Serum immunoglobulin and other protein levels in arc welders

A total of 183 arc welders were examined with special emphasis on blood serum electrophoretic fractions, serum immunoglobulin levels and antinuclear antibodies. Mean serum immunoglobulin levels and serum protein levels were compared between groups of arc welders with long and short occupational exposure as well as between groups with and without pulmonary lesions. No statistically significant differences between the mean values of IgG and IgM were found. The mean value of IgA is significantly higher in welders employed for a long time as compared to welders with short occupational exposure, and the control group. The control group of the same factory was chosen from iron forgers, and matched in age and length of employment. The lower mean values of IgA were observed in welders with silicosiderosis and impairment of ventilatory function as compared to their controls.