Pulmonary Function in Shipyard Welders

Abstract

Sixty-one welders were studied at a shipyard by means of questionnaire, partial physical examination, x-ray films, and comprehensive tests of pulmonary function. Extensive air sampling was accomplished. The results were compared with 63 pipefitters similarly studied. There were no significant differences noted. St was noted, however, that both groups revealed evidence of depressed values of pulmonary function. By comparing welders to a third group (pipecoverers exposed to asbestos), evidence for the development of obstructive lung disease in welders and restrictive lung disease in pipecoverers arose, although nonsmoking welders appeared to have normal pulmonary function.

When the shipyard groups were compared to pipefitters with no asbestos and no welding exposures, all shipyard groups were abnormal. Based on other prediction formulas, this finding remained consistent. It would thus appear that all three shipyard groups have depressed pulmonary function.