Correlates of oxidative stress and free-radical activity in serum from asymptomatic shipyard welders.

Rationale: Oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in the development of welding-induced disease.

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of welding fume exposure on correlates of oxidative stress in the serum of asymptomatic shipyard welders.

Methods: Blood samples from 197 male welders and 150 unexposed male office workers were analyzed for manganese and lead.