ABSTRACT
The authors performed investigations in Phosphoric Fertilizers Works in Gdansk to find out whether or not the work environment contaminated by fluorine compounds affects the activity of lysozome--the protective enzyme of saliva. In some in vitro experiments lysozome activity in exposed workers' saliva was found to be significantly lowered, as opposed to that in unexposed workers. In vivo experiments did not indicate any effects of work conditions on the activity of this enzyme. The obtained results, in vivo and in vitro, do not demonstrate any clear effects of work environment in the Phosphoric Fertilizers Works in Gdansk, upon lysozome activity in workers' saliva.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Occupational/toxicity , Air Pollutants/toxicity , Fluorine/toxicity , Muramidase/deficiency , Saliva/enzymology , Adult , Chemical Industry , Fertilizers , Humans , In Vitro Techniques , Male , Middle Aged , PolandABSTRACT
Assuming that fluorine is a strong inhibitor of phosphatases, the activity of acid phosphatase in the saliva of 42 phosphorus fertilizers plant workers was studied. The workers were chronically exposed to fluorine compounds. Saliva had been collected for studies before the workers entered the productive plant and after the 1st and 2nd working hour. Enzyme activity was determined by Bessey and Lowry's method and was related to both the volume of the saliva and total protein level. The studies revealed a significant decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase after the 1st and 2nd working hour in those working in the division with a higher exposure to fluorine compounds. The results of these studies were confirmed by in vitro studies carried out additionally. Taking into account biological activity of acid phosphatase it seems that the observed phenomenon of inhibiting enzymatic activity may be connected with the frequency of parodontopathy in the studied group of workers. The results of these studies may be used for working out a biological test of workers' exposure.
Subject(s)
Acid Phosphatase/metabolism , Fluorine/pharmacology , Occupational Medicine , Saliva/enzymology , Acid Phosphatase/antagonists & inhibitors , Environmental Exposure , HumansSubject(s)
Mouth Diseases/etiology , Sulfur/adverse effects , DMF Index , Environmental Exposure , Humans , Occupational Dentistry , Oral Hygiene Index , PolandABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical state of the mucosa of the oral cavity, the paradontium and dentition in workers of Siarkopol in Gdansk. Stomatologic examinations were performed in 105 workers who had been exposed to the action of sulphur dust. The subjects examined, showed inflammatory changes in the mucosa of the oral cavity (72,4%) and nontypical erosion of tooth enamel (11,4%). 74,28% of the subjects examined showed changes in the paradontium. The oral cavity of all Siarkopol workers was found to be in a poor state of hygiene.
