[Immunological profile of workers occupationally exposed to chlorine]

Immunological profile of 42 men working under exposure to chlorine for a period from 2 to 38 years was analysed. Toxicological analyses of air samples which were carried out for 20 years showed similar chlorine concentration ranging from 0.21 to 1.05 mg/m3. The number of B, T, and non-B, non-T lymphocytes was determined as well as the C3c, C4 complement components and proteins of acute phase reaction: alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein, haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin in the serum. Chronic exposure to chlorine produced a stimulating effect on the immune system, which was manifested by elevated IgA, IgD and IgM levels, the concentration of acute phase reaction proteins and increased number of B lymphocytes. The observed phenomenon had no influence on the antibacterial and anticancer immunity of the workers.