Source: International Congress 2015 – Occupational and environmental cohort investigations and population studies
Disease area: Airway diseases

Abstract

Introduction. Results from several studies indicate that workplace exposure to welding fumes is associated with high frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in exposed workers. Objective. To assess prevalence and characteristics of COPD in never-smoking welders. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study including 46 never-smoking male welders (aged 37 to 59 years) and an equal number of never-smoking male office workers studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility testing. Results. We found higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in welders with significant difference for cough and phlegm. Majority of the chronic respiratory symptoms in welders were work-related. The mean values of all measured spirometric parameters in welders were significantly lower than in office workers. The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in welders than in office workers (15.2% vs. 4.3%, P = 0,029). COPD in both examined groups was close related to age over 45 years, while in welders significant association was registered for duration of workplace exposure longer than 20 years. Conclusion. Our findings support data about relationship between workplace exposure to welding fumes and persistent airflow limitation.


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Jordan Minov (Skopje, FYROM (Macedonia)), Jordan Minov, Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska, Kristin Vasilevska, Snezana Risteska-Kuc, Saso Stoleski, Dragan Mijakoski. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never-smoking welders. Eur Respir J 2015; 46: Suppl. 59, 1172

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