Occupational Asthma Reference
|
Hannu T, Piipari R, Tuppurainen M, Nordman H, Tuomi T,
Occupational asthma caused by stainless steel welding fumes: a clinical study,
Eur Respir J,
2007;29:85-90,
|
|
|
Keywords: Finland, stainless steel, welding, chrome, key, challenge
Known Authors
If you would like to become a known author and have your picture displayed along with your papers then please get in touch from the contact page. Known authors can choose to receive emails when their papers receive comments.
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to describe the cases of occupational asthma (OA) due to stainless steel welding fumes diagnosed at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health during the period 1994–2003.
OA was diagnosed according to patient history, lung function examinations and welding challenge tests with measurements of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values.
The present series comprised 34 patients, all male, with a mean age of 44.7 yrs (range 22–57), mainly working as welders. The mean duration of exposure was 22.4 yrs, and the mean duration of exposure before the onset of respiratory symptoms was 18 yrs. Dyspnoea was the most frequently reported work-related respiratory symptom. During the inhalation challenge tests, the mode of the asthmatic FEV1/PEF reaction was delayed in 16 (47%) patients, immediate in nine (26%) patients and dual (both immediate and delayed) in nine (26%) patients. In the follow-up assessment 6 months later, only six patients were considered able to continue performing welding tasks, whereas occupational injury pension was recommended for seven, and measures of vocational rehabilitation for 14 patients.
In most cases, after the diagnosis of occupational asthma, the continuation of welding work was not possible.
Full Text
Comments
34 workers with specific challenge tests to stainless steel welding are described. Only 6 were able to continue welding with powered respiratory protection. Non specific reactivity was normal in 38% at presentation. All had negative skin prick tests to potassium dichromate 1mg/ml
Agent
Stainless steel welding fume
Jobs
Welders (24), machine fitters 94), Plumbers (3), metalworker (1), teacher (1), inspector (1)
Proof
Specific IgE not tested
Skin prick test to potassium dichromate 1mg/ml negative 90/24)
Non specific bronchial reactivity normal pre challenge 38%
Serial peak flow records positive 5/6 plus 3 proper evaluation not possible
Specific Bronchial Challenge: immediate reaction to welding fume 27%, late (47%) dual 27%)
Follow up
Only 6/34 continued welding with powered RPE; vocation rehabilitation(14),relocation away from exposure (4); early retirement 97)
|
|
32% SIC positive were smokers. SIC was with welding rods not a chrome salt
|
Please sign in or register to add your thoughts.