Lung function of welders of zinc-coated mild steel: cross-sectional analysis and changes over five consecutive work...

Spirometric lung-function measurements were conducted 5 days before and after the work shift of 11 welders of zinc-coated steel, ten nonwelders who were indirectly exposed to welding fumes, and 17 controls. The exposure to dust and zinc of all participants was monitored personally using PAS-6 samplers. Geometric mean concentrations for welders were 0.91 mg/m3 (dust) and 34.0 micrograms/m3 (zinc). Cross-sectional analysis of Monday morning values showed no differences in lung-function parameters between groups. However, the number of years the participants were engaged in welding was of borderline statistical significance and correlated negatively with values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Changes in lung function over a work shift or a working week were not related to the exposure level.