Risk of lung cancer among welders and flame cutters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case controlled studies.

Objectives: The process of flame-cutting and welding is believed to be highly hazardous for workers involved in related industries. The study aims to provide a comprehensive quantitative effect of the risk of lung cancer due to exposure to welding fumes.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to extract published estimates of Odd's Ratio (OR) of the association of lung cancer and exposure to welding fumes, till 2022. Studies were extracted from the PubMed and Cochrane database and Google Scholar. Studies from all parts of the world were considered. Through a meta-analysis conducted with random effects model, a forest plot was created, and publication bias was checked using a funnel plot.

Results: The meta-analysis yielded an OR of 1.28 (95% CI 1.055-1.55), with a moderately high heterogeneity between the studies [I=72%; T=0.0524;Q=36.12(P<0.001)]. The sensitivity and influence analysis confirmed the absence of highly influential studies that may have led to potentially distorted outcomes. The funnel plot showed no evidence of publication bias among the studies included in this analysis.

Conclusion: As the association between lung cancer and occupational hazards from exposure to welding fumes is certain, there is a need to control and regulate industrial activities that involve welding and flame cutting. Already, restrictions on safe levels of fume in the workplace are in operation.