Conclusion-Obstructive changes in pulmonary function were found to be related to level of cumulative exposure to welding fume in male Japanese arc welders after controlling for age and smoking, assuming that LMF adequately reflects accumulation of welding fumes in the lungs. (Occup Environ Med 1998;55:673-677)
: The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), structural chromosomal aberrations and the number of chromosomes in the peripheral blood lymphocytes from stainless steel welders were studied.The surveys were carried out three times during a period of three years. There were no significant differences in the mean value and variance of SCE frequency among these three surveys both in the welders and in the controls.In the results from these three surveys, there were statistical differences in the variance of SCE frequency between the welder and control groups. Futhermore, there was significant difference in the mean values of SCE frequency between smokers and non-smokers among the welders. The incidences of structural chromosomal aberrations in the welders were slightly but sinificantly higher than those in the controls with respect to aberrant metaphases, chromatid and chromosome gaps, chromatid breaks, dicentric chromosomes and chromatid exchanges. As for the number of chromosomes, two welders with 47 chromosomes in about 70% of total metaphases were found, and their chromosome findings were confirmed to be 46, XY/47, XXY.
: Maximal expiratory flow at 25% forced vital capacity (V25), V25 divided by height (V25/HT), and mean transit time (MTT) were calculated from the same forced expiratory maneuver performed in welding workers. The values were compared to determine variations between individuals and changes with age and chest X-ray findings. The results showed that MTT may be a less variable and equally sensitive measurement of the function of peripheral airways as compared with V25 and V25/HT. Its usefulness in the detection of the early changes of pneumoconiosis, however, must be further investigated in a prospective cohort study on workers exposed to various kinds of dust.
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