Incidence of rhinitis and asthma related to welding in Northern Europe

Welding-related asthma is well recognised but less is known about rhinitis in relation to welding. The aim here, was to study associations between welding, rhinitis and asthma in a general population sample, and factors influencing selection into and out of a welding occupation. Adult-onset asthma and non-infectious rhinitis were investigated in the international multicentre population-based Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study, including 16 191 responders aged 26–54 years. Ever welding (n=2181), welding >25% of working time (n=747), and welding in stainless steel >6 months (n=173) were assessed by questionnaire. Subjects with rhinitis or asthma onset when aged Rhinitis incidence was higher among welders (hazard ratio (HR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.3–1.6), consistent in men and women, and across centres (p heterogeneity =0.4). In men, asthma incidence was higher among welders (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.04–1.97). Quitting welding was indicated higher after adult-onset rhinitis (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.3). Adult-onset rhinitis and asthma was higher among welders, consistent across population samples from Northern Europe. No pre-employment selection was found, whereas selection out of welding jobs was suggested.