[Non-specific immunity of persons exposed to contaminants emitted by nitrogen plants]

The examinations of methemoglobin and properdine levels as well as of the function of peripheral blood leukocytes in the tetranitrozolic blue reduction test (NBT) were performed in the exposed persons. The obtained results were compared with those of the control group, using statistical methods. It has been found that in persons exposed to the emitted contaminants occurs the increase of methemoglobin level, the decrease of peoperdine level and a disturbed phagocytes function. The recorded changes in the factors of nonspecific immunology, i.e. of properdine and phagocytes, can favour the development of inflammatory processes and of nonspecific diseases of the respiratory system.