Immunological profile of workers occupationally exposed to chlorine
Moszczyński, P.; Słowiński, S.
Medycyna Pracy 43(4): 303-308
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0465-5893 PMID: 1453946 Document Number: 395498
Immunological profile of 42 men working under exposure to chlorine for a period from 2 to 38 years was analyzed. Toxicological analyses of air samples which were carried out for 20 years showed similar chlorine concentration ranging from 0.21 to .105 mg/m-2. The number of B, T, and non-B, non-T lymphocytes was determined as well as the C3c, C4 complement components and proteins of acute phase reaction: alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein, haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin in the serum. Chronic exposure to chlorine produced a stimulating effect on the immune system, which was manifested by elevated IgA, IgD and IgM levels, the concentration of acute phase reaction proteins and increased number of B lymphocytes. The observed phenomenon had no influence on the antibacterial and anticancer immunity of the workers.