Lobar pneumonia is an occupational disease of welders. This elevated risk is predominantly due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), where the danger is thought to be related to the inhalation of ferrous metal fumes. It has been suggested that free iron may promote infections either by acting as a growth nutrient for bacteria or by causing free radical injury.

 

An article by Palmer and Cosgrove appearing in the "U.S. National Library of Medicine" suggests that vaccinations could save the lives of welders. The article references an in-depth review on vaccinating welders against pneumonia 2, the type caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It describes the first instance of global deployment of a pneumococcal vaccination program for welders within a multi-national corporation, in this case Alcoa Corporation, which employs welders to fabricate and maintain plant and equipment at operating locations

 

Twelve months after starting the program, 241 of 767 welders across six countries were vaccinated. While preliminary, the results indicate that global deployment of pneumococcal vaccination for welders can be successfully undertaken by a multi-national corporation. The conclusion is that adoption of this practice by corporations could reduce the incidence and mortality of pneumonia among welders globally.

 

For more information about pneumonia, its dangers and various forms, click HERE.