Biotoxicological pattern and related respiratory impairments in chemical laboratory workers

Aim: To evaluate the relations between the changes in blood/urine markers and respiratory outcomes in workers from a chemical research institute Material/Methods: 161 workers (73%women, 23% smokers, having mean age 44.6±13 yrs; mean exposure 20.8±14 yrs) were investigated by spirometry, blood/urine biomarkers, including exposure/effect ones. Workplace air solvents level was below upper threshold limits, but noxious cumulative index varied between 1 and 2. Results: Urinary total phenols releases correlated with TBARS (r=0.22; p 10 yrs length of exposure, SOD correlated with Ig M level (r=0.20; p Conclusions: Immunological and oxidative stress markers might be related to respiratory changes, even in the early stage of occupational-induced respiratory diseases.