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Collatuzzo G, Hamdani M, Boffetta P. Risk of bladder, kidney and prostate cancer from occupational exposure to welding fumes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:221-230. [PMID: 38231405 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-02040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of cohort studies on risk of genitourinary (GU) cancers in workers exposed to welding fumes (WF). METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies published on Pubmed, Scopus and Embase following PRISMA criteria. Two researchers selected cohort studies on WF exposure. From 2582 articles, 7 non-overlapping studies were included. Quality of studies was scored according to CASP. We run a random effects meta-analysis to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of GU cancer, overall and stratified by cancer, country, and quality score. RESULTS We included seven studies reporting results on GU cancers, including prostate, bladder and kidney cancer (PC, BC, and KC). The RR was 1.19 (95% CI = 1.07-1.32, 16 risk estimates) for GU cancer; 1.13 (95% CI = 0.90-1.42, 4 risk estimates) for PC; 1.26 (95% CI = 0.98-1.60, 7 risk estimates) for BC and 1.28 (95% CI = 1.12-1.47, 5 risk estimates) for KC. Heterogeneity was present in all meta-analyses (p < 0.001). The increased risk was more pronounced in North American than in European studies (respectively, OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.18-1.55; OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01-1.27 p heterogeneity = 0.03). There was no heterogeneity according to quality score (p = 0.4). Data were insufficient to investigate associations by industry or welding type. Publication bias for each cancer was excluded. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests increased risk of KC and BC, but not of PC, in workers exposed to WF. Confounding by other occupational and non-occupational risk factors could not be excluded. Data were not adequate to address the risk of specific exposure circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Collatuzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Maha Hamdani
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, BO, Italy.
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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Lee FSW, Chen YH, Tran ND, Lin CK, Pham LA. Association between Asbestos Exposure and the Incidence of Kidney Cancer: a Weight-of-Evidence Evaluation and Meta-analysis. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:394-409. [PMID: 37889448 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00415-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Occupational asbestos exposure has been extensively linked to various cancers, with ongoing debates regarding its association with kidney cancer. This study aims to investigate the correlation between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer incidence. Additionally, potential influencing factors are analyzed to enhance the comprehension of the relationship between asbestos exposure and kidney cancer. RECENT FINDING While asbestos has established strong associations with malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, its connection to other malignancies such as gastric, colorectal, and kidney cancers remains under scrutiny. The current study presents mixed opinions on the relationship between asbestos exposure and kidney cancer. Our analysis revealed a potential association between asbestos exposure and the incidence of kidney cancer. Notably, among different types of asbestos, exposure to amphibole appeared to be particularly linked to a higher incident risk of kidney cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Shiuan Whitney Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Han Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Ngoc Dang Tran
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Grant and Innovation Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Cheng-Kuan Lin
- School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA.
- University Medical Shing Mark Hospital, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, Vietnam.
| | - Le An Pham
- Grant and Innovation Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Family Medicine, Hospital of University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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Loomis D, Dzhambov AM, Momen NC, Chartres N, Descatha A, Guha N, Kang SK, Modenese A, Morgan RL, Ahn S, Martínez-Silveira MS, Zhang S, Pega F. The effect of occupational exposure to welding fumes on trachea, bronchus and lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107565. [PMID: 36402034 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are the producers of the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury (WHO/ILO Joint Estimates). Welding fumes have been classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in IARC Monograph 118; this assessment found sufficient evidence from studies in humans that welding fumes are a cause of lung cancer. In this article, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of parameters for estimating the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years from trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer attributable to occupational exposure to welding fumes, to inform the development of WHO/ILO Joint Estimates on this burden of disease (if considered feasible). OBJECTIVES We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse estimates of the effect of any (or high) occupational exposure to welding fumes, compared with no (or low) occupational exposure to welding fumes, on trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer (three outcomes: prevalence, incidence, and mortality). DATA SOURCES We developed and published a protocol, applying the Navigation Guide as an organizing systematic review framework where feasible. We searched electronic databases for potentially relevant records from published and unpublished studies, including Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and CISDOC. We also searched grey literature databases, Internet search engines, and organizational websites; hand-searched reference lists of previous systematic reviews; and consulted additional experts. STUDY ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA We included working-age (≥15 