Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “WELDING”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,495 records · Page 83Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Trace element concentrations in blood and hair of young apprentices of a technical-professional school.

The concentrations of total Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni and Ca in the whole blood of young male apprentices of a technical-professional school, who are exposed to low doses of fumes from manual metal arc welding of mild steel, were monitored over their 2 years of apprenticeship in order to evaluate the influence of occupational exposure on biological metal levels. The results were compared with those from a control group of the same sex and age and living in the same geographic area. For comparison, monitoring of the same metal levels in the hair of both groups of individuals were also carried out. In the apprentices, the mean metal concentrations in blood at the end of the study were statistically significantly higher for Cu, lower for Fe and Mn and similar for the remaining metals. The levels of Fe significantly decreased whereas the levels of Cu were significantly increased during the study. A systematic influence of the exposure period on the levels of Mn was not observed. All the metal concentrations measured in the blood and hair of both apprentices and controls fell in the very large range of published reference levels. Seasonal variation (higher levels in the summer) of the hair metal concentrations were observed for Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn and Ca.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Lobar pneumonia: an occupational disease in welders.

We have used data from three analyses of occupational mortality for England and Wales to investigate a suspected hazard of pneumonia in welders. Mortality from the disease was consistently raised in welders aged 15-64, with standardised mortality ratios of 184 (95% CI 150-224) in 1959-63 and 157 (121-200) in 1970-72. Analysis of data for 1979-80 and 1982-90 showed that the increased risk is attributable mainly to an excess of pneumococcal and unspecified lobar pneumonia (proportional mortality ratio 255, 95% CI 192-332). No excess occurred in men above retirement age (65). A possible explanation of these findings is that welding fume reversibly increases the susceptibility of the lung to pneumonic infection. The observation of a similar mortality pattern in moulders and coremakers points to the metallic component of the fume as a possible culprit, but ozone or oxides of nitrogen could also be implicated. There are grounds for lobar pneumonia to be considered an occupational disease in welders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Metal fume fever.

Metal fume fever is an ancient occupational disease still encountered among metal workers. The delay between exposure and onset of non-specific symptoms makes this an elusive diagnosis. We present the case of a patient who developed symptoms several hours after welding. The historical background, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and self-limited course of this common, yet frequently unrecognized illness are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

New evidence of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors on sperm count in man.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between individual exposures due to occupation, environment and lifestyle on sperm count, we conducted a case-control study among 92 fertile and 73 sub-fertile Caucasian males. STUDY DESIGN: Data from questionnaires were analysed using simple univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: At risk for oligozoospermia are men exposed to pesticides (odds ratio (OR) 8.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-52.1), welding (OR 2.8; CI 0.9-8.7), antibiotic use (OR 15.4; CI 1.4-163), a history of mumps (OR 2.9; CI 1.3-6.7), gastrointestinal complaints (OR 6.2; CI 1.4-26.8), decreased intake of fruits (OR 2.3; CI 1.0-5.1), vegetables (OR 1.9; CI 0.7-5.0), or with female fertility disorders in their families (OR 8.4; CI 1.7-41.9). Unlike other studies, no associations were observed between oligozoospermia and exposure to paint or heat. CONCLUSION: This study suggests new risk factors oligozoospermia in man and confirms previously reported results from others.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

[Systemic sclerosis: epidemiology and environmental factors].

The pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc), probably multifactorial, is not yet well elucidated. Among the many endogenous and exogenous factors probably involved, environmental and occupational elements may play an essential role. SSc is a rare disease. Prevalence is estimated between 3 and 24 per 100,000 population. Reports of sporadic clusters of higher prevalence suggest environmental factors, which have not yet been defined. Silica, first suggested in 1917, plays a role in SSc development, as officially recognized in France for purposes of workers' compensation. Solvents have been associated with SSc by several rigorous case-control studies that suggest a causal role. Current data about other toxic agents (epoxy resins, vibrations, welding fumes) do not justify conclusions about their role in SSc. The severity of SSc (determined by the extent of diffuse cutaneous lesions, pulmonary involvement, and immunological profile) is probably associated with occupational exposure.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Arc Welders' pneumoconiosis: application of advanced scanning electron microscopy.

