Quantitative Analysis of the Factors that Influence Welding Fume Exposure via ART Modelling.

Background: Welding fumes from industrial operations pose serious health risks. This study aimed to investigate the factors driving changes in welding fume exposure by analyzing key factors using the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) for dust exposure assessment in building materials enterprises. Methods: The dust exposure of 18 building materials enterprises was compared using ART model assessments and measured data. Multiple covariance analysis identified key influencing factors consistent with field conditions. Finally, correlation and regression analyses evaluated the relationships between these factors and dust exposure. Results: The ART model showed the highest agreement with field data at the 95th percentile. Correlation and regression analyses identified moisture content, surface contamination/emissions, and dust particle size as the main influencing factors. Conclusion: Mitigating occupational health risks requires prioritized control of moisture content, followed by dust particle size and surface contamination/emission. Targeted control of these parameters supports actionable strategies to reduce occupational health risks from welding fume exposure.