This study evaluated the hazard caused by NO2, an oxidant generated in the process of welding. We compared hematological and biochemical parameters in workers who chronically inhale NO2 and office workers not exposed to NO2. NO2 exposure affected the hematological and biochemical parameters. Increasing NO2 concentrationincreased the number of leukocytes, while decreasing the number of erythrocytes. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase were increased, while total protein and triglycerides were decreased. The mean concentration of NOx(NO2-/ NO3-) in the serum of welders and the control group was 35.97±2.85 and 55.40±5.81 μmol/L, respectively. The difference was significant (p<0.05), although NO2- was not detected in the serum.

• Seong-Wook Jeong(School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Inje University) Corresponding Author
• Seung-Hyg Song(School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Inje University)
• Heung-Jai Park(School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Inje University)