Shahīd Ṣadūqī Yazd (Jul 2005)

Inspection of the Spirometric Parameters and the Frequency of Respiratory Symptoms in Soldering Workers of a Factory Producing Electronic Appliances

  • E Safavi,
  • S Lotfi,
  • J Mir- Mohammadi-Meybodi,
  • Kh Sadegh Niyat Haghighi

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 3
pp. 21 – 25

Abstract

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Introduction: Regarding the numerous problems of solderers in electronic industries because of their exposure to Acids, bases and fumes of soldering ,a study was carried out on107 solderers and administrative personels of a factory producing electronic appliances in Tehran to inspect the long term effects of soldering on lung functions Inspection. Methods: At first ,47 solderers and 66 controls (totally 107 persons )were selected randomly. All the solderers were working in the manual soldering section and used the soldering wire made of an alloy (composed of plumbum, Stannum and special oil of soldering called flux ). The persons controls worked in the administrative sections of the same factory and for the same hours as the solderers , but they did not have any soldering experience. After they filled the standard respiratory questionnaire , spirometry was done at least 3 times on each of them under the same conditions and according to the ACT criteria (No smokers included in the study) Results:The spirometry parameters of the two groups were compared . There was a significant difference in the average FEF 25 : 75% (P=0.03).Also ,there was a significant difference in the average FEV1/FVC P=0.026 and PEFR (P=0.04)between two groups .After controling the altering age factor . ameaningful relation between the years of work in soldering section and decrease in the spirometry parameters related to FED 25-75% and FEV1/FVC was seem . Also . the frequency of the signs of nasal and eyes initation in the solderer group was more than the other group (p=0.007) Cough and Asthma related to ork had no meaningful difference in the two groups . Conclsion :It seem that in the above study , soldering is a factor decreasing the spirometry parameters with a blocking pattern , especilly in smal airways . This study was done in the direction of the former studies done in other countries and emphasizes on the need for necessary preventive action in this profession , uch as effective local ventilation and use of alternative substances .

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