Features of respiratory diseases development at separate and combined exposure to welding aerosol and tobacco smoke

Abstract

Introduction. Welding aerosol is one of the most common industrial fumes, and tobacco smoke is the most common behavioural risk factor for developing respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the features of the structure and prevalence of respiratory diseases under separate and combined exposure to welding aerosol and tobacco smoke. Materials and methods. The results of periodic medical examinations of workers of underground mines in the Murmansk region and a special assessment of working conditions at these enterprises were studied. Results. Chronic respiratory diseases were detected in 176 (32.0%) of 550 surveyed electric and gas welders and more often in smokers than non-smokers: 39.8% and 19.9%, p <0.001. Compared with the control group, electric gas welders had a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.033) and bronchial asthma (p = 0.043).Smoking increased the risk of nasal septum curvature with respiratory dysfunction (relative risk (RR) = 1.78; confidence interval (CI) 1.10-2.88; p = 0.016), chronic bronchitis (RR = 3.33; CI 1.51-7.34; p = 0.001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR = 6.47; CI 0.83-50.2; p = 0.039). The prevalence of respiratory diseases among electric and gas welders depended on exposure to tobacco smoke. Differences with non-smokers appeared at a smoking index of 10-19.9 packs/years. The risk of developing respiratory pathology increased with an increase in the smoking index for every ten-pack / years. At the same time, the length of service did not significantly affect the development of respiratory diseases in non-smoking workers. Conclusion. The data obtained show that smoking cessation should be a mandatory and central element of programs to prevent the development of respiratory diseases in workers exposed to welding aerosols.