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Objectives: To investigate cardiorespiratory and inflammatory responses in male workers following exposure to welding fumes and airborne particles in actual workplace conditions. Materials and Methods: We measured blood leukocytes and their differential counts, platelet count, hemoglobin, sensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, E-selectin, IL-(interleukin)1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and endothelin-1 in blood samples of twenty workers before and after their working day. We also studied peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), and exhaled nitric oxide (NO). We assessed heart rate variability (HRV) by obtaining 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms. Results: The total blood leukocytes and neutrophils increased after the work shift, whereas IL-1β and E-selectin decreased significantly. There were no statistically significant changes in exhaled NO, FEV 1 , PEF or HRV. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to welding fumes and particles caused a slight, acute inflammatory effect estimated based on the increased values of leukocytes and neutrophils in blood and a decrease in the interleukin 1β and E-selectin values, but no changes in the pulmonary function (exhaled NO, FEV 1 , PEF) or HRV during the working day were observed.

This large clinical study of machinists representing metalworking in South Finland showed a prevalence of 0.13% of OA and 0.92% of OD. This relatively low occurrence of occupational diseases may reflect the strict Finnish criteria for the diagnosis of these occupational diseases and the relatively good level of occupational hygiene in machining workshops in Finland. Reported respiratory and skin symptoms were common, and these milder conditions may be linked to irritant rather than sensitizing exposures.

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory and respiratory responses to welding fume exposure in patients with suspected occupational asthma.MethodsSixteen patients referred to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health underwent mild steel (MS) and stainless steel (SS) welding challenge tests, due to suspicion of OA. Platelet count, leucocytes and their differential count, hemoglobin, sensitive CRP, lipids, glucose and fibrinogen were analyzed in addition to interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, endothelin-1, and E-selectin in plasma samples. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 min (FEV1) and exhaled nitric oxide (NO) measurements were performed before and after the challenge test. Personal particle exposure was assessed using IOM and a mini sampler. Particle size distribution was measured by an Electric Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI).ResultsThe number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and platelets increased significantly, and the hemoglobin level and number of erythrocytes decreased significantly after both the MS and SS exposure tests. Five of the patients were diagnosed with OA, and their maximum fall in FEV1 values was 0.70 l (±0.32) 4 h after SS exposure. MS welding generated an average inhalable particle mass concentration of 31.6, and SS welding of 40.2 mg/m3. The mean particle concentration measured inside the welding face shields by the mini sampler was 30.2 mg/m3 and 41.7 mg/m3, respectively.ConclusionsExposure to MS and SS welding fume resulted in a mild systemic inflammatory response. The particle concentration from the breathing zones correlated with the measurements inside the welding face shields.

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