Human nasal mucosal C-reactive protein responses after inhalation of ultrafine welding fume particles: positive correlation to systemic C-reactive protein responses

Exposures to occupationally relevant ultrafine, zinc- and copper-containing welding fumes cause inflammatory responses involving systemic IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), all associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular events. We investigated whether the systemic response is preceded by nasal inflammatory reactions. Fifteen nonsmoking male subjects were exposed for 6 h under controlled conditions to zinc-/copper-containing welding fumes (at 2.5 mg/m