Introduction: The welding process produces visible smoke that contains
harmful metal fume and gas by-products which may have deleterious effects
on the respiratory system. Aim of Work: To study the prevalence of respiratory
symptoms and diseases, and to detect the changes in pulmonary functions and
chest X rays among welders. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional
study was conducted in the Shuaiba industrial area, Kuwait. Two hundred and
thirty-five welders and 155 unexposed workers were interviewed using the
British Medical Research Council questionnaire; clinical examination (general
and local to the chest) was done. Workers underwent measurements of lung
functions, and chest X rays were performed and interpreted, according to the
ILO classification of pneumoconiosis. Cases suggestive of pneumoconiosis
underwent high-resolution CT scanning. Results: Exposure to welding
fumes significantly increased the prevalence of chronic cough in the early
morning, it was 1.74 times fold higher compared with unexposed workers.
Chronic bronchitis was more prevalent among welders, but the result was
not statistically significant. Metal fume fever was experienced by 23.4% of
the studied welders, the majority reported one or two attacks per year, and  
attacks usually lasted for one or two days. The frequency of sick leaves was
significantly higher among welders (35.74%) compared with unexposed
workers (14.19%), and was mainly due to respiratory diseases, followed
by musculoskeletal disorders, and injuries. Lung function indices (LFIs)
(FVC, FEVI, FEV1%, PEFR, FEF75%, FEF50%, and FEF25%) showed significant
decrements among welders after adjusting for age, height, weight, and
smoking, moreover, increase in the duration of exposure to welding fumes was
significantly associated with a decrease in lung functions after allowing for the
effect of confounders. Findings suggestive of pneumoconiosis were observed
among welders. Conclusion: Welding fumes had significant adverse effects on
the respiratory system of welders and safety measures should be encouraged
among workers.