Relation between biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate and internal exposure to metals from gas metal arc welding

Concerning possible harmful components of welding fumes, besides gases and quantitative aspects of the respirable welding fumes, particle-inherent metal toxicity has to be considered. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect markers leukotriene B-4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and 8-isoprostane (8-Iso PGF(2 alpha)) as well as the acid-base balance (pH) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of 43 full-time gas metal arc welders (20 smokers) in relation to welding fume exposure. We observed different patterns of iron, chromium and nickel in respirable welding fumes and EBC. Welders with undetectable chromium in EBC (group A, n = 24) presented high iron and nickel concentrations. In this group, higher 8-iso PGF(2 alpha) and LTB4 concentrations could be revealed compared to welders with detectable chromium and low levels of both iron and nickel in EBC (group B): 8-iso PGF(2 alpha) 443.3 pg mL(-1) versus 247.2 pg mL(-1); p = 0.001 and LTB4 30.5 pg mL(-1) versus 17.3 pg mL(-1); p = 0.016. EBC-pH was more acid in samples of group B (6.52 versus 6.82; p = 0.011). Overall, effect markers in welders were associated with iron concentrations in EBC according to smoking habits-non-smokers/smokers: LTB4 (r(s) = 0.48; p = 0.02/r(s) = 0.21; p = 0.37), PGE(2) (r(s) = 0.15; p = 0.59/r(s) = 0.47; p = 0.07), 8-iso PGF(2 alpha) (r(s) = 0.18; p = 0.54/r(s) = 0.59; p = 0.06). Sampling of EBC in occupational research provides a matrix for the simultaneous monitoring of metal exposure and effects on target level. Our results suggest irritative effects in the airways of healthy welders. Further studies are necessary to assess whether these individual results might be used to identify welders at elevated risk for developing a respiratory disease.