Radiological abnormalities in electric-arc welders

Br J Ind Med. 1978 May;35(2):117-22. doi: 10.1136/oem.35.2.117.

Abstract

Chest radiographs of 661 British electric-arc welders have been examined by three film readers experienced in the radiology of pneumoconiosis. About 7% of the welders showed signs of small rounded opacities of category 0/1 or greater. No definite evidence of large opacities (Progressive Massive Fibrosis) was seen. The prevalence of chest abnormalities other than pneumoconiosis was 7%. A clear association between prevalence of small rounded opacities of category 0/1 or greater and years of exposure to fumes was established, although few signs of severe grades of simple pneumoconiosis were seen.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumoconiosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Scotland
  • Welding*