Introduction: Welding fumes consist of
complex mixtures of ultrafine particles and
gaseous components. Chronic obstructive
airway disease has been described in exposed
persons, an occupational disease (BVK
No. 4302) caused by exposure to chemically
irritative or toxic welding fumes. In welders
exposed long-term to high concentrations
of welding fumes under poor working conditions,
interstitial pulmonary fibrosis has been
described. In the present study we have investigated
pulmonary functional impairment
in welders.
Methods: Characteristic biographies of welders
treated for occupational diseases in our
clinic are documented by means of the results
of extensive lung function tests.
Results: In patients suffering from welder’s
pulmonary fibrosis, lung function tests
revealed restrictive ventilation disorders,
reduced diffusion capacity, gas exchange
disorders and especially pulmo-cardiac insufficiency
during spiroergometry. In welders
with pulmonary disease, obstructive
ventilation disorders (increased airway resistance,
reduced FVC, FEV1, MEF and PEF) were
detected at the workplace or in workplace
(-related) inhalation tests. A higher incidence
of unspecific bronchial hypersensitivity (UBH)
was observed.
Conclusions: For detection of pulmonary
function impairment in welders, extensive
lung function tests including exercise tests
and workplace(-related) inhalation tests are
necessary.
