RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown an increase of C-reactive-protein (CRP) after exposure to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exposure to zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes on leukocytes, their subtypes, and myeloperoxidase (MPO). METHODS: Serum samples of male volunteers were examined after exposures to welding fumes in two settings: repeated exposure on 4 consecutive days for 6âhours and single exposures for different times (3, 4, 5âhours). RESULTS: Neutrophil granulocyte and MPO levels showed increases 24âhours after single and repeated exposures for 6âhours similar to CRP increases reported in literature. Overall leukocyte levels and levels of monocytes and lymphocytes were not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the involvement of neutrophil granulocytes in welding fume fever additional to mediator related effects.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar , Cobre/efeitos adversos , Neutrófilos/citologia , Exposição Ocupacional , Soldagem , Zinco/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/efeitos adversos , Biomarcadores , Humanos , Inflamação , Exposição por Inalação/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Neutrófilos/enzimologia , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Peroxidase/análiseRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Inhalation of copper and zinc containing brazing fumes (2.5âmg/m for 6âhours) is able to induce asymptomatic systemic inflammation which is supposed to be connected with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In this study it was investigated if inflammation can be prevented by reducing the exposure time. METHODS: A total of 15 healthy male subjects were exposed to such brazing fumes in a crossover design for 3, 4, and 5âhours in randomized order. Before and 24âhours after exposure, blood samples were taken and c-reactive protein (CRP) as marker for an acute phase reaction was measured. RESULTS: Five-hour exposure induced an increase of CRP, whereas the shorter exposure times did not result in a significant inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing daily exposure times below 5âhours is able to prevent systemic inflammatory reactions.