Respiratory diseases in arc welders

Summary The prevalence of respiratory symptoms, determined with the Medical Research Council's questionnaire, the impairment of lung function (FVC, FEV₁, FEV%) and the occurence of pulmonary radiographic findings were investigated in a group of 157 electric arc welders and 108 controls. Environmental measurements were made in the workplaces of 88 of the examined welders.The welders had simple chronic bronchitis more often than did the unexposed men (p < 0.01), but no dose-response relationship was found when the prevalence of simple chronic bronchitis was compared with time and level of exposure. The means of the lung function values of the welders with and without simple chronic bronchitis did not differ from each other. The prevalence of mucopurulent chronic bronchitis was the same in the welders and the controls.No significant differences between the two groups were found for lung function, the radiographic findings and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, except for simple chronic bronchitis. However, the welders reported frequent colds, sore throats, hoarseness and fevers more often than the unexposed men did.     

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in welders of mild steel: A cross-sectional study

Pulmonary function measurements, respiratory symptoms, smoking history, and occupational history were obtained from 91 male welders of mild steel, with mean welding exposure of 108 months, and 80 male factory controls. Nonsmoking welders compared to nonsmoking controls reported higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms and the differences were statistically significant for two symptoms: phlegm, and episodes of cough and phlegm. In comparisons of smoking welders and smoking controls, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Nonsmoking welders and smoking welders, compared to respective controls, did not have significantly decreased mean values of forced vital capacity or forced expired volume in 1 sec. Mean mid-expiratory flow rates and forced expiratory flow rates at 75% of forced vital capacity were lower, but not significantly different, for welders, compared to controls. These decrements in peripheral flow rates could be trivial or they could represent the initial stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term follow-up, provided by a large prospective study, is needed to make this distinction.     

Lung retention and clearance of shipyard arc welders

Summary The amount of welding fume lung contaminants was measured in 42 shipyard arc welders. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the exposure time which varied from 1 to 40 years. A new measuring method, based on magnetic properties of fume iron retained in the lungs, was used to evaluate the amount of lung contaminants. The average alveolar deposition rate seemed to be from 20 to 40 mg per year, typical alveolar retention after 5 years of continuous exposure was 200 mg and the clearance rate ranged from 10 to 20 % per year.The interindividual variation in the amount of lung dust was high, the geometric standard deviation varying between 2 and 3. The results were compared with post mortem studies of coal miners. Retention rate of welding fumes seemed to be lower than that of coal mine dust but the clearance rate was about the same.     

Lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers in a soft paper mill

Summary The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate whether long-term exposure to soft paper dust causes impairment of lung function. Exposed workers (n = 287) and referents (n =79) were investigated, using spirometry and questionnaires. Personal samplings of total dust showed that the actual mean concentrations did not exceed 3 mg/m³. The exposed subjects were divided into three categories according to historical and present exposure to paper dust; low exposure, moderate exposure and high exposure. The study did not show any lung function impairment due to exposure to paper dust. However, the exposed subjects had a significantly increased prevalence of symptoms from both the upper and lower airways as well as an increased prevalence of reported asthma. On the basis of our study, we conclude that lung function impairment does not occur among workers exposed to mean levels of soft paper dust below 5 mg/m³.     

铸造工人肺功能和呼吸系统症状的配对分析

对４３４名铸造工人与３６名脱离铸造粉尘作业的工人进行了肺功能以及呼吸系统症状与慢性支气管炎患病情况的配对分析。结果表明：接尘与脱尘组ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ１、ＦＥＦ２５－７５％、Ｖ７５、Ｖ５０、等肺功能指标的实测值均较对照组明显降低．肺功能异常人数则均较对照组显著升高。接尘组呼吸系统症状的阳性数与慢性支气管炎的患病数均显著高于对照组；与对照组相比，脱尘组呼吸系统症状的阳性数与慢性支气管炎患病数也均有增高的趋势。     

Trawler fuel exhaust and respiratory impairments: a cross-sectional pilot study among Indian fishermen working in informal sectors

Background:

An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in India. Exposure to adulterated fuel exhaust is common among deep-sea fishermen, yet little is known about the potential impacts on the exposure to health.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether fuel emission exposure was associated with increased respiratory impairments among fishermen who were occupationally exposed to fuel exhaust compared to fisherman occupationally unexposed to fuel exhaust.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function variables between 152 marine-water and 107 fresh water fishermen considering the use of fuel-driven trawlers. Data were obtained from questionnaires and computerized spirometer.

