The respiratory health of welders | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

59497

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Title

The respiratory health of welders

Author(s)

Sferlazza, SJ; Beckett, WS

Year

1991

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

American Review of Respiratory Disease
ISSN: 0003-0805

Report Number

NIOSH/00200695

Volume

143

Issue

5 Pt. 1

Page Numbers

1134-1148

Language

English

PMID

2024826

DOI

10.1164/ajrccm/143.5_Pt_1.1134

Web of Science Id

WOS:A1991FK72000043

Abstract

Welding as an occupation and respiratory hazards associated with welding were reviewed. Occupational surveys have indicated that 185,000 persons were employed fulltime as welders, braziers, or thermal cutters in the United States between 1981 and 1983. Approximately 800,000 were employed as fulltime welders worldwide. A much larger number of persons were employed intermittently as parttime welders. The nature of the welding process was described. Inhalation, deposition, retention, and clearance characteristics of welding fumes were considered. Acute respiratory effects resulting from welding were discussed. These included metal fume fever and chemical and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Substances associated with acute inhalational pneumonitis in welders were discussed. The components of welding fume known to cause hypersensitivity or toxic pneumonitis include cadmium (7440439), beryllium (7440417), manganese (7439965), nitrogen oxides, ozone (10028156), phosgene (75445), and phosphine (7803512). The transient effects of welding fume exposure on lung function were discussed. Chronic respiratory effects associated with welding were reviewed and included chronic bronchitis, functional abnormalities, pneumoconiosis, and occupational asthma. Studies of lung cancer in welders were discussed. Although welding fumes have not been recognized as a major cause of bronchogenic carcinoma, the presence of recognized lung carcinogens such as hexavalent-chromium (18540299) and nickel (7440020) in welding fume and an increase in lung cancer risk noted in case/control studies have indicated that an elevated risk may exist. Methods for preventing respiratory problems in welders were discussed.

Keywords

DCN-196158; Respiratory system disorders; Metal fumes; Metal fume fever; Arc welding; Welding industry; Health hazards; Occupational medicine; Lung cancer; Epidemiology