Spirometric indices and respiratory symptoms in welders

Welders comprise one percent of the total workforce in industrialized countries. Since inhaled welding contaminants are accompanied by respiratory and non-respiratory effects, this study was conducted to determine Spiro metric indices and respiratory symptoms in welders exposed to contaminants in Zahedan. In this cohort study conducted on welders in Zahedan's industrial park, first, level of exposure to welding fumes was assessed using NIOSH organization standards, and then, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function disorders among 250 male workers (140 exposed, 110 case group) were studied using the localized American Lung Association questionnaire and spirometer. The data were analyzed using student t-test, chi-square, Fisher's Exact test, and linear multivariate regression model. The exposed mean fume concentrations were 8.13 mg/m 3 , which were more than the recommended allowable threshold of 5 mg/m 3 (ACGIH). The results showed that there was a significant difference in respiratory symptoms between exposed and non-exposed groups (P<0.05) in favor of the exposed group. Also, many of the pulmonary function parameters were significantly less in the exposed group compared to the case group, and there was a significant correlation between FEV1 and FEV1/FVC results in these people according to age, work history, smoking, respiratory disorders, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The results of this study showed that there is a significant correlation between exposure to welding fumes and pulmonary function disorders. (Ali Meshkinian, Ramazan Mirzaei, AliReza Ansari Moghadam. Spiro metric indices and respiratory symptoms in welders. Life Sci J 2014;11(2):103-108). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com . 15