A Study of semen parameters in welders and non-welders in the Sri Lanka navy

Abstract

Introduction: Welding is a metal joining process widely used in fabrication industry worldwide. Welding emissions are known to cause adverse effects on male reproductive system. The degree of hazard depends on the composition, concentration, and the length of exposure to emissions. Sri Lanka Navy has more than 300 welders at key establishments but their fertility status has not been assessed.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the socio-demographic and lifestyle factors of welders and non-welders, and to describe the occupational exposures of welders of Sri Lanka Navy working in Colombo. The lifestyle factors, occupational factors and sperm parameters of welders and non-welders were compared.

Methodology: A descriptive study was done with welders (n=44) and non-welders (n=44) of Sri Lanka Navy base in Colombo. Socio-demographic and lifestyle factors of both groups and occupational factors of welders were studied. Semen samples were obtained from welders and non-welders after informed consent. Semen fluid analysis (SFA) was performed according to guidelines of WHO (2010), at Naval General Hospital Colombo and sperm parameters were compared in welders and non-welders. Correlation between lifestyle and occupational factors, and sperm parameters of welders were assessed. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, Kothelawela defense University.

Results: The socio-demographic characters and lifestyle factors of both welders and non-welders were similar. Welders working in shipyard /on board ships were more exposed to welding emissions than those welders in fabrication workshop. The sperm parameters were normal in 70% of welders when compared to 86% for non-welders. Among welders sperm concentration was abnormal in 16% and sperm motility was abnormal in 11%. In contrast only 7% of non-welders had abnormal sperm concentration and motility was normal in all of them. Although the dose of exposure (hours/day) to welding emissions did not have a significant effect on sperm parameters of welders, the total duration of exposure (number of years of exposure) had a significant effect on sperm concentration of welders (r = -0.4 p = 0.007). Squatting position and wearing synthetic underpants had a significant association with sperm concentration of welders.

Conclusion: In this study the socio demographic and life style factors among welders and non-welders of the SLN base in Colombo were similar. Long term exposure to welding emission had a significant effect on sperm concentration but there were no effects with short duration of exposure. Welding in squatting position and wearing of dark coloured synthetic underpants was associated with a lower sperm concentration in welders.