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1751573 
Journal Article 
Cross-Sectional Study Of Respiratory Effects Of Arc Welding 
Zober, A; Weltle, D 
1985 
1 
Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine
ISSN: 0301-0023 
NIOSH/00157563 
35 
79-84 
The effects on the respiratory system of arc welding (SIC-3623) were studied in workers in the Federal Republic of Germany. Workers with 8 or more years welding experience participated. All worked full time on manual metal arc welding or gas shielded welding of mild and stainless steel. Smoking habits were determined for all workers and occupational and medical histories were obtained through questionnaires. A group of workers of similar age and smoking experiences from various industries served as comparisons. Fumes were assessed in the working environments of the facilities involved. Respirable fume in the breathing zone or behind the face shield was studied. Lung function tests and chest X-rays were performed on welders and comparisons. The German Maximum Safe Concentration was frequently exceeded for all welding processes studied, with the exception of tungsten (7440337) inert welding. Respiratory tract diseases were reported more frequently by welders, at 36 percent, than by comparisons at 28 percent. There was a 17 percent excess of chronic bronchitis among welders who did not smoke when compared with other nonsmoking workers. Welders older than 43 with welding experience of more than 20 years had a lower prevalence of chronic bronchitis than welders of the same age with less experience. Restrictive lung function disorders of a minor type were more often seen in welders than comparisons, at 11 versus 5 percent. Small round opacities were seen in chest X-rays of 27 percent of the welders and 14 percent of the comparisons. The authors conclude that the welding processes, with the possible exception of tungsten inert welding, are likely to expose welders to excessive fume concentrations. Exposure to fumes and gases does not appear to be associated with a remarkable increase in respiratory disease but some effects of welding exposure are evident in older workers. 
DCN-145189; Occupational hazards; Industrial exposures; Pulmonary function; Exposure levels; Respiration; Workplace studies; Biological effects; Welders; Fumes; Lung function; Health services