Study of lung tissue from necropsy of a 58-year-old arc welder with arc welders' pneumoconiosis, confirmed by history, chest radiography, and pathology, demonstrates the versatility and usefulness of new techniques in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Secondary electron imaging, the most familiar SEM mode, showed heavy cellular infiltrates in alveoli, the interstitium, and within the interstices of loose whorled fibrotic nodules. Backscattered electron imaging, in which contrast is proportional to elemental atomic number, revealed intracellular metal particles not otherwise visible. Microprobe analysis, energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry, mapped elemeental iron over the particle image and identified traces of silicon in the whorled nodules. Arc welders' pneumoconiosis appears to be more than a benign siderosis resulting from particulate iron deposition. Simultaneous exposure to other components of welding fumes may alter the pathologic picture, inducing a more complicated fibrotic reaction. The more recently developed advanced techniques of SEM are well suited to the study of pneumoconioses and other problems of heterogenous tissue and mixed chemical systems.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗
PubMed1980

The risk of retina damage from high intensity light sources.

The risk of thermal damage to the retina of the eye by exposure to excessive light intensities from continuous and pulsed man-made sources is discussed. The probability of injury increases, the larger the radiant power absorbed by the retina and the smaller the size of the retinal image of the source. A mehtod of estimating the temperature increase of the immediately affected area of the retina is presented. The time constants involved are also briefly considered. Using numerical values from literature for the relevant parameters of the eye, threshold values for a variety of conditions can be established. Below these values little risk of retina damage should exist. The degree of hazard when these values are exceeded depends upon the circumstances. A case study of a welding accident showed good agreement between the conclusions of the theoretical analysis and clinical findings.

Hot Temperature↗
PubMed1991

Lead use in California industry: its prevalence and health implications.

An estimated 230,000 workers were reported to work in lead-using activities as a result of a 1986 statistical survey of employers in California. However, 68% of these workers worked in activities of relatively low hazard. This included 114,000 workers engaged in electronic soldering. Over 1800 workers were reported to work in battery manufacture, a relatively high-hazard activity, but with consistent monitoring and protection. In contrast, over 4300 workers were involved in radiator repair activities, a high-hazard activity with inconsistent monitoring and protection. Over 8% of construction workers were reported to work in lead-using processes. This sector is exempt from federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Fed/OSHA) and California Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) lead standards, yet some of the most hazardous activities (welding, grinding, and cutting, etc.) occurred here. Comparison of projections from the National Occupational Hazard Survey of potential lead exposure in California with these survey results suggests consistent and reliable assessment of the major sources of potential occupational exposure to lead.

California↗
PubMed2006

A 26-year-old welder with severe non-reversible obstructive lung disease.

A 26-year-old white male, lifelong non-smoker presented with a history of increased shortness of breath, for approximately 1 year. He had a history of welding aluminum parts. He had evidence of partially reversible reactive airways disease with a non obstructive component as well. VATS biopsy revealed evidence of airway and parenchymal inflammation consistent with aluminum pneumoconiosis. Approximately 5-10% of COPD is attributable to non-smoking causes including occupational exposures. There are studies to suggest that the persistence of aluminum particulate may cause ongoing inflammation despite removal from exposure. It is possible that the persistence of particulate matter from tobacco smoke remaining in the lung may contribute to the persistent inflammatory response found in former smokers. Further study is required to examine the importance of this potential inflammatory mechanism both in occupationally exposed and in cigarette smokers. Reduction of certain particulate components of cigarette smoke may have implications for prevention of disease or at least disease progression in some COPD patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Exposure of welders to fumes and gases in Dutch industries: summary of results.

