Detection of occult lung impairment in welders by induced sputum particles and breath oxidation.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated particulate matter in combined induced sputum (IS) and oxidation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) to test whether underlying inflammatory changes are present in asymptomatic welders.


METHODS
Thirty welders from the Israel Defense Forces exposed to aluminum/iron (Group 1) or to cadmium/chromium/iron/lead/nickel (Group 2, N = 16) and 27 non-exposed administrators were studied. IS was recovered, particle size distribution, hydrogen peroxide and pH were measured, and exhaled breath condensate was collected.


RESULTS
Group 2 had a higher % neutrophils than all other participants (P = 0.0001) and a higher % particles >2 microm in diameter (P = 0.0017). Percent particles and years of exposure highly correlated (P = 0.051). All welders EBC samples had higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than controls (P = 0.0001). pH was lower only for Group 2 (P = 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Combined IS and EBC measurements detect underlying inflammation in airways of asymptomatic welders. It emerged that airway inflammation is present in asymptomatic welders, and that the particle burden, inflammatory cells, and level of oxidative stress are a function of the type and the duration of welding. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:503-511, 2008.
Fireman
Elizabeth
E
The Institute of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, National Laboratory Service for ILD, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. fireman@tasmc.health.gov.il
Lerman
Yehuda
Y
Stark
Moshe
M
Schwartz
Yehuda
Y
Ganor
Eliezer
E
Grinberg
Nili
N
Frimer
Ron
R
Landau
Dan Avi
DA
Zilberberg
Michal
M
Barenboim
Erez
E
Jacovovitz
Reuben
R
D000328:Adult; D045853:Exhalation; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000032:analysis; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007557:Israel; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry*; D014896:Welding; D000078329:Workforce
D008670:Metals; D052638:Particulate Matter; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide