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   

Two year follow up of pulmonary function values among welders in New Zealand

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether welding is a risk factor for an accelerated decline in pulmonary function. METHODS: 2 Year follow up of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among 54 welders and 38 non- welders in eight New Zealand welding sites. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, height, smoking habits, ethnicity, or total time in industrial work between welders and non-welders. No overall differences were noted in the changes of pulmonary function variables between the two study groups. However, when the comparison was restricted to smokers, welders had a significantly greater (p = 0.02) annual decline (88.8 ml) in FEV1 than non-welders, who had a slight non-significant annual increase (34.2 ml). Also, welders without respiratory protection or local exhaust ventilation while welding had a greater annual decline both in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) than welders with protection (p = 0.001 and 0.04, respectively). Among welders a significant association was found between the acute across shift change and the annual decline in FEV1. Chronic bronchitis was more common among welders (24%) than non-welders (5%). Only one welder (2%) but eight non- welders (21%) reported having asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Welders who smoked and welders working without local exhaust ventilation or respiratory protection have an increased risk of accelerated decline in FEV1.

 

     

Work-related respiratory symptoms and lung function in New Zealand mussel openers

Our objectives were to measure the prevalence of work-related and nonwork-related respiratory symptoms in a group of New Zealand mussel openers who open green-lipped mussels, and to relate these to demographic factors, work history, smoking history, and pulmonary function measurements. A cross-sectional study of respiratory symptoms and lung function was performed on 224 New Zealand mussel openers (99.6% of the study population) at nine work sites. In addition, peak expiratory flow (PEF) change across-shift was measured at one work site in 19 workers. The mean age of all mussel openers was 33.4 years and the mean duration of mussel opening was 5.0 years; 25% were male, 54.7% were current smokers, and 13.9% were ex-smokers. The reported symptom prevalences were: any wheeze, 35%; work-related wheeze, 23%; any chest tightness, 30.5%; work-related chest tightness, 20.2% (work-related symptoms were defined as symptoms improving on rest days or worse at work). Seventy-two mussel openers (32.3%) answered positively to at least 1 of 4 questions concerning work-related symptoms. The mean predicted FEV₁ (SD) for this group was 74.3% (14.5), and the mean predicted FVC (SD) was 79.2% (16.0). Nineteen workers completed serial PEF, and the mean percentage change was +1.5% at 7 hr, but 8 workers had falls ranging between 1.1–14% after either 1 or 7 hr of work. Duration of mussel opening of greater than 2 years, but less than 7 years (OR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.07–4.91), and duration of mussel opening greater than 7 years (OR = 3.72; 95% CI, 1.52–9.11), were significant predictors of work-related respiratory symptoms. Female sex (OR = 1.73; 95% CI, 0.83–3.60) was also associated with the presence of work-related symptoms. No relationship was found with measured hygiene parameters or cleaning agents used. In conclusion, duration of work as a mussel opener was associated with the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms, after adjustment for age, sex, and smoking habit. There were marked abnormalities in mean FEV₁ and FVC, although no consistent changes across working shift were noted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:163–168, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Prevalence and association of welding related systemic and respiratory symptoms in welders

Background: The prevalence of welding related respiratory symptoms coexisting with welding related systemic symptoms in welders is unknown.

Aims: To determine in a sample of welders the prevalence of coexisting welding related systemic symptoms indicative of metal fume fever (MFF) and welding related respiratory symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma (OA), and the strength and significance of any association between these two groups of symptoms.

Methods: A respiratory symptoms questionnaire, a systemic symptoms questionnaire, and a questionnaire on occupational history were administered by telephone to 351 of a sample of 441 welders (79.6%) from two cities in Québec, Canada.

Results: The co-occurrence of possible MFF (defined as having at least two symptoms of fever, feelings of flu, general malaise, chills, dry cough, metallic taste, and shortness of breath, occurring at the beginning of the working week, 3–10 hours after exposure to welding fumes) together with welding related respiratory symptoms suggestive of OA (defined as having at least two welding related symptoms of cough, wheezing, and chest tightness) was 5.8%. These two groups of symptoms were significantly associated (χ² = 18.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: There is a strong association between welding related MFF and welding related respiratory symptoms suggestive of OA. As such, MFF could be viewed as a pre-marker of welding related OA, a hypothesis that requires further investigation.

     

Fluoride exposure and respiratory symptoms in welders

Welders inhale gases and respirable particles. To investigate the relationship between fluoride exposure and respiratory symptoms in welders using basic electrodes containing calcium fluoride, 63 railroad track welders were interviewed. Fluoride was measured in post-shift urine samples. Seventeen welders reported respiratory symptoms related to welding fume exposures. Respiratory symptoms were somewhat more common with increasing concentrations of fluoride in urine. The association between welding fume exposure and respiratory symptoms seems related more to fluorides than to other particles among welders using basic electrodes.     

