[Examination of the respiratory tract in workers occupationally exposed to beryllium]

Owing to the fact that in our home literature there are no data concerning evaluation of respiratory tract status in persons occupationally exposed to beryllium, a population of one plant, exposed to beryllium in concentrations less than the MAC was subject to x-ray of chest, extended functional tests of lungs and examinations of blood gases. In the group under study, one found in 13% deviation in lungs' x-ray with limited intraparenchymatous changes, and in 46% a decrease in lungs' ventilating reservers of a small degree. Association of radiological changes with imperfection of lungs' ventilating reserve of restrictive type was found in one man who was removed from the work in exposure to beryllium, as a person with an increased risk of falling ill.