Influence of vapours of paint and toxic dusts on mucous membranes of the upper airways in paint and varnish factory workers

: Macroscopic, cytologic and bacteriologic conditions of mucous membranes of the upper airways in workers (n = 146) of the Polifarb Factory, Wroclaw, exposed to dusts and solvent vapours used in the paint and varnish production was estimated. In 89% of the workers, pathologic changes in throat mucous membranes were observed. Three types of macroscopic changes were distinguished. In workers with the shortest period of employment, laryngeal oedema congestion alteration was diagnosed, and atrophic changes with medium intensity were observed in workers employed for a long period. It was found that cytologic changes in the nose mucous membrane depended on the duration of exposure. Inflammation cytograms appeared during the first period of exposure to the substances discussed. The longer period of exposure, the more clear features of metaplasia squamous epithelium. The composition of the nose and throat bacterial flora changed according to the length of employment. An increased growth of G(-) genera Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, Escherichia and Candida fungi was found in workers with long period of employment.