Comparative Study of Lung Functional Tests in Zahedan Welders

Welding is defined as linking two metals with a local conjunction in sufficient thermal, pressing and metallurgical condition. There are several methods for linking two metals in welding. Welding is one of the professional jobs in Iran, yet there have not been considerable studies on its harmful effects. The current study aimed to compare lung functional tests between welders and non-welders. A descriptive-analytical study was done on 110 subjects including: 55 welders (as case group) and 55 non-welders (as control group) in Zahedan, Iran. Samples were selected non-randomly. All spirometric indices were examined in both groups and reported as Mean ± SD and analyzed by appropriate statistical tests by SPSS software. The data indicated that all measured spirometric indices decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in welders compared to the control group. Also, reverse relation was observed between welding history and lung functional tests (P < 0.01). Fume inhalation resulted from metal welding can lead to inappropriate changes in lung tissue and respiratory complication which finally cause symptoms as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.