Background: Occupational respiratory diseases are among the leading cause of occupational morbidity and mortality cases worldwide. Studies show that there are increased self-reported occupational health problems among workers in informal sector of Tanzania, particularly amongst welders and metalworkers.
Objectives: This study was to assess occupational exposure level to metal fumes containing Cadmium, Nickel and chromium, and associated respiratory health symptoms among small scale welders in Dar es Salaam.
Methods: A cross sectional study using quantitative approach was conducted employed the use of interview-based questionnaires, observation checklist and laboratory analysis of 30 personal air samples (NIOSH 7300 Methods). A multistage sampling technique with probability methods was used to select study participants. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.
Findings: The study was involved 110 Male small-scale welders from three Districts (Temeke, Ilala and Kindondoni) of Dar es Salaam with Mean age of 34±11.6 years and illiteracy rate of 1.8%. The prevalence of respiratory health symptoms reported were Cough 40%, Breathlessness 27.3%, phlegm 24.5%, Wheeze 24.5, and Chest tightness 24.5%. the study suggest that small scale welders were exposed to high mean concentration level above TLV for total metal fume 6.57±2.50mg/m3 but below the limit level for its elements; Cadmium (Cd) 0.00163 mg/m3, Chromium (Cr) 0.07346 mg/m3, and Nickel (Ni) 0.09809 mg/m3. The proportion of utilization of appropriate PRPEs among small scale welders was low (2%) and findings showed that there was statistical significance (p<0.005) that welders who were not used PRPEs were more likely to develop respiratory health symptoms (OR, 5.55; 95% CI, 1.5-19.5) compared to those who were used.
Conclusion: There was high occupational exposure level to metal fumes among small scale welders in Dar es Salaam which resulted into increased cases of respiratory health symptoms therefore occupational health and Safety interventions should also focus on addressing the burden of respiratory health problems among small scale welders in Informal Sectors.