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Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Apr 8;17(7):2552.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17072552.

Welding Fumes, a Risk Factor for Lung Diseases

Maria Grazia Riccelli  1 , Matteo Goldoni  1   2 , Diana Poli  3 , Paola Mozzoni  1   2 , Delia Cavallo  3 , Massimo Corradi  1   2   4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Welding Fumes, a Risk Factor for Lung Diseases

Maria Grazia Riccelli et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

(1) Background: Welding fumes (WFs) are composed of fine and ultrafine particles, which may reach the distal airways and represent a risk factor for respiratory diseases. (2) Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies to understand WFs pathogenesis were selected. Epidemiological studies, original articles, review, and meta-analysis to examine solely respiratory disease in welders were included. A systematic literature search, using PubMed, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Technical Information Center (NIOSHTIC), and Web of Science databases, was performed. (3) Results: Dose, time of exposure, and composition of WFs affect lung injury. Inflammation, lung defense suppression, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and genotoxic effects were observed after exposure both to mild and stainless steel WFs. (4) Conclusions: The detection of lung diseases associated with specific occupational exposure is crucial as complete avoidance or reduction of the exposure is difficult to achieve. Further studies in the area of particle research may aid the understanding of mechanisms involved in welding-related lung disease and to expand knowledge in welding-related cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: inflammation; lung diseases; oxidative stress; particles; welding fumes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A representation of the possible particle size distributions of welding processes (Berlinger et al. [3]). MIG: metal arc inert gas; TIG: tungsten inert gas; MMA: manual metal arc.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of total deposited aerosol of metal particles arising from stainless steel welding based on aerodynamic diameter (calculated by particle optical diameter, dynamic shape factor, and density). Adapted by Cena et al [14]. TF: total fume; Cr: chromium; Cr VI: hexavalent chromium; Mn: manganese; Ni: Nickel. For mild steel, percentage of total deposited aerosol are for TF 12, 6.3, 17, and 38 and for Mn 7.8, 2.0, 11, and 23, respectively, in upper, tracheobronchial, alveolar, and total regions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Simple pneumonia vaccine decision scheme. COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GP: general practitioner.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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