Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Welding Worker - European Medical Journal

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Welding Worker

Respiratory
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Authors:
*Jordan Minov,1 Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska,1 Engin Tutkun,2 Kristin Vasilevska,3 Snezana Risteska-Kuc,1 Saso Stoleski,1 Dragan Mijakoski1
Disclosure:

The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Received:
17.12.15
Accepted:
16.03.16
Citation:
EMJ. ;1[2]:65-70. DOI/10.33590/emj/10312854. https://doi.org/10.33590/emj/10312854.
Keywords:
Airflow limitation, baseline spirometry, bronchodilator reversibility testing, questionnaire, welders

Each article is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 License.

Abstract

Introduction: Results from several studies indicate that workplace exposure to welding fumes is associated with increased frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in exposed workers.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of COPD in never-smoking welders.
Methods: A cross-sectional study including 53 never-smoking male welders (aged 35–60 years) was performed, and an equal number of never-smoking male office workers were studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of the completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry, and bronchodilator reversibility testing.
Results: We found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in welders, with significant differences in cough and phlegm. The majority of the chronic respiratory symptoms in welders were work-related. The mean values of all measured spirometric parameters registered with both pre and post-bronchodilator spirometry in welders were significantly lower than in office workers. The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in welders than in office workers (15.1% versus 3.8%, p=0.041). COPD in both welders and office workers was similar in those aged <45 years.
Conclusion: Our findings support data about the relationship between workplace exposure to welding fumes and persistent airflow limitation.

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