Results:

Fishermen exposed to trawler fuel exhaust reported more than double the number of respiratory symptoms compared to the unexposed fisherman (86.2 vs. 40.2%). They also had a significantly higher chance experiencing chronic cough (adjusted OR = 3.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.09–6.35), chronic phlegm (8.61, 4.76–15.97), and wheezing (4.29, 2.55–7.61) symptoms. Finally, there was a significant reduction of the ratio of mid portion of forced expiratory flow rate and forced vital capacity (FEF_25–75/FVC) in the exposed fishermen compared to the unexposed (0.84 vs. 0.73 second⁻¹, P = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Fuel exhaust may negatively impact on the respiratory health of Indian fishermen. More attention and surveillance of occupational health for fishermen in India is needed.     

Trawler fuel exhaust and respiratory impairments: a cross-sectional pilot study among Indian fishermen working in informal sectors

Abstract

Background:

An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in India. Exposure to adulterated fuel exhaust is common among deep-sea fishermen, yet little is known about the potential impacts on the exposure to health.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether fuel emission exposure was associated with increased respiratory impairments among fishermen who were occupationally exposed to fuel exhaust compared to fisherman occupationally unexposed to fuel exhaust.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function variables between 152 marine-water and 107 fresh water fishermen considering the use of fuel-driven trawlers. Data were obtained from questionnaires and computerized spirometer.

Results:

Fishermen exposed to trawler fuel exhaust reported more than double the number of respiratory symptoms compared to the unexposed fisherman (86·2 vs. 40·2%). They also had a significantly higher chance experiencing chronic cough (adjusted OR?=?3·51, 95% confidence interval (CI)?=?2·09–6·35), chronic phlegm (8·61, 4·76–15·97), and wheezing (4·29, 2·55–7·61) symptoms. Finally, there was a significant reduction of the ratio of mid portion of forced expiratory flow rate and forced vital capacity (FEF_25–75/FVC) in the exposed fishermen compared to the unexposed (0·84 vs. 0·73 second^?1, P?=?0·015).

Conclusion:

Fuel exhaust may negatively impact on the respiratory health of Indian fishermen. More attention and surveillance of occupational health for fishermen in India is needed.     

Respiratory symptoms,chronic bronchitis,and ventilatory function in shipyard welders

Summary The prevalence of respiratory symptoms (by standard questionnaire) and the impairment of ventilatory function (vital capacity and FEV_1-O with a bellows spirograph) were investigated in a group of 173 shipyard welders (with more than 5 years experience) in respect to length of exposure and roentgenologic picture. A group of 100 nonwelding shipyard workers served as controls for the prevalence of symptoms. Chronic cough (22%), chronic bronchitis (20%), dyspnea (20%) and wheezing (16%) were more frequent among welders; the difference was significant for the last 2 symptoms only. In contrast, objective (physical) signs were present in equal proportion (14–12%) in both groups. A ventilatory function defect (mostly of the restrictive type) was found in 20% of the welders. The mean FEV_1-0 was significantly decreased in welders with more than 10 years exposure (P相似文献   

铸造接尘女工肺功能与呼吸系统症状的配对研究

为了深入探讨铸造粉尘对接尘女工呼吸系统的损害，本文按配对设计原则，就１６２对不吸烟的铸造接尘女工与对照女工进行了肺功能和呼吸系统症状的配对研究。结果表明：接尘组ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ１、ＦＥＦ２５％～７５％、Ｖ７５、Ｖ５０等肺功能指标的实测值均较对照组显著降低，除Ｖ７５外，Ｐ值均小于０．０１；肺功能各项指标异常、呼吸系统症状呈阳性以及患慢性支气管炎的例数，接尘组则均较对照组明显增加，且均具有统计学意义。因此，对铸造接尘女工的职业性危害问题应给予足够的重视。     

