АBSTRACTInhalation of inorganic particles results in activation of the alveolar macrophages with subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines and fibroblast proliferation. PURPOSE of this work was to analyze the serum levels of TNF-α and basic spirometric parameters in clinically healthy workers exposed to inorganic dust of different chemical composition. METHODS: the studied workers were divided into two groups depending on the characteristics of the dust: Group A (29 workers) exposed to dust from moulding mass for metal castings (quartz sand with added coal ash and bentonite) and Group B (31 workers) exposed to mixed dust composed mainly of iron and artificial abrasives. Determination of serum TNF-α was performed by ELISA kit, and the spirometric study with a portable spirometer. RESULTS: We found significant higher levels of TNF-α in workers from Group A (16,01±2,86pg/ml) compared to those Group B (14,49±2,03 pg/ml), p<0.02, and to the control group (13,94±2,23 pg/ml), p<0.001. There were no significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF between the two groups of workers exposed to dust. CONCLUSIONS: The chemical composition of inorganic aerosols affects the amount of released TNF-α, which is an early biomarker for assessing exposure to free crystalline silica.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to reveal whether people living in the villages Zmeyovo and Borilovo (where the highest rates of excessive and borderline heavy metal concentrations in plants had previously been registered) are at higher risk of combined exposure to lead, cadmium and nickel. METHODS: Blood levels of these heavy metals were studied in groups of 17 nonsmokers (9 females and 8 males) from each of the studied villages, and in a control group from a remote mountain village by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean blood levels of lead (56.48 and 19.93 μg/dL) and cadmium (3.36 and 0.95 μg/L) for Zmeyovo and Borilovo respectively were significantly higher than those in the control group. Mean nickel blood concentration was higher than controls for Zmeyovo only (2.17 μg/dL). Statistically significant correlations among blood levels of lead, cadmium and nickel were found, which suggested combined exposure. The mean concentrations of all the heavy metals studied were relatively higher than available data for the general population in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed an increased exposure to heavy metals among residents of the region. Implementation of screening programs, especially for children and young adults, is therefore advised.