Observed frequency of increased iron indices and associated factors in welders
Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health, cilt.81, sa.7-8, ss.171-182, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 81 Sayı: 7-8
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/19338244.2026.2671046
- Dergi Adı: Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Environment Index, MEDLINE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.171-182
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Ferritin, frequency, increased iron indices, transferrin saturation, welders
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Increased iron indices among welders are underrecognized. This study investigated their frequency and associated factors in an observational cross-sectional study including 55 male welders. Increased iron indices were defined as serum ferritin >400 µg/L and/or TS ≥45%. Standard statistical and regression analyses were used. Increased iron indices were identified in 25.5% of welders. Compared to those with normal indices, affected welders had longer employment duration. Iron parameters were significantly higher in the increased group (serum iron 139.6 vs. 93.3 µg/dL, ferritin 498.9 vs. 142.3 µg/L, TS 47.7% vs. 28.9%; all p<0.001). Liver enzymes were also higher in this group. Pulmonary siderosis was more prevalent (64.3% vs. 31.7%; p=0.032) and associated with increased iron indices (OR 3.88 [1.08–13.89]; p=0.037). Use of respiratory protective equipment was associated with lower frequency. Increased iron indices are common in welders, particularly with longer exposure and pulmonary siderosis, suggesting a need for routine monitoring.