A study was made of the exposure of welders and cutters in Dutch industries to air pollution consisting of total particulate, chromium, nickel, copper, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Guidelines are given to help industrial hygienists to estimate the exposure of welders and cutters to chemical agents. The required reduction factors for exposure are given for various types of welding.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1990

Increased isotransferrin ratio and reduced erythrocyte and platelet volumes in blood from thermoplastic industry workers.

Ten women (aged 31-61 years) and five men (aged 20-59 years) occupationally exposed to welding fumes of polyacetate containing diethylphthalate in a thermoplastic industry were studied. They had been employed 1-33 years (median: 11 years). Seven women (aged 35-55) and eight men (aged 26-73) acted as unexposed controls. The exposed persons showed increased isotransferrin ratio in blood serum and reduced volumes of erythrocytes and platelets in blood.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Determinants of exposure to metalworking fluid aerosol in small machine shops.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate personal exposure to metalworking fluid (MWF) aerosols in very small machine shops (1-8 machinists per shop) and to investigate workplace factors associated with exposures. A total of 20 willing machine shops in Vancouver, Canada (from 46 eligible shops, 43%) and 88 machinists participated (participation rate for machinists 92%). Most machinists wore two personal sampling trains (an open-faced 37 mm cassette and a PM10 impactor) on each of two full work shifts. Observational data were collected regarding potential determinants of exposure at 15 min intervals throughout each shift. A total of 322 personal samples were taken over 54 days. Mean aerosol exposure was 0.32 mg/m3 (range 0.06-2.19) for the 37 mm cassette samples and 0.27 mg/m3 (range 0.026-3.67) for PM10. Exposures from the two sampler types were highly correlated (R = 0.86). The mean shop-specific ratio comparing exposure from the 37 mm cassette with that from the PM10 sampler was 1.43 and varied significantly across shops, ranging from 0.97 to 2.19. Machine, task and shop characteristics associated with significantly increased aerosol exposure included the proportion of time spent grinding, operating an enclosed computer controlled machine, the presence of welding in the shop for both sampler types and the number of machines using MWF for PM10 samples only. Factors associated with reduced aerosol exposure included machining aluminum, milling, the height (and shape) of the shop roof (for both sample types) and the presence of mechanical shop ventilation (for the 37 mm cassette samples).

Aerosols↗
PubMed2004

Genotoxic evaluation of welders occupationally exposed to chromium and nickel using the Comet and micronucleus assays.

Chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) are widely used industrial chemicals. Welders in India are inclined to possible occupational Cr and Ni exposure. The carcinogenic potential of metals is a major issue in defining human health risk from exposure. Hence, in the present investigation, 102 welders and an equal number of control subjects were monitored for DNA damage in blood leucocytes utilizing the Comet assay. The two groups had similar mean ages and smoking prevalences. A few subjects were randomly selected for estimation of Cr and Ni content in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Comet assay was carried out to quantify basal DNA damage. The mean comet tail length was used to measure DNA damage. Welders had higher Cr and Ni content when compared with controls (Cr, 151.65 versus 17.86 micro g/l; Ni 132.39 versus 16.91 micro g/l; P < 0.001). The results indicated that the welders had a larger mean comet tail length than that of the controls (mean +/- SD, 23.05 +/- 3.86 versus 8.94 +/- 3.16; P < 0.001). In addition, the micronucleus test on buccal epithelial cells was carried out in a few randomly selected subjects. Welders showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells compared with controls (1.30 versus 0.32; P < 0.001). Analysis of variance revealed that occupational exposure (P < 0.05) had a significant effect on DNA mean tail length, whereas smoking and age had no significant effect on DNA damage. The current study suggested that chronic occupational exposure to Cr and Ni during welding could lead to increased levels of DNA damage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A combined analysis of XRCC1, XRCC3, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and centromere content of micronuclei in welders.

