Mild steel and stainless steel welding fumes elicit pro‐inflammatory and pro‐oxidant effects in first trimester trophoblast cells

Abstract

Problem As more women join the skilled‐trade workforce, the effects of workplace exposures on pregnancy need to be explored. This study aims to identify the effects of mild steel and stainless steel welding fume exposures on cultured placental trophoblast cells. Method of study Welding fumes (mild steel and stainless steel) were generously donated by Lincoln Electric. Electron microscopy was used to characterize welding fume particle size and the ability of particles to enter extravillous trophoblast cells (HTR‐8/SVneo). Cellular viability, free radical production, cytokine production, and ability of cells to maintain invasive properties were analyzed, respectively, by WST‐1, electron paramagnetic resonance, DCFH‐DA, V‐plex MULTI‐SPOT assay system, and a matrix gel invasion assay. Results For all three welding fume types, average particle size was <210 nm. HTR‐8/SVneo cells internalized welding particles, and nuclear condensation was observed. Cellular viability was significantly decreased at the high dose of 100 µg/mL for all three welding fumes, and stainless steel generated the greatest production of the hydroxyl radical, and intracellular reactive oxygen species. Production of the cytokines IL‐1β and TNFα were not observed in response to welding fume exposure, but IL‐6 and IL‐8 were. Finally, the invasive capability of cells was decreased upon exposure to both mild steel and stainless steel welding fumes. Conclusion Welding fumes are cytotoxic to extravillous trophoblasts, as is evident by the production of free radicals, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and the observed decrease in invasive capabilities.

Pathological changes of lung tissue and oxidative stress in rats exposed to welding fumes

“…It should be noted that particles with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm might deposit in the upper respiratory tract. The degree and location of particle deposition depend on several factors, such as particle size, density, and shape, the anatomy of the airways, and the breathing pattern of the individual (10). According to Lorenzo G. , the majority of the mass contribution came from particles with cut-off diameters between 0.1 and 1.0 mm.…”

“…Welding fume has been classi ed as ''possibly carcinogenic'' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (1). Moreover, Respiratory irritation, occupational asthma, bronchitis, chemical pneumonitis, metal fume fever, neurological effects and dysfunction of the male reproductive system and a potential rise in lung cancer are the risks that a huge number of welders face, according to epidemiological studies (9,10). Other investigations have demonstrated welding fumes contain speci c metals that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anion (O2), singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (11).…”

Risk for lung-related diseases associated with welding fumes in an occupational population: Evidence from a Cox model

“…In addition, a retrospective study found a synergistic effect of smoking and welding fumes on lung cancer ( 19 ). Studies have shown that soluble Cr(VI) and Mn in welding fumes are associated with acute cellular and genotoxic effects in vitro , and insoluble ferric oxide has long-term effects on the human body and has potential lung cancer risk ( 20 , 21 ). In this study, the concentration of welding fumes and the major metal ions Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni were detected in the individual and fixed spot of the welders.…”