Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Welding Worker

  • Minov J
  • Karadzinska-Bislimovska J
  • Tutkun E
  • et al.
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Abstract

Introduction: Results from several studies indicate that workplace exposure to welding fumes is associated with increased frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in exposed workers. Objective: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of COPD in never-smoking welders. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 53 never-smoking male welders (aged 35–60 years) was performed, and an equal number of never-smoking male office workers were studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of the completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry, and bronchodilator reversibility testing. Results: We found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in welders, with significant differences in cough and phlegm. The majority of the chronic respiratory symptoms in welders were work-related. The mean values of all measured spirometric parameters registered with both pre and post-bronchodilator spirometry in welders were significantly lower than in office workers. The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in welders than in office workers (15.1% versus 3.8%, p=0.041). COPD in both welders and office workers was similar in those aged <45 years. Conclusion: Our findings support data about the relationship between workplace exposure to welding fumes and persistent airflow limitation.

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Minov, J., Karadzinska-Bislimovska, J., Tutkun, E., Vasilevska, K., Risteska-Kuc, S., Stoleski, S., & Mijakoski, D. (2016). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smoking Welding Worker. European Medical Journal, 65–70. https://doi.org/10.33590/emj/10312854

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