Chronic bronchitis, work - related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function among a group of welders in Zagazig area

A cross - sectional study was conducted to determine the respiratory effects of welding exposure. Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory functions were studied in 79 welders exposed to welding fumes and 90 non - welders as a control group. Both groups were matched for age, sex, height and smoking habits. Response to a standardized respiratory symptoms questionnaire, spirometry and across-shift changes in ventilatory function were compared. The results showed that, chronic bronchitis was more frequent in welders [21.5%] than in non - welders [6.7%]. Multivariate analysis revealed that current smoking as well as exposure to welding fumes for more than ten years were likely to be associated with chronic bronchitis. The report of any work-related respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, phlegm production, chest wheeze, dyspnea and chest tightness was significantly higher in welders [48.1%] when compared with non - welders [11.1%]. Multivariate analysis identified only long duration of welding exposure as the main risk factor for reporting these symptoms. Ventilatory lung function testing demonstrated significantly diminished forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV[1]] and mid - expiratory flow rate [MEFR] compared with control values. In the across - shift study. FEV[1] was significantly declined over the work exposure to welding fumes. In conclusion, this study indicates that exposure to welding fumes was associated with chronic bronchitis, work-related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function impairment. These manifistations mostly related to cigarette smoking and long duration of exposure. So. more efforts should be done to persuade welders to stop smoking. Improving the work environment and proper use of respiratory protective devices can reduce the respiratory health hazards of occupational exposure to welding fumes