years) workers in the formal and informal economy in any Member State of WHO and/or ILO but excluded children (<15 years) and unpaid domestic workers. We included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and other non-randomized intervention studies with an estimate of the effect of any (or high) occupational exposure to welding fumes, compared with occupational exposure to no (or low) welding fumes, on trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer (prevalence, incidence, and mortality). STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS At least two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria at a first review stage and full texts of potentially eligible records at a second stage, followed by extraction of data from qualifying studies. If studies reported odds ratios, these were converted to risk ratios (RRs). We combined all RRs using random-effects meta-analysis. Two or more review authors assessed the risk of bias, quality of evidence, and strength of evidence, using the Navigation Guide tools and approaches adapted to this project. Subgroup (e.g., by WHO region and sex) and sensitivity analyses (e.g., studies judged to be of "high"/"probably high" risk of bias compared with "low"/"probably low" risk of bias) were conducted. RESULTS Forty-one records from 40 studies (29 case control studies and 11 cohort studies) met the inclusion criteria, comprising over 1,265,512 participants (≥22,761 females) in 21 countries in three WHO regions (Region of the Americas, European Region, and Western Pacific Region). The exposure and outcome were generally assessed by job title or self-report, and medical or administrative records, respectively. Across included studies, risk of bias was overall generally probably low/low, with risk judged high or probably high for several studies in the domains for misclassification bias and confounding. Our search identified no evidence on the outcome of having trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer (prevalence). Compared with no (or low) occupational exposure to welding fumes, any (or high) occupational exposure to welding fumes increased the risk of acquiring trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer (incidence) by an estimated 48 % (RR 1.48, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.70, 23 studies, 57,931 participants, I2 24 %; moderate quality of evidence). Compared with no (or low) occupational exposure to welding fumes, any (or high) occupational exposure to welding fumes increased the risk dying from trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer (mortality) by an estimated 27 % (RR 1.27, 95 % CI 1.04-1.56, 3 studies, 8,686 participants, I2 0 %; low quality of evidence). Our subgroup analyses found no evidence for difference by WHO region and sex. Sensitivity analyses supported the main analyses. CONCLUSIONS Overall, for incidence and mortality of trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer, we judged the existing body of evidence for human data as "sufficient evidence of harmfulness" and "limited evidence of harmfulness", respectively. Occupational exposure to welding fumes increased the risk of acquiring and dying from trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer. Producing estimates for the burden of trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer attributable to any (or high) occupational exposure to welding fumes appears evidence-based, and the pooled effect estimates presented in this systematic review could be used as input data for the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates. PROTOCOL IDENTIFIER: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106089.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Loomis
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, the United States of America; Plumas County Public Health Agency, Plumas County, CA, the United States of America.
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute for Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
| | - Natalie C Momen
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nicholas Chartres
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, the United States of America.
| | - Alexis Descatha
- AP-HP (Paris Hospital "Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris"), Occupational Health Unit, University Hospital of West Suburb of Paris, Poincaré Site, Garches, France /Versailles St-Quentin Univ - Paris Saclay Univ (UVSQ), UMS 011, UMR-S 1168, France; Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, SFR ICAT, CAPTV CDC, Angers, France.
| | - Neela Guha
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, CA, the United States of America.
| | - Seong-Kyu Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Rebecca L Morgan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Seoyeon Ahn
- National Pension Research Institute, Jeonju-si, Republic of Korea.
| | | | - Siyu Zhang
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Frank Pega
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Welding Fumes, a Risk Factor for Lung Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072552. [PMID: 32276440 PMCID: PMC7177922 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Welding fumes (WFs) are composed of fine and ultrafine particles, which may reach the distal airways and represent a risk factor for respiratory diseases. (2) Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies to understand WFs pathogenesis were selected. Epidemiological studies, original articles, review, and meta-analysis to examine solely respiratory disease in welders were included. A systematic literature search, using PubMed, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Technical Information Center (NIOSHTIC), and Web of Science databases, was performed. (3) Results: Dose, time of exposure, and composition of WFs affect lung injury. Inflammation, lung defense suppression, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and genotoxic effects were observed after exposure both to mild and stainless steel WFs. (4) Conclusions: The detection of lung diseases associated with specific occupational exposure is crucial as complete avoidance or reduction of the exposure is difficult to achieve. Further studies in the area of particle research may aid the understanding of mechanisms involved in welding-related lung disease and to expand knowledge in welding-related cardiovascular diseases.