60例矽肺患者肺功能10年跟踪研究

目的探讨矽肺患者肺功能动态变化特点.方法选择某钢铁厂已确诊的60例矽肺患者,对其肺功能进行了10年动态研究,用常规方法测定肺功能.结果Ⅰ期与Ⅱ、Ⅲ期组VC、FVC、FEV1均为进行性下降、FEV1/FVC均增加,且除Ⅱ、Ⅲ期组FEV1（P＞0.05）外差异皆有显著性（P＜0.01或0.05）.Ⅱ、Ⅲ期组患者VC、FVC、FEV1实测值的年平均下降值皆高于Ⅰ期组,但差异无显著性（P＞0.05）.1994年与1984年相比,60例矽肺患者通气功能障碍类型的构成比差异有显著性（P＜0.01）.总的趋势是通气功能正常的比例减少,限制性与混合性通气功能障碍皆增加,即由通气功能正常、阻塞性通气功能障碍向限制性与混合性通气功能障碍转变.呼吸困难越严重,其VC、FVC、FEVl值下降越大.结论矽肺患者肺功能的损伤逐年加重,通气功能障碍类型也发生变化.     

A follow-up study of respiratory function in workers exposed to acid aerosols in a food-processing industry

A follow-up investigation was performed on 49 female workers studied 2 years earlier in a vegetable-pickling plant. Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity measurements were recorded during the original and the follow-up studies. Maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves were recorded during the Monday morning work shift. The forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the FVC (FEF50, FEF25) were measured. There were small increases in the prevalence of chronic symptoms between the two studies for both smokers and nonsmokers, but these did not reach statistical significance. Five workers at the time of the initial study had a diagnosis of occupational asthma; only one of these was still working at the time of follow-up. Workers lost to the follow-up had lower lung function than those seen at follow-up. In workers who were followed, larger than expected mean annual declines were noted for all ventilatory capacity parameters in both smokers (FVC 0.070 l, FEV1 0.070 l; FEF50 0.355 l/s, FEF25 0.270 l/s) and nonsmokers (FVC 0.045 l, FEV1 0.045 l, FEF50 0.285 l/s; FEF25 0.130 l/s). The decrease was particularly pronounced for FEF50 and FEF25. The accelerated decline in ventilatory capacity tests noted in the female nonsmokers suggests an independent effect on lung function of work exposure in this environment. Our data confirm that work in the pickling industry, particularly in small, poorly regulated plants, has deleterious effects on respiratory function. Received: 24 September 1996 / Accepted: 19 June 1997     

Serum immunoglobulin and other protein levels in arc welders

Summary A total of 183 arc welders were examined with special emphasis on blood serum electrophoretic fractions, serum immunoglobulin levels and antinuclear antibodies. Mean serum immunoglobulin levels and serum protein levels were compared between groups of arc welders with long and short occupational exposure as well as between groups with and without pulmonary lesions. No statistically significant differences between the mean values of IgG and IgM were found. The mean value of IgA is significantly higher in welders employed for a long time as compared to welders with short occupational exposure, and the control group. The control group of the same factory was chosen from iron forgers, and matched in age and length of employment. The lower mean values of IgA were observed in welders with silicosiderosis and impairment of ventilatory function as compared to their controls.     

Lung function and clinical findings in cross sectional and longitudinal studies in coal workers from the Ruhr area

Summary Despite many detailed examinations it is still uncertain, which lung function tests are best suited to detect functional consequences of coal workers pneumoconiosis.In a pilot study a great number of lung function tests has been applied to 3652 coal workers with and without X-ray signs of pneumoconiosis and to 570 nondust-exposed workers. Evaluation in relation to age, years of dust exposure and X-ray category shows, that there is no comprehensive test equally suited for all groups, but the most reliable parameters are the arterial exygen pressure and the endtidal-arterial difference in pO₂.Comparison of anamnestic symptoms, clinical signs of bronchitis and lung function tests in 1005 coal miners shows not a strong correspondence between different symptoms and signs, which are only of limited stability, as demonstrated by a longitudinal study in 265 coal workers over up to 11 years.Therefore a valid assessment of a single case can be made only with a very comprehensive pattern of anamnestic, clinical, radiological and functional data.In memoriam Karl Muysers (1925–1972), who developed the concept and did the measurements of the first part of this study.The work was supported by the High Commission of the European Cummunities and by the Bergbau-Berufsgenossenschaft, Bochum     

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

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.     

