Premium
Detection of occult lung impairment in welders by induced sputum particles and breath oxidation
Author(s) -
Fireman Elizabeth,
Lerman Yehuda,
Stark Moshe,
Schwartz Yehuda,
Ganor Eliezer,
Grinberg Nili,
Frimer Ron,
Landau Dan Avi,
Zilberberg Michal,
Barenboim Erez,
Jacovovitz Reuben
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20586
Subject(s) - exhaled breath condensate , medicine , asymptomatic , sputum , gastroenterology , hydrogen peroxide , spirometry , oxidative stress , pathology , tuberculosis , chemistry , asthma , organic chemistry
Abstract Background We evaluated particulate matter in combined induced sputum (IS) and oxidation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) to test whether underlying inflammatory changes are present in asymptomatic welders. Methods Thirty welders from the Israel Defense Forces exposed to aluminum/iron (Group 1) or to cadmium/chromium/iron/lead/nickel (Group 2, N = 16) and 27 non‐exposed administrators were studied. IS was recovered, particle size distribution, hydrogen peroxide and pH were measured, and exhaled breath condensate was collected. Results Group 2 had a higher % neutrophils than all other participants ( P = 0.0001) and a higher % particles >2 µm in diameter ( P = 0.0017). Percent particles and years of exposure highly correlated ( P = 0.051). All welders EBC samples had higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than controls ( P = 0.0001). pH was lower only for Group 2 ( P = 0.0001). Conclusions Combined IS and EBC measurements detect underlying inflammation in airways of asymptomatic welders. It emerged that airway inflammation is present in asymptomatic welders, and that the particle burden, inflammatory cells, and level of oxidative stress are a function of the type and the duration of welding. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:503–511, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.