Small airways function in aluminium and stainless steel welders.
The effect of welding fumes on small airways was studied in 25 male subjects who welded in aluminium (Al) and to some extent also in stainless steel (SS). Despite a low exposure to welding fumes as compared to the permissible exposure limits, excretion of Al in urine was found to be increased in all subjects (median value: 0.29 mmol/mol creatinine on Friday afternoon, as compared to an upper reference level of 0.10 mmol/mol creatinine). In addition, the welders displayed increased prevalences of work-related eye and airways (pharyngitis and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity) symptoms, as compared to 25 matched controls. Short-term welders (< or = 2.5 years) had more symptoms related to the upper airways than did long-term welders, which may indicate a selection. Spirometry, closing volume and volume of trapped gas (VTG) did not deviate. However, after methacholine inhalation, the long-term welders had a significantly steeper slope of the alveolar plateau on the single-breath nitrogen wash-out test, and a slight increase in VTG, as compared to the short-term welders and the controls. These findings may indicate a welding fume-induced increase in the reactivity of the small airways. Because Al welding was far more frequent than SS welding, an association with the former seems likely.
Nielsen
J
J
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Dahlqvist
M
M
Welinder
H
H
Thomassen
Y
Y
Alexandersson
R
R
Skerfving
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000535:Aluminum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014896:Welding
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D013193:Stainless Steel; D000535:Aluminum