Single and Combined Exposure to Zinc- and Copper-Containing Welding Fumes Lead to Asymptomatic Systemic Inflammation

J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Feb;58(2):127-32. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000652.

Abstract

Objective: Recently, it has been shown that exposure to welding fumes containing both zinc and copper leads to asymptomatic systemic inflammation in humans as shown by an increase of blood C-reactive protein. In the present study, it was investigated which metal is responsible for this effect.

Methods: Fifteen healthy male subjects were exposed under controlled conditions to welding fumes containing either zinc, or copper, or copper and zinc.

Results: For each exposure blood C-reactive protein increased.

Conclusions: Copper- and zinc-containing welding fumes are able to induce systemic inflammation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / toxicity*
  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Copper / toxicity*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood
  • Inflammation / chemically induced*
  • Inflammation / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / blood
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Welding*
  • Zinc / toxicity*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Biomarkers
  • Copper
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Zinc