The aims of the present study were to assess clastogenic and aneugenic properties of welding fumes using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with a human pancentromeric DNA probe. The involvement of genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes (p.Arg399Gln of XRCC1 and p.Thr241Met of XRCC3) and in detoxification genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) on the centromere content of micronuclei (MN) was also evaluated. This study included 27 male welders working without any collective protection device and a control group (n = 30). The welders showed significantly higher levels of chromosome/genome damage compared to the controls. The frequencies of MN and centromere-positive MN (C+MN) per 1,000 binucleated cells were significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group (7.1 per thousand +/- 3.7 versus 4.9 per thousand +/- 1.8; P = 0.012 and 3.5 per thousand +/- 1.8 versus 2.4 per thousand +/- 1.2; P = 0.018, respectively, Mann-Whitney U-test). The centromere-negative MN (C-MN) frequency was higher in the exposed subjects than in the controls (3.6 per thousand +/- 3.4 versus 2.5 per thousand +/- 1.4), but the Mann-Whitney U-test did not yield a significant result. In the total population, the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms significantly affected the frequencies of C-MN and C+MN defined by FISH. GSTM1 positive subjects showed an increased C-MN frequency and GSTT1 null subjects showed an elevated C+MN frequency. When GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were included in multiple regression analysis, the effect of the occupational exposure could better be demonstrated; both C+MN and C-MN were significantly increased in the welders. Our results suggest that the combined analysis of genetic polymorphisms and centromeres in MN may improve the sensitivity of the micronucleus assay in detecting genotoxic effects.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Spheroidal degeneration of the cornea: a clinicopathologic case report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case with clinicopathologic findings of spheroidal degeneration of the cornea in a 78-year-old man. METHODS: Description of the clinical features of 1 bilateral case with histopathologic findings from the penetrating keratoplasty specimen. RESULTS: Spheroidal degeneration of the cornea with histopathologic confirmation of extensive elastotic degeneration in anterior corneal stroma. CONCLUSIONS: The spheroidal degeneration in this patient was of visual significance. The history of repeated, extreme ultraviolet exposure during arc welding is believed to be the proximal cause of these corneal changes.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Welder eye injuries.

During 1985, welders submitted 21% of all claims for eye injuries received by the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta. Since then the proportion of similar claims has remained high. A descriptive study of welder eye injury claims reveals that, although most injuries are reversible (55% of workers return to work in less than 2 days and 95% in less than 7 days), some workers sustain permanent visual impairment. Eye injuries occur most frequently in metal-work industries, and cold particles, most often metal, are the most common source of injury. Preventive measures should stress the importance of wearing eye protection constantly while working with metal pieces and in metal industries. Goggles probably should not be removed upon extinguishing the welding torch.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Blood lead concentration and biological effects in workers exposed to very low lead levels.

A longitudinal study was carried out on two groups of workers engaged in tin/lead alloy welding in the telecommunication sector. The risk of exposure was evaluated by measuring levels of airborne lead (PbA) and the amount of lead absorbed (PbB). The-correlated effects were assessed by determining zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) and hemoglobin levels (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) count. We also recorded subjective symptoms reported by workers. One group of welders composed of 365 subjects underwent two monitoring sessions performed in 1991 and 1995, respectively (Group A). A second group of welders (whose number fluctuated between 148 and 247 subjects) underwent yearly testing for 7 consecutive years (1988-1994; Group B). Results indicated a very low risk of lead exposure during microwelding operations (PbA range, 1.5-24 micrograms/m3). In fact, blood concentrations of Pb (range, 5-55, micrograms/dL) among both groups of welders were significantly higher than those in the general population in Rome (PbB range, 5-16 micrograms/dL); nevertheless, they were significantly lower than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure limits ZPP determined only in Group B of welders ranged from 5 to 16 micrograms/dL (median, 22 micrograms/dL). No variation was found in the other biological parameters investigated, and no health effects were observed. During the study period, the introduction of some technological innovations led to a further reduction in Pb exposure and, subsequently, to its total elimination. PbB concentrations gradually declined to lower values (6-36 micrograms/dL), and it was interesting to note that ZPP concentrations also decreased to normal levels (range, 2-47 micrograms/dL; median, 11 micrograms/dL), demonstrating that the effect of lead on heme synthesis may occur even at very low levels of Pb exposure.

Adult↗