[Pulmonary siderosis and long-term respiratory risks of arc welders]

Pulmonary siderosis and bronchial cancer are respiratory risks in the long term in arc welders. We report a case of siderosis discovered from radiological abnormalities in a patient of 56 who had been an arc welder for 30 years. An analysis of the broncho-alveolar lavage liquid and transbronchial biopsy confirmed an iron overload and revealed patchy interstitial fibrosis. The toxic risks in arc welders arise from the gaseous fumes produced and inhaled particles at the alveolar level. The pulmonary siderosis is currently considered as a simple pneumoconiosis with a good prognosis. Some recent studies suggest the possibility of a more serious outcome with fibrosis even in the absence of any associated silicosis. The risks of bronchial cancer seem to be principally linked to exposure to chrome. A better understanding of these risks could be furnished by data from epidemiological studies which are still lacking.