Respiratory health of a population of welders

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify respiratory symptoms and respiratory function of welders in comparison to a “nonexposed group.” MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information was collected by means of a questionnaire completed during an interview, and spirometry of all subjects. RESULTS: This study involved 41 welders and 41 comparable nonexposed group. Sixteen (39%) welders reported bringing up phlegm from the chest first thing in the morning, compared with seven individuals (17.1%) in the nonexposed group. The difference is significant (Chi-square = 3.87 odds ratio (OR) 3.11 [1.0-9.9], P = 0.0182). Eleven welders had chronic bronchitis, which they had experienced most days for as long as 3 months, compared with one person in the nonexposed group. The difference was statistically significant, and OR was 1.7 (95% confidence interval 1.19-2.53). On the other hand, the difference in cough, shortness of breath and lung function was statistically insignificant when the welders were compared with the nonexposed group. CONCLUSION: This study showed more respiratory complaints, particularly chronic bronchitis, among welders compared with the nonexposed group, which is believed to be the result of welding emissions. Spirometry showed no impairment in lung function in both the welders and the nonexposed group.