Occupational respiratory symptoms in New Zealand hairdressers

BACKGROUND: A study of occupational respiratory symptoms in hairdressers was carried out in 26 salons in New Zealand. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 100 hairdressers and 106 office and shop workers, recording respiratory symptoms, demographic data, and smoking habits. Pulmonary function was measured before each shift. RESULTS: Hairdressers had a higher prevalence of asthma symptoms, diagnosed asthma, and asthma attacks in the previous 12 months, but these differences reduced markedly when adjusted for age, gender and smoking. Hairdressers had a significantly lower pulmonary function, even after adjustment for smoking, but this difference was entirely due to differences between hairdressers and office workers and there were no such differences between hairdressers and shop workers. CONCLUSIONS: The excess symptom prevalence in hairdressers was largely due to the high smoking rates. Mean pulmonary function was lower in hairdressers but this finding requires further study.     

Work-related respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers

BACKGROUND: The first national survey of the respiratory health of New Zealand farmers looked at the prevalence of respiratory symptoms by farm type and work exposure. METHODS: An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to 2,203 farmers randomly selected from all over New Zealand. RESULTS: Response rate was 77.6% of 2,203, or 1,706 participants. Breathing problems at work were reported by 17.6% of farmers. Working with oats was strongly associated with work-related breathing problems (OR = 3.3, 2.1-5.2). Dyspnea was more common in female farmers, whereas chronic bronchitis was higher in males. Orchardists (OR = 2.3, 1.3-4.0), those growing oat crops (OR = 3.0, 1.7-5.4) and using the grain mill (OR = 2.8, 1.3-6.3) reported the highest symptom rates of ODTS/FL. Having hay fever or eczema, and smoking were risk factors for all respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Working in the areas of pigs, poultry, horses, grains, and hay are associated with respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers.     

Chronic effects of welding exposure on pulmonary function tests and respiratory symptoms.

OBJECTIVES--The respiratory effects of exposure to welding fumes have been investigated in numerous studies; but results of these studies have not been consistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the respiratory effects of welding exposure in a large group of manual are welders exposed primarily to mild steel welding processes in confined spaces without respiratory protection. METHODS--Respiratory symptoms and spirometry were studied in 110 welders and 55 controls. The welders and controls were of similar average age and height; smoking habits of the groups were similar. Chest x ray films were taken to exclude people with radiological abnormalities that may influence pulmonary function tests. Welders were grouped according to smoking habits and duration of employment (< 20 years or > 20 years). RESULTS--No gross radiological abnormalities were found. Respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis were more prevalent in welders (P < 0.05). Welders who were smokers showed a higher frequency of chronic bronchitis than controls who smoked (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the occurrence of chronic bronchitis was found between welders who smoked and welders who were non-smokers or exsmokers. Compared with the controls, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum midexpiratory flow (MMEF) were significantly lower in welders (mean values of FVC for welders and controls were 86.06 (25.74) and 96.40 (13.03); and values for FEV1 were 87.54 (13.70) and 95.36 (12.40) respectively; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in pulmonary function tests between welders who were non-smokers and controls who were non-smokers; whereas FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MMEF were significantly lower in welders who smoked than controls who smoked (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in pulmonary function tests and occurrence of chronic bronchitis between welders with more or less than 20 years at work. CONCLUSION--Welders working in conditions of inadequate ventilation, have increased risk of chronic bronchitis and impairment of pulmonary function.     

Pulmonary function and symptoms of welders

 Objectives: As the findings on changes in pulmonary function of welders have been inconsistent, this study aimed to analyze respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among welders and controls with particular emphasis on small airways dysfunction. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis, using spirometry and a standardized questionnaire, was used to evaluate 521 participants, 166 of whom (64 welders and 102 controls) were evaluated for pulmonary symptoms, occupational inhalative exposures, leisure time activities, and anamnestic data. Results: The welders reported more pulmonary symptoms than the controls. They exhibited a decreased mean expiratory flow (MEF) at 25% and 50% of vital capacity (MEF₂₅, MEF₅₀) while the other parameters tested (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s) were unchanged compared with the controls. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that smoking explained the observed variance; only in MEF₂₅ the duration of welding exposure had a significant influence on this parameter. Conclusions: The significantly reduced flow values among the welders compared with the controls indicates the presence of small airways disease. Differences in smoking habits accounted for more than double the differences in MEF₂₅ than did chronic welding fume exposure, confirming the role of the former as the main risk factor leading to the decline in lung function. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of chronic welding fume exposure, in particular with a view to identifying especially susceptible workers. Received: 20 April 1996/Accepted: 13 May 1996     

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.     

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among welders working with aluminum, stainless steel and railroad tracks

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.     

