RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONCENTRATION OF WELDING FUMES AND CHANGES IN WELDERS\' LUNG FUNCTIONS

In order to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of welding fumes and cigarette smoke on the bronchopulmonary system function, a comparative study of spirometric measurements in 100 welders and 50 healthy volunteers was performed in an automobile manufacturing company. Two groups of workers were matched according to their age, height, smoking habit, years of service and social class. Their health survey was evaluated by questionnaires, spirometry, chest x-ray and clinical research. Statistical tests were done for all variables of groups showing different types of pulmonary functions. 32 percent of welders had a reduction in pulmonary function, and respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, rales and sputum. Chest x-ray abnormalities (assidrosis) were higher in welders (22%) than the control group (8%).