Impact of different welding techniques on biological effect markers in exhaled breath condensate of 58 mild steel welders.
Total mass and composition of welding fumes are predominantly dependent on the welding technique and welding wire applied. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of welding techniques on biological effect markers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of 58 healthy welders. The welding techniques applied were gas metal arc welding with solid wire (GMAW) (n=29) or flux cored wire (FCAW) (n=29). Welding fume particles were collected with personal samplers in the breathing zone inside the helmets. Levels of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and 8-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF(2α)) were measured with immunoassay kits and the EBC pH was measured after deaeration. Significantly higher 8-iso-PGF(2α) concentrations and a less acid pH were detected in EBC of welders using the FCAW than in EBC of welders using the GMAW technique. The lowest LTB(4) concentrations were measured in nonsmoking welders applying a solid wire. No significant influences were found in EBC concentrations of PGE(2) based upon smoking status or type of welding technique. This study suggests an enhanced irritative effect in the lower airways of mild steel welders due to the application of FCAW compared to GMAW, most likely associated with a higher emission of welding fumes.
Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany. hoffmeyer@ipa-dguv.de
Frank
F
Hoffmeyer
Monika
M
Raulf-Heimsoth
Martin
M
Lehnert
Benjamin
B
Kendzia
Sabine
S
Bernard
Hans
H
Berresheim
Maria
M
Düser
Jana
J
Henry
Tobias
T
Weiss
Holger M
HM
Koch
Beate
B
Pesch
Thomas
T
Brüning
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D001944:Breath Tests; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000097:blood; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013232:Steel; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology; D014896:Welding / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D052638:Particulate Matter; D013232:Steel; D007975:Leukotriene B4; C075750:8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha; D015237:Dinoprost; D015232:Dinoprostone