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Honaryar MK, Lunn RM, Luce D, Ahrens W, 't Mannetje A, Hansen J, Bouaoun L, Loomis D, Byrnes G, Vilahur N, Stayner L, Guha N. Welding fumes and lung cancer: a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:422-431. [PMID: 30948521 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 110 million workers are exposed to welding fumes worldwide. Welding fumes are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic to humans (group 1), based on sufficient evidence of lung cancer from epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVE To conduct a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies on welding or exposure to welding fumes and risk of lung cancer, accounting for confounding by exposure to asbestos and tobacco smoking. METHODS The literature was searched comprehensively in PubMed, reference lists of relevant publications and additional databases. Overlapping populations were removed. Meta-relative risks (mRRs) were calculated using random effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot, Eggers's test and Begg's test. RESULTS Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria (20 case-control, 25 cohort/nested case-control), which reduced to 37 when overlapping study populations were removed. For 'ever' compared with 'never' being a welder or exposed to welding fumes, mRRs and 95% CIs were 1.29 (1.20 to 1.39; I2=26.4%; 22 studies) for cohort studies, 1.87 (1.53 to 2.29; I2=44.1%; 15 studies) for case-control studies and 1.17 (1.04 to 1.38; I2=41.2%) for 8 case-control studies that adjusted for smoking and asbestos exposure. The mRRs were 1.32 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.45; I2=6.3%; 15 studies) among 'shipyard welders', 1.44 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.95; I2=35.8%; 3 studies) for 'mild steel welders' and 1.38 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.13; I2=68.1%; 5 studies) among 'stainless steel welders'. Increased risks persisted regardless of time period, geographic location, study design, occupational setting, exposure assessment method and histological subtype. CONCLUSIONS These results support the conclusion that exposure to welding fumes increases the risk of lung cancer, regardless of the type of steel welded, the welding method (arc vs gas welding) and independent of exposure to asbestos or tobacco smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Honaryar
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
- Service de médcine et addictologie, Centre Hospitalier des Quatre Villes (CH4V), Saint-Cloud et Sèvres, France
- Ecole des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP), Paris, France
| | - Ruth M Lunn
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Danièle Luce
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Wolfgang Ahrens
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Andrea 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, København, Denmark
| | | | - Dana Loomis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
- University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Graham Byrnes
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Nadia Vilahur
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
- European Commission, Italy
| | - Leslie Stayner
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois, School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Neela Guha
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, California, USA
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Borská L, Fiala Z, Andrýs C, Krejsek J, Tejral J. Health Risk of Occupational Exposure in Welding Processes II. Immunological Effects. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ) 2019. [DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2019.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Many of epidemiological studies have certified the relationship between welding and various forms of health damages. In our study we performed an immunological research within a group of twenty men, working in the risky environment of manufacturing of stainless steel constructions (11 welders and 9 grinders, average age was 31 years, 55 % of smokers, average time period in welding occupational exposure was 8 years). The exposed group of men was compared with a group of healthy blood donors, marked as the control group (people with various types of employment, living in same locality as a people from exposed group). People within the control group were not occupationally exposed to harmful chemical compounds (from 30 to 100 men were chosen for the individual immune parameters, average age of the whole group was 38 years, 40 % of smokers). When compared with the control group, the exposed group of welders and grinders showed higher level of C3 complement (p<0.001), orosomucoid (p<0.05), beta-2–microglobulin (p<0.001), neopterin (p<0.001) and all fagocytic cells (p<0.001). On the contrary, in the group of exposed people decreased values of IgA (p<0.001), IgG (p<0.001), IgM (p<0.001), transferin (p<0.001), alpha-1–antitrypsin (p<0.001), alpha-2–macroglobulin (p<0.001), haptoglobulin (p<0.001) and ceruloplasmin (p<0.05) were found. Some of these changes were characteristic for the exposed group. They could be considered as precursors of biological markers of effect for given type of exposure.
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Aksu İ, Anlar HG, Taner G, Bacanlı M, İritaş S, Tutkun E, Basaran N. Assessment of DNA damage in welders using comet and micronucleus assays. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2018; 843:40-45. [PMID: 31421737 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Welding technology is widely used in pressurized containers, thermal power plants, refineries, chemical facilities and steel structures. Welders are exposed to a number of hazardous compounds such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, electromagnetic fields, toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In the present study, 48 welders and an equal number of control subjects were evaluated for DNA damage in the whole blood and isolated lymphocytes using the comet assay. The genotoxic damage in buccal epithelial cells of subjects was determined by micronucleus (MN) assay. Metal(loids) such as Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, As, Cd and Pb levels in blood samples were evaluated by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results of this study showed that DNA damage in blood, isolated lymphocytes, and buccal epithelial cells were significantly higher in workers compared to the controls. Also, these workers had remarkably higher blood Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni and Pb levels. These results showed that occupational exposure to welding fumes may cause genotoxic damage that can lead to important health problems in the workers. More extensive epidemiological studies should be performed that enable the assessment of health risk in welding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- İldeniz Aksu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hatice Gül Anlar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bülent Ecevit University, 67600, Zonguldak, Turkey.
| | - Gökçe Taner
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Architecture and Engineering, Bursa Technical University, 16190, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Merve Bacanlı
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Servet İritaş
- The Council of Forensic Medicine, Branch Office of Ankara, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Engin Tutkun
- Bozok Univesity, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, 66200, Yozgat, Turkey.
