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Occupational asthma due to manual metal-arc welding of special stainless steels

¹ Dept of Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, and ² Laboratory of Engineering Materials, Helsinki University of Technology, Espoo, Finland.

CORRESPONDENCE: T. Hannu, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-02500 Helsinki, Finland. Fax: 358 304742149. E-mail: Timo.Hannu{at}ttl.fi

Keywords: Challenge test, chromium, manual metal-arc welding, occupational asthma, stainless steel

Received: November 14, 2004
Accepted March 8, 2005

Occupational asthma (OA) can be induced by fumes of manual metal-arc welding on stainless steel. In recent years, the use of special stainless steels (SSS) with high chromium content has increased.

This study presents two cases of OA caused by manual metal-arc welding on SSS. In both cases, the diagnosis of OA was based on respiratory symptoms, occupational exposure and positive findings in the specific challenge tests.

In the first case, a 46-yr-old welder had experienced severe dyspnoea while welding SSS (SMO steel), but not in other situations. Challenge tests with both mild steel and stainless steel using a common electrode were negative. Welding SSS with a special electrode caused a delayed 37% drop in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). In the second case, a 34-yr-old male had started to experience dyspnoea during the past few years, while welding especially SSS (Duplex steel). The workplace peak expiratory flow monitoring was suggestive of OA. Challenge tests with both mild steel and stainless steel using a common electrode did not cause bronchial obstruction. Welding SSS with a special electrode caused a delayed 31% drop in FEV₁.

In conclusion, exposure to manual metal-arc welding fumes of special stainless steel should be considered as a new cause of occupational asthma.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Lillienberg, J-P. Zock, H. Kromhout, E. Plana, D. Jarvis, K. Toren, and M. Kogevinas A Population-Based Study on Welding Exposures at Work and Respiratory Symptoms Ann. Hyg., March 1, 2008; 52(2): 107 - 115. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. Hannu, R. Piipari, M. Tuppurainen, H. Nordman, and T. Tuomi Occupational asthma caused by stainless steel welding fumes: a clinical study Eur. Respir. J., January 1, 2007; 29(1): 85 - 90. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]