Assessment of changes in the oxidative stress parameters induced by occupational exposure in welders

In recent years, the welding, which is an easier and faster technique than the mechanical methods in cutting and joining metals, is widely used by the manufacturers and repairers. The main potential hazards in welding are; the pollution of the workplace air (gas and fumes), electromagnetic radiation, electricity, noise, fire and explosion, as well as the exposure of welding fumes, is a problem in the workplace environment. It has been shown that welders are exposed to mainly hazardous metals and gases during welding. In welders, a strong relation has been observed with exposure to gases released during welding process and health problems such as bronchitis, wheezing, impaired pulmonary function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metal smoke fever, lung cancer, neurotoxicity. Also there are studies showing that occupational exposure may have adverse effects on the skin, eyes, kidney and reproductive system in welders. The inhalation of metal compounds and gases may produce free radicals in welders and cause oxidative damage. It is suggested that adverse effects of welding fume has been resulted from the oxidative damage. In this thesis, the biomarkers of oxidative damage due to occupational exposure in welders was investigated and the results were compared with their healthy controls. Glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione level in welders were found to be statistically significant lower, whereas glutathione reductase activity, malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxi-2-deoxyguanosine levels were found to be statistically significant higher than the controls. The amelioration of oxidative stress biomarkers seen in welders may be helpful in preventing the diseases to be occured in the future.