Pulmonary Adverse Effects of Weld Bonding Process by Malaysia's Automobile Assembly Welders

Spot welding adhesives were largely used in vehicle bodywork construction. Currently, spot welding adhesives process or also known as weld bonding process was the effective solution for improving mechanical properties of metal joining. However, it also created issues in occupational safety and health. Previous study confirmed notably higher airborne contaminants were detected prior to usage of welding adhesive. This study was conducted to investigate the personal welding fumes exposure and pulmonary function of welders involved in the weld bonding process. Welding fumes analysis revealed out of 15 investigated elements, none were exceeding the threshold limits for both spot and weld bonding processes. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were conducted by using hand held spirometer to 15 control group, 11 spot welders and 19 weld bonding welders. Result of the study shows a significant mean difference of pulmonary functions values in investigated welder groups. Weld bonding welders had the lowest mean pulmonary functions values compare to other groups. Statistical analysis reveals that the pulmonary function of spot welders were affected significantly by number of smoking years but not significantly affected to duration of exposure. However, weld bonding welders pulmonary functions values were not significantly affected neither by smoking years nor working durations. It is suggested for future works to include the airborne contaminant monitoring of toxic gases for further understanding of weld bonding process on safety and health effects towards welders.