| | - Nursen Basaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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MacLeod JS, Harris MA, Tjepkema M, Peters PA, Demers PA. Cancer Risks among Welders and Occasional Welders in a National Population-Based Cohort Study: Canadian Census Health and Environmental Cohort. Saf Health Work 2017; 8:258-266. [PMID: 28951802 PMCID: PMC5605892 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Welders are exposed to many known and suspected carcinogens. An excess lung cancer risk among welders is well established, but whether this is attributable to welding fumes is unclear. Excess risks of other cancers have been suggested, but not established. We investigated welding cancer risks in the population-based Canadian Census Health and Environmental Cohort. METHODS Among 1.1 million male workers, 12,845 welders were identified using Standard Occupational Classification codes and followed through retrospective linkage of 1991 Canadian Long Form Census and Canadian Cancer Registry (1992-2010) records. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models based on estimated risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and nasal, brain, stomach, kidney, and bladder cancers, and ocular melanoma. Lung cancer histological subtypes and risks by industry group and for occasional welders were examined. Some analyses restricted comparisons to blue-collar workers to minimize effects of potential confounders. RESULTS Among welders, elevated risks were observed for lung cancer [HR: 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.31], mesothelioma (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01-3.18), bladder cancer (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.15-1.70), and kidney cancer (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01-1.67). When restricted to blue-collar workers, lung cancer and mesothelioma risks were attenuated, while bladder and kidney cancer risks increased. CONCLUSION Excess risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma may be partly attributable to factors including smoking and asbestos. Welding-specific exposures may increase bladder and kidney cancer risks, and particular sources of exposure should be investigated. Studies that are able to disentangle welding effects from smoking and asbestos exposure are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill S. MacLeod
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Prevention and Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Anne Harris
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Prevention and Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Tjepkema
- Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A. Peters
- Departments of Sociology and Economics, University of New Brunswick Fredericton Campus, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Paul A. Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Prevention and Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- CAREX Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Matrat M, Guida F, Mattei F, Cénée S, Cyr D, Févotte J, Sanchez M, Menvielle G, Radoï L, Schmaus A, Woronoff AS, Luce D, Stücker I. Welding, a risk factor of lung cancer: the ICARE study. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:254-61. [PMID: 26865654 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-102964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between lung cancer and occupational exposure to welding activity in ICARE, a population-based case-control study. METHODS Analyses were restricted to men (2276 cases, 2780 controls). Welding exposure was assessed through detailed questionnaires, including lifelong occupational history. ORs were computed using unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for lifelong cigarette smoking and occupational exposure to asbestos. RESULTS Among the regular welders, welding was associated with a risk of lung cancer (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5), which increased with the duration (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.9 when duration >10 years), and was maximum 10-20 years since last welding. The risk was more pronounced in case of gas welding (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3), when the workpiece was covered by paint, grease, or other substances (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4) and when it was cleaned with chemical substances before welding. No statistically significant increase in lung cancer risk was observed among occasional welders. CONCLUSIONS Although these results should be confirmed, we showed that type of welding and mode of workpiece preparation are important determinants of the lung cancer risk in regular welders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Matrat
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France Faculté de médecine, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal, Service de Pneumologie et Pathologie Professionnelle, Créteil, France
| | - Florence Guida
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
| | - Francesca Mattei
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
| | - Sylvie Cénée
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
| | - Diane Cyr
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
| | - Joëlle Févotte
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Épidémiologique et de Surveillance Transport Travail Environnement (UMRESTTE), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marie Sanchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
| | - Gwenn Menvielle
- INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France UPMC Université de la Sorbonne, Université Paris 06, UMRS 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
| | - Loredana Radoï
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France Faculté de chirurgie dentaire, Université Paris Descartes, Montrouge, France
| | - Annie Schmaus
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Woronoff
- Registre des tumeurs du Doubs et du territoire de Belfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Danièle Luce
- INSERM U1085, IRSET, campus de Fouillole, Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe Université de Rennes 1, campus de Fouillole, Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Isabelle Stücker
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Equipe Epidémiologie des cancers, gènes et environnement, Villejuif, France
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10
