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Arc welding and airway disease

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Abstract

Fume from arc welding has long been suspected to cause various lung diseases. This paper, developed by Commission VIII of the International Institute of Welding (Health Safety and Environment), summarises the epidemiological evidence for fume and airway disease including asthma, chronic obstructive airway disease and accelerated loss of lung function. Whilst the epidemiological evidence for the link between these conditions remains limited, a precautionary approach is recommended by Commission VIII and clear guidelines regarding control of fume are given.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank all the members of Commission VIII of the International Institute of Welding for their tremendous support, advice and cooperation in developing and writing this document.

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  1. Occupational Health Department, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Skipton Road, Keighley, BD20 6TD, UK

    Martin Cosgrove

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  1. Martin Cosgrove
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Correspondence to Martin Cosgrove.

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Doc. IIW-2487, recommended for publication by Commission VIII “Health, Safety and Environment”

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Cosgrove, M. Arc welding and airway disease. Weld World 59, 1–7 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-014-0172-5

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