[Respiratory function evaluation in welders taking into account tecnological evolution of individual protection dispositive and risk specific information]. / Valutazione dei parametri di funzionalità respiratoria nelle attività di saldatura alla luce della evoluzione tecnologica dei DPI e di programmi di informazione e formazione mirati.

Aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of specific information program on DPI use on the functional respiratory parameters in a group of 15 welders compared with 18 welders not included in the program and 18 workers of industrial sector. Spirometryc parameters were recorded and compared and the results pointed out a significant increase of FEV1 and FVC in the study group compared with welder out of the study while no difference were observed between study group and workers of industrial sector. Results shown that the correct use of DPI could reduce the effects of welding fumes on respiratory tract making these effects equal to the exposure to industrial dusts.