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Li H, Hedmer M, Wojdacz T, Hossain MB, Lindh CH, Tinnerberg H, Albin M, Broberg K. Oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and DNA methylation in relation to low-to-moderate occupational exposure to welding fumes. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2015; 56:684-93. [PMID: 26013103 PMCID: PMC4755249 DOI: 10.1002/em.21958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that exposure to welding fumes is a risk factor for lung cancer. We examined relationships between low-to-moderate occupational exposure to particles from welding fumes and cancer-related biomarkers for oxidative stress, changes in telomere length, and alterations in DNA methylation. We enrolled 101 welders and 127 controls (all currently nonsmoking men) from southern Sweden. We performed personal sampling of respirable dust and measured 8-oxodG concentrations in urine using a simplified liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Telomere length in peripheral blood was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Methylation status of 10 tumor suppressor genes was determined by methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting analysis. All analyses were adjusted for age, body mass index, previous smoking, passive smoking, current residence, and wood burning stove/boiler at home. Welders were exposed to respirable dust at 1.2 mg/m(3) (standard deviation, 3.3 mg/m(3); range, 0.1-19.3), whereas control exposures did not exceed 0.1 mg/m(3) (P < 0.001). Welders and controls did not differ in 8-oxodG levels (β = 1.2, P = 0.17) or relative telomere length (β = -0.053, P = 0.083) in adjusted models. Welders showed higher probability of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) methylation in the unadjusted model (odds ratio = 14, P = 0.014), but this was not significant in the fully adjusted model (P = 0.052). Every working year as a welder was associated with 0.0066 units shorter telomeres (95% confidence interval -0.013 to -0.00053, P = 0.033). Although there were no clear associations between concentrations of respirable dust and the biomarkers, there were modest signs of associations between oxidative stress, telomere alterations, DNA methylation, and occupational exposure to low-to-moderate levels of particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Maria Hedmer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Tomasz Wojdacz
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Mohammad Bakhtiar Hossain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Christian H. Lindh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Håkan Tinnerberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Occupational and Environmental MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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11
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The epidemic status and risk factors of lung cancer in Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province, China. Front Med 2012; 6:388-94. [PMID: 23224416 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-012-0233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Xuanwei City (formerly known as Xuanwei County) locates in the northeastern of Yunnan Province and is rich in coal, iron, copper and other mines, especially the smoky (bituminous) coal. Unfortunately, the lung cancer morbidity and mortality rates in this region are among China's highest, with a clear upward trend from the mid-1970s to mid-2000s. In 2004-2005, the crude death rate of lung cancer was 91.3 per 100,000 in the whole Xuanwei City, while that for Laibin Town in this city was 241.14 per 100,000. The epidemiologic distribution (clustering patterns by population, time, and space) of lung cancer in Xuanwei has some special features, e.g., high incidence in rural areas, high incidence in females, and an early age peak in lung cancer deaths. The main factor that associates with a high rate of lung cancer incidence was found to be indoor air pollution caused by the indoor burning of smoky coal. To a certain extent, genetic defects are also associated with the high incidence of lung cancer in Xuanwei. Taken together, lung cancer in this smoky coal combustion region is a unique model for environmental factor-related human cancer, and the current studies indicate that abandoning the use of smoky coal is the key to diminish lung cancer morbidity and mortality.
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12
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Zeidler-Erdely PC, Erdely A, Antonini JM. Immunotoxicology of arc welding fume: worker and experimental animal studies. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 9:411-25. [PMID: 22734811 PMCID: PMC4696487 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.652783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Arc welding processes generate complex aerosols composed of potentially hazardous metal fumes and gases. Millions of workers worldwide are exposed to welding aerosols daily. A health effect of welding that is of concern to the occupational health community is the development of immune system dysfunction. Increased severity, frequency, and duration of upper and lower respiratory tract infections have been reported among welders. Specifically, multiple studies have observed an excess mortality from pneumonia in welders and workers exposed to metal fumes. Although several welder cohort and experimental animal studies investigating the adverse effects of welding fume exposure on immune function have been performed, the potential mechanisms responsible for these effects are limited. The objective of this report was to review both human and animal studies that have examined the effect of welding fume pulmonary exposure on local and systemic immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patti C Zeidler-Erdely
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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13
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Vallières E, Pintos J, Lavoué J, Parent MÉ, Rachet B, Siemiatycki J. Exposure to welding fumes increases lung cancer risk among light smokers but not among heavy smokers: evidence from two case-control studies in Montreal. Cancer Med 2012; 1:47-58. [PMID: 23342253 PMCID: PMC3544431 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated relationships between occupational exposure to gas and arc welding fumes and the risk of lung cancer among workers exposed to these agents throughout the spectrum of industries. Two population-based case-control studies were conducted in Montreal. Study I (1979-1986) included 857 cases and 1066 controls, and Study II (1996-2001) comprised 736 cases and 894 controls. Detailed job histories were obtained by interview and evaluated by an expert team of chemist-hygienists to estimate degree of exposure to approximately 300 substances for each job. Gas and arc welding fumes were among the agents evaluated. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer using logistic regression, adjusting for smoking history and other covariates. The two studies provided similar results, so a pooled analysis was conducted. Among all subjects, no significant association was found between lung cancer and gas welding fumes (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.9-1.4) or arc welding fumes (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.8-1.2). However, when restricting attention to light smokers, there was an increased risk of lung cancer in relation to gas welding fumes (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.7-4.8) and arc welding fumes (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3-3.8), with even higher OR estimates among workers with the highest cumulative exposures. In conclusion, there was no detectable excess risk of lung cancer due to welding fumes among moderate to heavy smokers; but among light smokers we found an excess risk related to both types of welding fumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vallières
- CHUM Research Center, University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada
| | - Javier Pintos
- CHUM Research Center, University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lavoué
- CHUM Research Center, University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Élise Parent
- INRS – Armand-Frappier Institute, University of QuebecLaval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bernard Rachet
