[Changes in the liver function of workers exposed to petroleum products]

The function of the liver is examined in 120 workers (at 52 controls) in biological purification of the waters in a petrochemical plant, exposed to above the norm concentrations of strong hepatotropic chemical substances: benzene, toluene, styrene, aldehydes, ketones, mercaptans, acrylonitrile, octanole, butanol. etc. The established hyperenzymia, hyperlipaemia and significant reduction of glutathione in certain per cent of the workers (from 7 to 31% at different indices) points out an effect of the above mentioned toxic substances on the enzymic, lipidic and detoxic function of the liver. This proves the presence of certain potential risk for those working in this production and especially workers engaged in repair and technology process.