[Phototoxic reactions in employees of the Polish railway service]

Clinical examinations and photo-toxic testing with substances containing aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons were carried out in 71 Polish railway workers involved in the use of impregnating solutions for wood preservation of railway ties. Characteristic dermatological manifestations of increased solar sensitivity were observed. Tests with photo-toxic substances (e.g. liquor carbonis detergens, pure coal tar and pure anthracen) revealed up to 40.7% positive results.