Lung function in Pakistani welding workers

Abstract

Problem: The problem was to study the effects of welding fumes and their duration of exposure on lung function, and additionally, to provide information to welders about the hazards of welding fumes. Method: This is a matched case-control cross-sectional study of spirometry in 50 non-smoking manual metal arc welders who work without the benefit of welding fume control ventilation or respiratory protective devices. Results: Welding workers, with exposures longer than 5 years, showed a significant reduction in spirometry (FEV1, FEV1/FVC% and PEF) relative to controls. Conclusion: Lung function in welding workers is impaired and stratification of results shows a dose-effect of years of welding on lung function. This effect primarily shows an obstructive pattern of airways disease. Preventive measures in developing countries have to be adopted to avert long-term lung damage in welders.