Prospective study of work related respiratory symptoms in trainee bakers

OBJECTIVES—To investigate the occurrence of work related respiratory symptoms and to assess the effect of atopy in a group of trainee bakers.
METHODS—A prospective study of work related respiratory symptoms among 125 trainee bakers who were investigated with a questionnaire plus skin prick test with wheat flour and α-amylase allergens at baseline and then after 6, 18, and 30 months.
RESULTS—At the baseline examination, four students (3.2%) complained of respiratory symptoms (cough and rhinitis) when working with flours and four were skin positive to wheat flour or α-amylase. The incidence of work related respiratory symptoms was 3.4% at 6 months, and the cumulative incidence was 4.8% and 9.0% at 18 and 30 months, respectively. The incidence of skin sensitisation to occupational allergens was 4.6% at 6 months and the cumulative incidence was 4.6% at 18 months and 10.1% at 30 months. The generalised estimating equation approach to longitudinal data showed that work related respiratory symptoms in the study population was significantly associated with a personal history of allergic disease (odds ratio (OR) 5.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.8 to 18.2) and skin sensitisation to wheat flour or α-amylase (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 14.9). Atopy based on prick test was not related to the occurrence of work related respiratory symptoms over time (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.3 to 3.8).
CONCLUSIONS—Personal history of allergic disease is a predisposing factor for the development of symptoms caused by exposure to wheat flour and may be a criterion of unsuitability for starting a career as a baker. Atopy based on the skin prick test is useful for identifying subjects with allergic disease, but should not be used to exclude non-symptomatic atopic people from bakery work.


Keywords: follow up study; wheat flour; α-amylase sensitisation; work related respiratory symptoms     

Chronic bronchitis and respiratory function in those employed in primary aluminum production]

A study was carried out on a group of 323 workers of a primary aluminium production plant located in Porto Marghera (Italy) in order to assess the prevalence of chronic bronchitis and respiratory function alterations, compared with the general working population of the same industrial area. The results showed a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis (5.6% compared with 2.6%) and a greater reduction in vital capacity but only in the non-smokers (5.4% compared with 1.7%). The highest prevalence of chronic bronchitis (20%) and reduced vital capacity (27%) was observed in the rodding section. The frequency of bronchial obstruction was similar to that observed in potroom and casting workers.     

Asthma and other respiratory symptoms in New Zealand pine processing sawmill workers

BACKGROUND: To study respiratory symptoms in pine sawmill workers. METHODS: A respiratory health questionnaire was administered to 772 pine sawmill workers and the association between symptoms and job-title-based exposure was studied. RESULTS: Asthma in exposed workers (18%, n = 704) was more common than in the general population (12.1%, n = 592; adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.6 (1.1-2.3)). Asthma was also more common in the low exposure group (15.6%, n = 294) and high exposure groups (high exposure to 'green dust'; 20.4%, n = 212 and high exposure to 'dry dust'; 18.8%, n = 198) than in the non-exposed workers (9.2%, n = 65). Adjusted odds ratios were 1.9 (0.7-4.9), 2.7 (0.9-7.6), and 2.1 (0.8-5.7), respectively. Adjusted odds ratios for symptoms of cough were 2.7 (1.2-6.5) for the low, 5.2 (2.1-13.0) for the high 'green dust' and 3.3 (1.4-7.9) for the high 'dry dust' exposure groups. Moreover, eye and nose irritations were significantly more prevalent in the high and low exposure groups. CONCLUSIONS: Working in pine sawmilling is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma and cough symptoms and eye and nose irritation.     

Antioxidant enzymes and pulmonary function in steel mill welders

It is known that high levels of nitric oxide and ozone lead to disturbances of the balance between oxidants and antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to investigate ventilatory parameters in relation to the antioxidant status measured as total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CT). The study group consisted of 94 welders, aged 41.2 +/- 10.0 years, employed in the Steel Mill in Kraków, Poland, and exposed to nitric oxides and ozone in concentrations exceeding the threshold limit values. The control group consisted of 115 unexposed healthy workers aged 40.8 +/- 10.2 years. All the subjects under study were smokers. Determination of ventilatory efficiency was based on a "flow-volume" curve and spirometry. TAS was measured using reagents from the Randox Laboratories Ltd, SOD according to Fridovich and CT with Aebi's method. It was found that in the group of welders, the concentrations of TAS, CT and SOD were lower compared to controls (TAS-1.15/1.33 mmol/ml; CT-18.1/28.4 m/gHb, SOD-767.6/855.6 U/gHb). The incidence of extreme obstructive pulmonary disease and small airway disease in the welder group was more frequent than in controls. Changes in the concentration (or activity) of antioxidant parameters cannot be used as early markers of ventilatory dysfunction, although the values in the lowest class of TAS, SOD and CT showed a significantly larger number of welders than controls.