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  • Title: A study of characteristics of Michigan workers with work-related asthma exposed to welding.
    Author: Banga A, Reilly MJ, Rosenman KD.
    Journal: J Occup Environ Med; 2011 Apr; 53(4):415-9. PubMed ID: 21407099.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of subjects with work-related asthma (WRA) secondary to welding exposure. METHODS: As part of statewide surveillance, WRA reports were received from health care professionals. These reports were followed up with a telephonic interview using a standardized questionnaire; lung function tests were reviewed, and final assessment regarding the diagnosis was made. RESULTS: Welding exposure was the fifth leading cause of WRA (n = 142; age, 43.3 ± 11.4 years; male to female ratio, 94:48). Several workers (n = 72) were nonwelders but all worked around welding fumes. More than a third had predicted forced expiratory volume in one second less than 80% (38 of 106, 35.8%). Most had sought medical treatment (95.8%) and had emergency room visits (n = 86, 60.6%), and several had required hospitalization (n = 50, 36.7%). CONCLUSION: Welding exposure is a common cause of WRA. It is seen in workers from different industries engaged in diverse jobs. Spirometry changes are common. Work-related asthma is associated with high morbidity and health care costs.
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