Alveolar macrophages from expectorates as indicators of pulmonary irritation in primary aluminum reduction plant workers.

According to a method (the AM-test) previously developed by us, the counting of alveolar macrophages (AM) from expectorates provides an estimation of the potential pulmonary insult from occupational air pollution +/- smoking. In this article we demonstrate a relationship between the number of AM and self-registered pulmonary symptoms and complaints. Employees from different workplaces in a primary aluminum reduction plant gave expectorate samples for the AM-test. A gradient in the number of AM was observed, with increasing AM numbers from the controls to the administration employees to the potroom workers, who had the highest numbers. Pulmonary symptoms and complaints were recorded by means of a questionnaire. A clear covariation between AM numbers and respiratory symptoms and complaints was observed and was most pronounced at the highest pollution levels (in the potrooms). We therefore suggest that the AM-test may serve as an effect indicator as well as a dose indicator.

Alveolar macrophage count as an indicator of lung reaction to industrial air pollution.

The major proportion of the cellular components found in most of the sputa from persons working in polluted atmospheres are alveolar macrophages, and counts of the alveolar macrophages present in smears made from sputa from exposed workers probably reflect the lung reaction to air pollution. An investigation of this phenomenon was undertaken using the sputa of workers in different types of industries: a coke plant, two different aluminum reduction plants, a ship-building yard and asphalt work on a road. The results showed that the alveolar macrophage count increases with a higher level of particulate pollution in the workplace. A synergistic effect of occupational air pollution and smoking habits was also recorded.

Pulmonary distributions of lead in human subjects.

The concentration of lead in five lung segments and in regional lymph nodes was determined post mortem in ten subjects by atomic absorption technique. In each case there was a considerable variation in the concentration of lead in different lung segments, and, in general, the apical segment in the upper lobe tended to be more contaminated than segments in the lower lobes. With one exception, the lead levels in the regional lymph nodes exceeded those of the lung segments. Individual differences in the distribution of lead in the lungs may be due to differences both in exposure and physiological response. When comparative analyses are made, we suggest that samples be taken from the same and preferably the basal segments of the lung.

Determination of lead in human lungs by direct flameless atomic absorption analysis of small tissue samples.

The direct-atomization technique of flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy has shown to be a useful and accurate method when applied to determination of the concentration of lead in human lung tissue. The analytical results are highly reproducible and agree with those obtained by the conventional flame atomic absorption technique.