This is a review of three Scandinavian studies of ischemic heart disease (IHD) among welders. The three studies were not biased by comparison with national rates. The Copenhagen Male Study, comprising 3321 men, revealed an increased risk of myocardial infarction among workers exposed to both welding and soldering fumes. In a Norwegian study of stainless steel welders and metal workers, an increased risk for myocardial infarction was observed [odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1–4.9]. Male welders and gas cutters were identified in the Swedish national censuses of 1990 and followed until the end of 1995. The IHD mortality among the welders was compared with that of gainfully employed men. Increased mortality due to IHD was observed (standardized mortality ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.1–1.6). Additional studies are needed to describe the dose–response relationships between welding fume exposures and the effects on inflammatory markers and the occurrence of IHD.

Key terms ABO blood groups; blood groop; C-reactive protein; fibrinogen; IHD; interleukin-6; ischemic heart disease; review; Scandinavia; welding