Histological Changes, Rhinoscopical Findings and Nickel Concentration in Plasma and Urine in Retired Nickel Workers

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Histological examination of nasal biopsy specimens, rhinoscopical evaluation and Ni analysis in plasma and urine were performed on 59 retired nickel workers. Histological characteristics were graded according to a numerical classification table. Workers with short employment and short retirement time had a significantly lower mean histological score than those with long employment and long retirement. Thirteen persons (22%) showed epithelial dysplasia, possibly representing precancerous lesions. Also included in the material were 4 cases of nasal carcinoma. Presence of hyperplastic/polypoid nasal mucosa was inversely related to the duration of retirement, possibly reflecting gradual regression of the mucosal swelling after termination of the irritation. Ni concentration in plasma and urine was significantly higher among former roasting/smelting workers than in former electrolysis and nonprocess workers. This is probably a consequence of the slow release of heavy soluble Ni compounds that have accumulated in the organism at the former place of work.