Health risks of welding fumes: A review to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress levels and trace metals in body fluids of welders

Background: Welding fumes (WFs) contain heavy metals that can induce oxidative stress and health issues in welders. This review investigated the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and trace metals in welders’ bodily fluids. Methods: Online databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were reviewed, with a specific emphasis on the effects of metal fume exposure during welding. Specific keywords such as “welding fumes”, “metal fumes”, “antioxidant enzymes”, “biomarkers”, and similar terms were employed to search for articles published between 2004 and 2023. After the evaluation of article titles and abstracts, this study reviewed a total of 19 articles. Results: Studies suggest that welders experience oxidative stress due to changes in trace metals in their body fluids, affecting antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress biomarkers. Elevated heavy metals in welders’ biological samples lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, even at low levels. Certain metals in blood and urine, such as lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), positively correlate with serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. There is also a significant positive correlation between serum/EBC MDA and blood/urine Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, and Fe, indicating cellular damage, lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant capacity. Additionally, welders may experience more DNA damage compared to non-welders. Conclusion: Exposure to WFs significantly altered oxidative stress biomarkers in bodily fluids, underscoring the importance of the relationship between oxidative stress and trace metal imbalances in WF-related injuries. These factors could serve as valuable biomarkers for monitoring workers exposed to WFs.