Arc welders' respiratory health evolution over five years

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Arc welders are potentially exposed to respiratory hazards.
• Previous studies suggested potential lung function impairments in welders.
• Longitudinal data on respiratory health in mild steel Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welders is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term respiratory health effects in arc welders.
• To identify specific radiological and functional lung impairments associated with arc welding.
• To determine the progression of respiratory issues in welders compared to controls.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study comparing 138 arc welders (mild steel, MIG process) with 106 controls.
• Respiratory health assessments included questionnaires, auscultation, chest X-rays, and lung function tests (flow-volume curves, CO transfer).
• Data collected in 1981 and follow-up in 1986, with stable professional and smoking habits.

Main Results:

• Confirmed risk of non-specific radiological impairment (pulmonary reticulo-micronodulation) in arc welders.
• Observed obstruction in small bronchi among arc welders.
• Impairments did not appear to progress more than in controls over the five-year period.

Conclusions:

• Arc welding, particularly the MIG process with mild steel, is associated with specific radiological and functional respiratory impairments.
• While progression was similar to controls, the identified impairments warrant regular respiratory health surveillance for arc welders.
• Findings underscore the importance of occupational health monitoring programs for welders to detect and manage potential lung damage early.