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondon, UK
| | - Jack Siemiatycki
- CHUM Research Center, University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of MontrealMontreal, Quebec, Canada
- Guzzo-Cancer Research Society Chair in Environment and Cancer, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada
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14
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Kuo CH, Wang KC, Tian TF, Tsai MH, Chiung YM, Hsiech CM, Tsai SJ, Wang SY, Tsai DM, Huang CC, Tseng YJ. Metabolomic Characterization of Laborers Exposed to Welding Fumes. Chem Res Toxicol 2012; 25:676-86. [DOI: 10.1021/tx200465e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yin-Mei Chiung
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, No. 99, Lane 407, Hengke
Road, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Hsiech
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, No. 99, Lane 407, Hengke
Road, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Chiang-Ching Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611-4402, United States
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15
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Schulte PA, Pandalai S, Wulsin V, Chun H. Interaction of occupational and personal risk factors in workforce health and safety. Am J Public Health 2011; 102:434-48. [PMID: 22021293 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Most diseases, injuries, and other health conditions experienced by working people are multifactorial, especially as the workforce ages. Evidence supporting the role of work and personal risk factors in the health of working people is frequently underused in developing interventions. Achieving a longer, healthy working life requires a comprehensive preventive approach. To help develop such an approach, we evaluated the influence of both occupational and personal risk factors on workforce health. We present 32 examples illustrating 4 combinatorial models of occupational hazards and personal risk factors (genetics, age, gender, chronic disease, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, prescription drug use). Models that address occupational and personal risk factors and their interactions can improve our understanding of health hazards and guide research and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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16
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Krstev S, Stewart P, Rusiecki J, Blair A. Mortality among shipyard Coast Guard workers: a retrospective cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2007; 64:651-8. [PMID: 17881470 PMCID: PMC2078389 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2006.029652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mortality experience of 4702 (4413 men and 289 women) civilian workers in a US Coast Guard shipyard was evaluated. METHODS All workers employed at the shipyard between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1964 were included in the study and were followed through 31 December 2001 for vital status. Detailed shipyard and lifetime work histories found in the shipyard personnel records and job descriptions were evaluated. Workers were classified as likely exposed to any potential hazardous substances. In addition, 20 job groups were created on likely similar exposures. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated based on the general population of the state and adjusted for age, calendar period, sex and race. RESULTS The follow-up was successful for 93.3% of the workers. Among all men employed in the shipyard, there was an excess of mortality from all causes of death (SMR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.12), respiratory cancers (SMR 1.29; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.43), lung cancer (SMR 1.26; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.41), mesothelioma (SMR 5.07; 95% CI 1.85 to 11.03) and emphysema (SMR 1.44; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.99) and a decrease for cardiovascular diseases (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.00), vascular lesions of the central nervous system (SMR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.96), cirrhosis of the liver (SMR 0.38; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.57) and external causes of death (SMR 0.55; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.68). A similar pattern was observed for the men classified as exposed. No increasing trend of mortality was found with duration of employment in the shipyard, with the exception of mesothelioma (SMRs of 4.23 and 6.27 for <10 years and > or =10 years, respectively). In occupations with at least three cases and with an SMR of > or =1.3, the authors observed a significantly elevated mortality for lung cancer among machinists (SMR 1.60; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.29) and shipfitters, welders and cutters (SMR 1.34; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.65) and for oral and nasopharyngeal cancers among wood workers (SMR 6.20; 95% CI 2.27 to 13.50). CONCLUSION Employment in this Coast Guard shipyard revealed a small but significant excess mortality from all causes, lung cancer and mesothelioma, most of which is probably related to asbestos exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Krstev
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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17
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Antonini JM, Leonard SS, Roberts JR, Solano-Lopez C, Young SH, Shi X, Taylor MD. Effect of stainless steel manual metal arc welding fume on free radical production, DNA damage, and apoptosis induction. Mol Cell Biochem 2007; 279:17-23. [PMID: 16283511 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-005-8211-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Questions exist concerning the potential carcinogenic effects after welding fume exposure. Welding processes that use stainless steel (SS) materials can produce fumes that may contain metals (e.g., Cr, Ni) known to be carcinogenic to humans. The objective was to determine the effect of in vitro and in vivo welding fume treatment on free radical generation, DNA damage, cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction, all factors possibly involved with the pathogenesis of lung cancer. SS welding fume was collected during manual metal arc welding (MMA). Elemental analysis indicated that the MMA-SS sample was highly soluble in water, and a majority (87%) of the soluble metal was Cr. Using electron spin resonance (ESR), the SS welding fume had the ability to produce the biologically reactive hydroxyl radical (*OH), likely as a result of the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(V). In vitro treatment with the MMA-SS sample caused a concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage and lung macrophage death. In addition, a time-dependent increase in the number of apoptotic cells in lung tissue was observed after in vivo treatment with the welding fume. In summary, a soluble MMA-SS welding fume was found to generate reactive oxygen species and cause DNA damage, lung macrophage cytotoxicity and in vivo lung cell apoptosis. These responses have been shown to be involved in various toxicological and carcinogenic processes. The effects observed appear to be related to the soluble component of the MMA-SS sample that is predominately Cr. A more comprehensive in vivo animal study is ongoing in the laboratory that is continuing these experiments to try to elucidate the potential mechanisms that may be involved with welding fume-induced lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Antonini
