Changes concerning the external structure of peritoneal macrophages, due to the DQ-12 standard dust.

The cytotoxic activity of the DQ-12 standard dust on the external structure of peritoneal macrophages, after intraperitoneal introduction, was investigated, vs nontreated macrophages, and kept in in vitro cultures for 3, 6, and 24 hr. The alterations related to the external structure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), clearly showing that cell damage can take place when the dust contacts the external surface of the cell, as already shown by the work of Johnson and Davies (paper presented at the International Workshop on the in Vitro Effects of Mineral Dusts, South Wales, U.K., 1979) and Miller (Environ. Res. 20, 162-182, 1979).

Physical activity in modern industry.

The research carried out in order to estimate the physical effort under the present circumstances of the industrial technological development have pointed out that most of the activities in the heavy industry branches are now carried on within the frame of medium load. An evident trend was found of extending the activities implying light work in mechanized mining, automatic glass-processing, thermo-power stations, but tasks requiring high energy cost are still in forestry, mining, building. Significant differences in the physical capacity related to the level of occupational physical load have been revealed. Experimental working regimens as well as programmes of gynmastics during the breaks of the shift in activities of lower physical effort proved to have a beneficial effect on performance, on work capacity and fatigue prevention. Maximum permissible duration of loads carried by women and factors of stress were also assessed in occupational activities where women are employed in increasing number. The present problems of physical activity in industry require further research into: more detailed aspects connected with the increase of static effort, effect of physically active recreation, methods for improving physical capacity. Further studies are also expected to assess and evaluate physical effort in new occupations.

Recent progress in the study of occupational lung diseases in Romania.

This paper reviews studies of occupational lung diseases in Romania in the last two decades. Work concerned with the effects of exposure to textile fibres, irritant gases and fumes in the chemical industry, welding fumes, asbestos, cadmium oxide, and the relation between dust exposure, pneumoconiosis, and chronic bronchitis is briefly presented.