Asthma, lung function, and bronchial responsiveness in welders

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Pulmonology
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• Welding fumes are known respiratory irritants.
• Previous studies suggest varying risks for asthma associated with different welding materials.
• Occupational asthma is a significant concern in metal fabrication industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of asthma in stainless steel (SS) welders versus mild steel (MS) welders.
• To assess bronchial responsiveness and lung function in active welders.
• To evaluate the prevalence of airway symptoms in welders compared to a non-welder reference group.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study of SS and MS welders with defined occupational exposure history.
• Mailed questionnaires to assess reasons for leaving work, focusing on airway symptoms.
• Spirometry and bronchial provocation tests for ex-welders and active welders.
• Lung function measurements and symptom recording in active welders and a reference group of vehicle assemblers.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the incidence of welding-associated asthma per 1,000 welding-years between SS (5%) and MS (7%) welders.
• Active SS and MS welders showed normal bronchial responsiveness and lung function, comparable to each other and to vehicle assemblers.
• Welders, irrespective of steel type, exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of airway symptoms compared to vehicle fitters.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of welding-associated asthma does not significantly differ between stainless steel and mild steel welders.
• While objective lung function and bronchial responsiveness were not impaired, welders experience a higher burden of subjective airway symptoms.
• Further research may be needed to understand the long-term impact of welding fumes on respiratory health beyond diagnosed asthma.