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
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18
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Solano-Lopez C, Zeidler-Erdely PC, Hubbs AF, Reynolds SH, Roberts JR, Taylor MD, Young SH, Castranova V, Antonini JM. Welding fume exposure and associated inflammatory and hyperplastic changes in the lungs of tumor susceptible a/j mice. Toxicol Pathol 2006; 34:364-72. [PMID: 16844664 DOI: 10.1080/01926230600815122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that welding fume (WF) exposure increases lung cancer risk in welders. Epidemiology studies have failed to conclude that WF alone causes lung cancer and animal studies are lacking. We examined the course of inflammation, damage, and repair in the lungs of A/J mice, a lung tumor susceptible strain, caused by stainless steel WF. Mice were exposed by pharyngeal aspiration to 40 mg/kg of WF, silica, or saline. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 24 hours, 1 and 16 weeks to assess lung injury and inflammation and histopathology was done 1, 8, 16, 24, and 48 weeks postexposure. Both exposures increased inflammatory cells, lactate dehydrogenase and albumin at 24 hr and 1 week. At 16 weeks, these parameters remained elevated in silica-exposed but not WF-exposed mice. Histopathologic evaluation at 1 week indicated that WF induced bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia with associated cellular atypia, alveolar bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia (BAH) in peribronchiolar alveoli, and peribronchiolar lymphogranulomatous inflammation. Persistent changes included foci of histiocytic inflammation, fibrosis, atypical bronchiolar epithelial cells, and bronchiolar BAH. The principle changes in silica-exposed mice were histiocytic and suppurative inflammation, fibrosis, and alveolar BAH. Our findings that WF causes persistent bronchiolar and peribronchiolar epithelial changes, suggest a need for studies of bronchiolar changes after WF exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Solano-Lopez
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
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19
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Yiin JH, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Silver SR, Daniels RD, Kinnes GM, Zaebst DD, Couch JR, Kubale TL, Chen PH. Risk of Lung Cancer and Leukemia from Exposure to Ionizing Radiation and Potential Confounders among Workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Radiat Res 2005; 163:603-13. [PMID: 15913392 DOI: 10.1667/rr3373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Significantly elevated lung cancer deaths and statistically significantly positive linear trends between leukemia mortality and radiation exposure were reported in a previous analysis of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a modeling-based analysis that incorporates previously unanalyzed confounders in exploring the exposure-response relationship between cumulative external ionizing radiation exposure and mortality from these cancers among radiation-monitored workers in this cohort. The main analyses were carried out with Poisson regression fitted with maximum likelihood in linear excess relative risk models. Sensitivity analyses varying model components and using other regression models were conducted. The positive association between lung cancer risk and ionizing radiation observed previously was no longer present after adjusting for socioeconomic status (smoking surrogate) and welding fume and asbestos exposures. Excesses of leukemia were found to be positively, though not significantly, associated with external ionizing radiation, with or without including potential confounders. The estimated excess relative risk was 10.88% (95% CI -0.90%, 38.77%) per 10 mSv of radiation exposure, which was within the ranges of risk estimates in previous epidemiological studies (-4.1 to 19.0%). These results are limited by many factors and are subject to uncertainties of the exposure and confounder estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Yiin
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA.
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20
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Henderson DW, Rödelsperger K, Woitowitz HJ, Leigh J. After Helsinki: a multidisciplinary review of the relationship between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, with emphasis on studies published during 1997-2004. Pathology 2005; 36:517-50. [PMID: 15841689 DOI: 10.1080/00313020400010955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite an extensive literature, the relationship between asbestos exposure and lung cancer remains the subject of controversy, related to the fact that most asbestos-associated lung cancers occur in those who are also cigarette smokers: because smoking represents the strongest identifiable lung cancer risk factor among many others, and lung cancer is not uncommon across industrialised societies, analysis of the combined (synergistic) effects of smoking and asbestos on lung cancer risk is a more complex exercise than the relationship between asbestos inhalation and mesothelioma. As a follow-on from previous reviews of prevailing evidence, this review critically evaluates more recent studies on this relationship--concentrating on those published between 1997 and 2004--including lung cancer to mesothelioma ratios, the interactive effects of cigarette smoke and asbestos in combination, and the cumulative exposure model for lung cancer induction as set forth in The Helsinki Criteria and The AWARD Criteria (as opposed to the asbestosis-->cancer model), together with discussion of differential genetic susceptibility/resistance factors for lung carcinogenesis by both cigarette smoke and asbestos. The authors conclude that: (i) the prevailing evidence strongly supports the cumulative exposure model; (ii) the criteria for probabilistic attribution of lung cancer to mixed asbestos exposures as a consequence of the production and end-use of asbestos-containing products such as insulation and asbestos-cement building materials--as embodied in The Helsinki and AWARD Criteria--conform to, and are further consolidated by, the new evidence discussed in this review; (iii) different attribution criteria (e.g., greater cumulative exposures) are appropriate for chrysotile mining/milling and perhaps for other chrysotile-only exposures, such as friction products manufacture, than for amphibole-only exposures or mixed asbestos exposures; and (iv) emerging evidence on genetic susceptibility/resistance factors for lung cancer risk as a consequence of cigarette smoking, and potentially also asbestos exposure, suggests that genotypic variation may represent an additional confounding factor potentially affecting the strength of association and hence the probability of causal contribution in the individual subject, but at present there is insufficient evidence to draw any meaningful conclusions concerning variation in asbestos-mediated lung cancer risk relative to such resistance/susceptibility factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Henderson
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia.
