Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among welders working with aluminum, stainless steel and railroad tracks
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Updated: May 19, 2026

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
Abstract:
Sixty-four aluminum welders, 46 stainless steel welders, and 149 railroad track welders were investigated regarding respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s). Referents consisted of nonwelding industrial workers and railroad workers. All groups of welders showed a higher frequency of chronic bronchitis symptoms than their respective referents. Respiratory symptoms were related to ozone concentrations in welders working with aluminum. In stainless steel and railroad track welders respiratory symptoms were related to chromium exposure rather than to total particle exposure. The pulmonary function was not affected in any of the welding groups studied.
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