Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among welders working with aluminum, stainless steel and railroad tracks.

Abstract

SJOGREN B, ULFVARSON U. Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among weldersworking with aluminum, stainless steel and railroad tracks. Scand J Work Environ Health 11 (1985) 27-32. Sixty-four aluminum welders, 46 stainless steel welders, and 149railroad track welderswere investigated regarding respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s). Referents consisted of nonwelding industrial workers and raiload workers. All groups of welders showed a higher frequency of chronic bronchitis symptoms than their respective referents. Respiratory symptoms were related to ozone concentrations in weldersworking with aluminum. In stainlesssteeland railroad track weldersrespiratory symptoms were related to chromium exposure rather than to total particle exposure. The pulmonary function was not affected in any of the weldinggroups studied.

Respiratory symptoms, across-shift lung function changes and lifetime exposures of welders in New Zealand

“…Work-related symptoms were common in this study population, and work-related cough was found to be more frequent among the cussent welders than among the nonwelders. Although still a matter of controversy, chronic bronchitis is known to be associated with occupations involving exposure to dusts (15), and many studies have clearly documented an excess of these symptoms for current welders (13,14,(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) and sheet metal workers exposed to welding fumes (21).…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-040-2012, MDT/Castle, Rochester, New York.

“…Previous studies 13,14,15 have noted a variety of acute and chronic health problems associated with arc welding, which have not clearly been attributable to any single metal fume or gas exposure, but which may be related to the combined effects of different exposures created by arc welding. Some metal fumes and gases generated by welding are respiratory irritants, and symptoms of eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as cough and phlegm production, have been reported by welders in association with their work shift.…”

“…Based on these reviews, a NIOSH environmental sampling protocol was established to focus on the welding operations. Environmental monitoring was performed on February [14][15]1989. Results of the environmental monitoring were forwarded to the company and union officials on July 13,1989.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-86-524-1851, Four Wheel Drive Corporation, Clintonville, Wisconsin.

“…13,14,15 Some studies have also shown welders to have lower pulmonary function values than non-welders, including lower total lung capacity (TLC) 16 and lower FVC and FEV1. 13,16 However, it has not been possible to attribute changes in pulmonary function to specific exposures, and not all studies have found lower pulmonary function in welders.…”

“…13,16 However, it has not been possible to attribute changes in pulmonary function to specific exposures, and not all studies have found lower pulmonary function in welders. 15 In addition, it is not known whether changes in lung function associated with welding can, in the absence of smoking or other exposures, lead to clinically significant abnormalities in lung function. Exposures encountered by welders vary with the type of welding process, the material welded, and the use of local ventilation and personal protective equipment.…”