Dermal and Bronchial Responsiveness of Aluminium Smelter Workers

Abstract

Dermal and Bronchial Responsiveness of Aluminium Smelter Workers: Evgenije Hošovski, et al. Health Center. Department of Occupational Medicine Uzice-Tests on dermal and bronchial responsiveness were carried out in aluminium smelter workers (exposed group, n=127), and in office workers (control group, n=49). All the participants were male, apparently healthy, and tobacco non-smokers. The studied groups were comparable for all parameters used, but not for occupational environment conditions (i, e. aluminium and other toxic noxae exposure). Patch and prick cutaneous test revealed hypersensitive reaction to pure aluminium, aluminium smelter dust, and histamine in a significant number of exposed workers. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine (but not to aluminium aerosol) was found in 38.5% of exposed workers, versus 2.0% of the control group. The research showed that mean values for IgA and IgG (but not IgE and IgM), were considerably higher in the serum of exposed workers. In respect to genetic markers, no important difference between the groups studied in alpha- 1 -anti-trypsin values in serum was noted. The changes noted lead to the conclusion that there is an immunological disturbance in workers exposed for a long time to toxic compounds (mainly aluminium) in an aluminum smelter. Present knowledge cannot explain these findings by the adverse effects of aluminium alone.