Chronic effects of welding exposure on pulmonary function tests and respiratory symptoms.

Abstract

Objectives-The respiratory effects of exposure to welding fumes have been investigated in numerous studies; but results of these studies have not been consistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the respiratory effects of welding exposure in a large group ofmanual arc welders exposed primarily to mild steel welding processes in confined spaces without respiratory protection. Methods-Respiratory symptoms and spirometry were studied in 110 welders and 55 controls. The welders and controls were of similar average age and height; smoking habits of the groups were similar. Chest x ray films were taken to exclude people with radiological abnormalities that may influence pulmonary function tests. Welders were grouped according to smoking habits and duration of employment (<20 years or >20 years). Results-No gross radiological abnormalities were found. Respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis were more prevalent in welders (P < 0.05). Welders who were smokers showed a higher frequency of chronic bronchitis than controls who smoked (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the occurrence of chronic bronchitis was found between welders who smoked and welders who were non-smokers or exsmokers. Compared with the controls, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum midexpiratory flow (MMEF) were significantly lower in welders (mean values of FVC for welders and controls were 86-06 (25.74) and 96-40 (13.03); and values for FEV1 were 87-54 (13-70) and 95-36 (12.40) respectively; P < 0-01).There was no significant difference in pulmonary function tests between welders who were non-smokers and controls who were non-smokers; whereas FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MMEF were significantly lower in welders who smoked than controls who smoked (P < 0-01). There were no significant differences in pulmonary function tests and occurrence of chronic bronchitis between welders with more or less than 20 years at work. Conclusion-Welders working in conditions of inadequate ventilation, have increased risk of chronic bronchitis and impairment of pulmonary function.(Occup Environ Med 1995;52:800-803)

Respiratory Symptoms, Immunological Changes, Ventilatory Capacity, and Bronchial Responsiveness in Welders

“…Higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in welders as compared with non-welder controls is reported in many studies that investigated adverse respiratory effects in welding [18,19,24]. Significantly higher prevalence of cough and sputum production, were reported by Sobaszek et al [25] in a study that evaluated long-term respiratory effects of SS welding, which is similar to our findings.…”

“…Several studies performed worldwide showed increased risk for respiratory impairment in welding [17][18][19][20]. On the other hand, the results of the studies performed are difficult to compare because of differences in worker populations, industrial settings, welding techniques, duration of exposure, other occupational exposures besides welding fumes and gases, as well as of the kinds of protective measures taken [4].…”

Oxidant‐Antioxidant Status and Pulmonary Function in Welding Workers

“…Wolf et al 5) , Nakadate et al 20) and Stepniewski et al 21) also reported affected small airways in welders. Ozdemir et al 22) showed decreased values of FVC, FEV 1 and PEF in welders.…”

“…There are few publications reporting disturbances of the respiratory tract due to exposure to oxidant gases and fumes generated during welding 17,[20][21][22] . Little is reported in the literature on occupational exposure to nitrogen oxides and ozone leading to the impairment of oxidant/ antioxidant balance 28) .…”

A welder with pneumosiderosis: a case report

“…In addition, high intensity brief exposures to iron dust can also result in future symptoms [2]. The symptoms are usually non-specific and most commonly include shortness of breath, cough and sputum production [3]. With continued exposure patients can develop chronic interstitial lung disease, chronic bronchitis regardless of smoking, decline in pulmonary function and persistent symptoms [2,3,4].…”