The ordinary work environment increases symptoms from eyes and airways in mild steel welders

Abstract

Purpose We aimed to follow diary-registered symptoms from eyes and airways in mild steel welders and relate them to different exposure measures. Furthermore, we would clarify the influence of possible effect modifiers.Methods Non-smoking welders with (N = 74) and without (N = 32) work-related symptoms the last month were enroled. Symptoms and work tasks each day for three two-week periods during 1 year were obtained. Respirable dust (RD) was measured 1 day each period for each worker. The personal daily exposure was assessed as: (1) days at work, (2) welding time and (3) estimates of RD from welding and grinding, calculated from diary entries and measurements.ResultsOnly 9.2 % of the particle measurements exceed the Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL; 5 mg/m3). Days at work increased the risk of symptoms studied: eyes: 1.79 (1.46–2.19), nasal: 2.16 (1.81–2.58), dry cough: 1.50 (1.23–1.82) and wheezing and/or dyspnoea: 1.27 (1.03–1.56; odds ratio, 95 % confidence interval). No clear dose–response relationships were found for the other exposure estimates. Eye symptoms increased by number of years welding. Nasal symptoms and dry cough increased having forced expiratory volume in first second below median at baseline. Wheezing and/or dyspnoea increased in winter, by number of years welding, having a negative standard skin-prick test and having a vital capacity above median at baseline.ConclusionThe current Swedish OEL may not protect welders against eye and airway symptoms. The results add to the evidence that welders should be offered regular medical surveillance from early in the career.

Welding Fumes, a Risk Factor for Lung Diseases

“…However, studies have shown that, in MS welders, respiratory symptoms clearly increase during working days, although the exposure was not extreme compared to the current exposure limit [173]. More recently, Monse et al [174] reported a concentration-response relationship with nano-sized ZnO particles in a low concentration range was, with systemic inflammatory effects of inhaled nano-sized ZnO particles, observed at concentrations well below the occupational exposure limit for ZnO.…”

Comprehensive proteome analysis of nasal lavage samples after controlled exposure to welding nanoparticles shows an induced acute phase and a nuclear receptor, LXR/RXR, activation that influence the status of the extracellular matrix

“…It has been shown that although the exposure levels do not normally exceed current Swedish permissible occupational exposure limits for inorganic respiratory dust (5 mg/m 3 ), there is a high frequency of upper and lower respiratory symptoms among welders [ 11 , 12 ]. Previous studies have suggested that welding particle exposure induces oxidative stress and an inflammatory response [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Acute respiratory effects and biomarkers of inflammation due to welding-derived nanoparticle aggregates

“…at grinding the welded material (Zimmer and Maynard 2002 ). In an earlier study, we found that although the symptoms in welders increased significantly during working days the association with the welding exposure was not clear (Jönsson et al 2015 ). As the welders also ground the welded material, it was difficult to conclude to what degree the symptoms were elicited by the welding fumes.…”

“…In a previous study we found increased symptoms in welders during working days. The welders were in this study exposed not only to welding fumes, but also to particles from grinding (Jönsson et al 2015 ). In the present study the participants were only exposed to welding fumes.…”

“…Welding in mild steel accounts for the majority of all welding (Taube 2013 ). Although such welding has often been looked upon as less harmful than other forms of welding, an increasing number of studies show adverse effects also at mild steel welding even at moderate exposure levels (Lillienberg et al 2008 ; Jönsson et al 2011 , 2015 ; Hedmer et al 2014 ).…”