[Respiratory findings and pulmonary function tests among the welders working for the sugar plant factory]

Industrialization and developments in technology run together with health problems in workers. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the exposure of welding fume on respiratory system. This study was carried out in 32 welders in the "Sugar Factory" in Ankara. As controls, 39 workers who were not exposed to weld fume were included in the study. A questionnaire about respiratory symptoms and exposure history, and pulmonary function tests were obtained and compared between the groups. The incidence of coughing, sputum and dyspnea was found to be statistically greater in the group of welders (65.6%, 84.4%, 68.8%) compared with the control group (33.3%, 41%, 30.8%) (p< 0.05, p< 0.001, p< 0.01). Coughing alone was present in 72.7% of smoking welders whilst sputum production was present in 90.9%. These rates were found to be lower in ex-smoker welders or the welders who had never smoked. Chronic bronchitis was observed in 21.9% of the welders whereas no cases with chronic bronchitis were found in control group. The difference was statistically significant (p< 0.01). The results of pulmonary function tests were not statistically different in welders and control group. These results indicate that the exposure of weld fumes itself may cause respiratory symptoms particularly related with chronic bronchitis therefore a great caution must be taken when dealing with welding.