PT Journal AU Ambroise, D Wild, P Moulin, J TI Update of a meta-analysis on lung cancer and welding SO Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PD 2VL PY 2006 BP 22 EP 31 IS 1 DI 10.5271/sjweh.973 WP https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=973 DE epidemiologic study; heterogeneity; lung cancer; meta-analysis; publication bias; stainless steel; welding SN 0355-3140 AB '

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OBJECTIVES ': 'This study is an update, over the period 1954–2004, of a previous meta-analysis completed in 1994. It was aimed at assessing lung cancer risk among welders, while addressing heterogeneity, publication bias, and confounding issues.

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METHODS ': 'Combined relative risks (CRR) and their variances were calculated using fixed and random effects models. Heterogeneity was tested using the Q statistic. The publication bias was estimated using funnel plots, and Egger’s regression and partially controlled by excluding studies with positive reporting bias.

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RESULTS ': 'The literature provided 60 studies eligible for the meta-analysis. No heterogeneity was observed. The fixed effect CRR for all of the welders and all of the studies was 1.26 (95% CI 1.20–1.32) after partial control of publication bias. No difference was observed according to welding activities. Smoking did not appear to be a marked confounder in the relationship between lung cancer and welding, but the effect of asbestos could not be assessed.

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CONCLUSIONS ': 'The meta-analysis showed a 26% excess of lung cancer for welders without any difference according to welding activities.

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