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21
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Antonini JM, Taylor MD, Zimmer AT, Roberts JR. Pulmonary responses to welding fumes: role of metal constituents. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2004; 67:233-249. [PMID: 14681078 DOI: 10.1080/15287390490266909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that more than 1 million workers worldwide perform some type of welding as part of their work duties. Epidemiology studies have shown that a large number of welders experience some type of respiratory illness. Respiratory effects seen in full-time welders have included bronchitis, siderosis, asthma, and a possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of severity, duration, and frequency among welders. Inhalation exposure to welding fumes may vary due to differences in the materials used and methods employed. The chemical properties of welding fumes can be quite complex. Most welding materials are alloy mixtures of metals characterized by different steels that may contain iron, manganese, chromium, and nickel. Animal studies have indicated that the presence and combination of different metal constituents is an important determinant in the potential pneumotoxic responses associated with welding fumes. Animal models have demonstrated that stainless steel (SS) welding fumes, which contain significant levels of nickel and chromium, induce more lung injury and inflammation, and are retained in the lungs longer than mild steel (MS) welding fumes, which contain mostly iron. In addition, SS fumes generated from welding processes using fluxes to protect the resulting weld contain elevated levels of soluble metals, which may affect respiratory health. Recent animal studies have indicated that the lung injury and inflammation induced by SS welding fumes that contain water-soluble metals are dependent on both the soluble and insoluble fractions of the fume. This article reviews the role that metals play in the pulmonary effects associated with welding fume exposure in workers and laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Antonini
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
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Abstract
Many of the epidemiology studies performed are difficult to compare because of differences in worker populations, industrial settings, welding techniques, duration of exposure, and other occupational exposures besides welding fumes. Some studies were conducted in carefully controlled work environments, others during actual workplace conditions, and some in laboratories. Epidemiology studies have shown that a large number of welders experience some type of respiratory illness. Respiratory effects seen in full-time welders have included bronchitis, airway irritation, lung function changes, and a possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of severity, duration, and frequency among welders. Although epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increase in pulmonary illness after exposure to welding fumes, little information of the causality, dose-response, and possible underlying mechanisms regarding the inhalation of welding fumes exists. Even less information is available about the neurological, reproductive, and dermal effects after welding fume exposure. Moreover, carcinogenicity and short-term and long-term toxicology studies of welding fumes in animals are lacing or incomplete. Therefore, an understanding of possible adverse health effects of exposure to welding fumes is essential to risk assessment and the development of prevention strategies and will impact a large population of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Antonini
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Road (M/S 2015), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
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23
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Antonini JM, Lewis AB, Roberts JR, Whaley DA. Pulmonary effects of welding fumes: review of worker and experimental animal studies. Am J Ind Med 2003; 43:350-60. [PMID: 12645092 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.10194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one million workers worldwide perform welding as part of their work duties. Electric arc welding processes produce metal fumes and gases which may be harmful to exposed workers. METHODS This review summarizes human and animals studies which have examined the effect of welding fume exposure on respiratory health. An extensive search of the scientific and occupational health literature was performed, acquiring published articles which examined the effects of welding on all aspects of worker and laboratory animal health. The databases accessed included PubMed, Ovid, NIOSHTIC, and TOXNET. RESULTS Pulmonary effects observed in full-time welders have included metal fume fever, airway irritation, lung function changes, susceptibility to pulmonary infection, and a possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Although limited in most cases, animal studies have tended to support the findings from epidemiologic studies. CONCLUSIONS Despite the numerous studies on welding fumes, incomplete information still exists regarding the causality and possible underlying mechanisms associated with welding fume inhalation and pulmonary disease. The use of animal models and the ability to control the welding fume exposure in toxicology studies could be utilized in an attempt to develop a better understanding of how welding fumes affect pulmonary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Antonini
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
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