Abstract
Introduction
Adverse effects on lung function by long-term exposure to welding fume are inconsistently reported. The ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) is a proven indicator of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Aims and objectives
We studied statistical effects of life-time exposure to respirable particles and airborne chromium on the FEV1/FVC ratio in 219 male welders from the cross-sectional WELDOX study.
Methods
Individual cumulative exposures to respirable particles and chromium were estimated considering formerly applied welding techniques and working conditions and their influence on shift exposure observed in WELDOX. Exposures were categorized as low, medium and high using tertiles. Spirometry was performed in accordance to American Thoracic Society criteria. Potential determinants of FEV1/FVC were estimated by multiple linear regression models including physical workload and tobacco smoking.
Results
Twelve welders did not reach 80% of predicted FEV1. FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.70 was failed by 29 welders. FVC of one welder was below 80% of prediction. There was no decline in lung function by exposure to particles or chromium. Low, medium and high particle exposure presented FEV1/FVC medians of 0.77, 0.77 and 0.75. Corresponding medians for chromium exposure were 0.77, 0.76 and 0.75. Cumulative exposure, smoking and physical workload together explained 10% of the variance of FEV1/FVC. Only smoking exerted a significant influence (p=0.0001).
Conclusions
Based on a comprehensive exposure assessment we did not observe an influence of lifetime exposure to respirable particles or chromium on FEV1/FVC as an indicator for chronic obstructive lung disease.
- © 2013 ERS
