[Epidemiological characteristics analysis of pulmonary function abnormalities among workers exposed to welding fumes in workplaces in Tianjin].

Objective: To investigate the three-dimensional distribution and associated risk factors of pulmonary function abnormalities among welders in Tianjin from 2020 to 2024, and to provide evidence for strengthening occupational health surveillance of workers exposed to welding fumes. Methods: In May 2025, data were collected from the Tianjin Occupational Disease and Health Hazard Surveillance System on all active and retired workers occupationally exposed to welding fumes across all district-level administrative regions of Tianjin from 2020 to 2024. Their pulmonary function examination results were collected to describe the distribution characteristics of pulmonary function abnormalities by region, population, and industry category. A generalized linear mixed model was constructed using workers who participated in more than two pulmonary function tests from 2020 to 2024 to explore the factors influencing pulmonary function abnormalities among workers exposed to welding fumes. Results: The prevalence of pulmonary function abnormalities among workers exposed to welding fumes in Tianjin from 2020 to 2024 was 12.29% (12197/99265), with the highest rate in 2021 (20.29%, 2567/12649). The workers with pulmonary function abnormalities were mainly male (11628, accounting for 95.33%) and≥35 years old (7961, accounting for 65.27%). The regions of Binhai New Area (6640, accounting for 54.44%) and the automotive manufacturing industry (2609, accounting for 21.39%) had the highest proportion of workers with pulmonary function abnormalities. The generalized linear mixed model analysis showed that males (OR=1.91, 95%CI: 1.56-2.33) and employment in small and micro enterprises (OR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.02-1.24) were risk factors for pulmonary function abnormalities (P<0.05). Each additional year of service was associated with a 2% increased risk of pulmonary function abnormalities (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03, P<0.01) . Conclusion: The prevalence of pulmonary function abnormalities among workers exposed to welding fumes in Tianjin is relatively high. It is necessary to strengthen occupational health monitoring for workers in key regions and key industries, and to continuously carry out monitoring of occupational hazard factors in the enterprises to protect the occupational health of workers.