Changes in lung function determined longitudinally compared with decline assessed cross-sectionally. The Cracow study

Longitudinal annual changes in lung function (FEV₁) with cross-sectional wstimates have been compared in the sample of Cracow inhabitants who underwent epidemiological follow-up on chronic nonspecific chest diseases. The annual rate of FEV₁ decline was faster in men than in women. Among male smokers the FEV₁ decline rate was 30% greater, while in women smokers 9% faster than in non-smokers. The cross-sectional estimates for annual changes differed in both surveys carried out in the interval of 13 years and were not very much consistent with the average longitudinal annual decline observed in the sample. However, the prediction of annual decline across the age groups showed large inconsistencies. They resulted from the curvilinear pattern in lung function decline over the age groups. It was found that the lung function in the elderly appeared to be more homogenous and the acceleration of decline rates slowed down. There is some evidence that the flattening of the decline curve among elderly might have been influenced by the selection bias.Corresponding author.     

Relationship of airborne endotoxin and bacteria levels in pig farms with the lung function and respiratory symptoms of farmers

Summary Previous studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of respiratory and other symptoms and a decrement in lung function among pig farm workers, although the relationships with specific agents present in the work environment remain obscure. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the relationship between symptoms, lung function and airborne endotoxin, ammonia and dust levels in piggeries. Information on symptoms, lung function, endotoxin, ammonia and dust levels was available for 183 pig farmers who worked in 136 farms. For 62 farms information was present on the levels of bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. For these 62 farms, endotoxin exposure measurements were taken in more than one stable. In general, no significant correlations were found between lung function and chronic respiratory symptoms, or dust and ammonia levels. The endotoxin concentration in stables was negatively related to most lung function variables, but only for the subgroup of 62 farmers was a statistically significant relationship found between endoxtoxin exposure and FEV₁. A borderline statistically significant and negative relationship was found between the endotoxin concentration and the FVC. Symptoms experienced during or shortly after work showed odds ratios larger than one with the levels of bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin, indicating a positive relationship. No consistency in the relationship between symptoms and dust levels was found. The results suggest that endotoxins and (gram-negative) bacteria probably play an important role in the development of symptoms and lung function changes among pig farmers.     

Lung function in silicosis

Summary In order to assess the effect of silicosis on lung function, 61 gold miners with radiological silicosis were compared with 61 controls. Each pair was matched for age, dust exposure, and smoking habits. A full range of lung function tests was performed, and with two exceptions the results showed no significant differences between the two groups. The exceptions are the slope of the alveolar plateau (phase 3) and he closing volume, for which the silicotic cases had significantly higher values. The reason for the higher readings in the silicotic patients remains unexplained.     

Lung function and respiratory symptoms in subjects with asbestos-related disorders: a cross-sectional study

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment was studied in a sample of men from a population screening of asbestos-related disorders. When the rates were adjusted for age and smoking habits, 83 subjects with lung fibrosis had an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, in particular, phlegm when coughing and breathlessness grades 1-3. Among 200 subjects under 70 years of age who had pleural plaques only, a statistically significant increase was observed in the prevalence of breathlessness grade 1 compared to an external reference population. Among 98 asbestos-exposed subjects who had normal chest X-rays, there was an increase in the prevalence of breathlessness grade 2, cough during the day, and phlegm when coughing. There was a higher proportion of subjects with lung fibrosis who were below 80% of the predicted values for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) than in the other groups. There was also a higher proportion of subjects with pleural plaques only who were below 90% of the predicted value for FVC than in a group of 90 subjects without asbestos exposure. In accordance with previous studies, these results indicate that pleural plaques in asbestos workers may be of greater importance as a clinical feature than has been recognized in the past.     

Pulmonary X-ray and functional findings in electric-arc welders

Summary 37 arc welders were examined; 23 of them had worked for part of the time inside closed cisterns under some of the most hazardous working conditions in Prague where MAC for inert dust was greatly exceeded. Radiographic pulmonary alterations were found in 30 of the subjects. These findings mostly belonged to category 1, type s, t, p (according to ILO classification, 1971); only 4 welders from the high-risk group had developed nodulation type m, n, category 2 after an average of 25 years of welding.Statistical comparison of 22 arc welders displaying positive X-ray findings but without chronic bronchitis with a control group of 20 persons of comparable age who were normal in a cardiopulmonary respect revealed no significant differences in lung function.