[The hematological and biochemical changes in workers exposed to benzol]

The study embraces 122 workers from two productions, where the leading chemical noxious in the working environment is benzol. The workers are distributed in groups according to the calculated index of exposure in view of looking for dependence dose-effect. Routine indices of peripheral blood are examined as well as the activity of myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase in leucocytes. An organ-orientated screening, most frequently used for assessing the state of the liver was used. In a large group of workers (mainly from those with high index of exposure) are established early changes in leucocytes: neutropenia, toxic granules, strongly inhibited alkaline phosphatase in the granulocytes and tendency to leukopenia. It was confirmed, that the strongly inhibited alkaline phosphatase, find, which is established also in other workers with benzol exposure, is an early sign for myelotoxic effect of benzol. The biochemical study of workers gives no data for deviations in the functional status of the liver. Single changes in the indices are found characterizing lipid metabolism in workers from Ist risk group of both productions.