Evaluation of the Pulmonary Toxicity of a Fume Generated from a Nickel-, Copper-Based Electrode to be Used as a Substitute in Stainless Steel Welding.
Epidemiology has indicated a possible increase in lung cancer among stainless steel welders. Chromium (Cr) is a primary component of stainless steel welding fume. There is an initiative to develop alternative welding consumables [nickel (Ni)- and copper (Cu)-based alloys] that do not contain Cr. No study has been performed to evaluate the toxicity of fumes generated from Ni- and Cu-based consumables. Dose-response and time-course effects on lung toxicity of a Ni- and Cu-based welding fume (Ni-Cu WF) were examined using an in vivo and in vitro bioassay, and compared with two other well-characterized welding fumes. Even though only trace amounts of Cr were present, a persistent increase in lung injury and inflammation was observed for the Ni-Cu WF compared to the other fumes. The difference in response appears to be due to a direct cytotoxic effect by the Ni-Cu WF sample on lung macrophages as opposed to an elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
James M
JM
Antonini
Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Melissa A
MA
Badding
Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Terence G
TG
Meighan
Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Michael
M
Keane
Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Stephen S
SS
Leonard
Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Jenny R
JR
Roberts
chromium; copper; nickel; particulate matter; pulmonary toxicity; welding fume