Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and methemoglobin (MetHb) values in blood were measured in a population of 296 asymptomatic conscripts who were not under medical treatment and had no occupational exposure. The mean COHb value was 3.25 (S.D. = 1.45%) in smokers and 1.34 (S.D. = 0.8) in non-smokers, with a wide variability in both subgroups, particularly among smokers. The COHb levels in moderate smokers were lower than in heavy smokers, but smoking just before the blood test greatly increased the COHb levels. Non-smoking country dwellers had lower COHb levels than non-smoking city dwellers, but the COHb levels of smokers were independent of residence and were only smoking-related. The sample MetHb level was 0.81 (S.D. = 0.37) and was influenced by country living and smoking. Levels were lowest in non-smoking country dwellers (0.66, S.D. = 0.38%) and increased with moderate smoking (0.71, S.D. = 0.40%). Heavy smoker levels were independent of residence. Smoking just before the blood test had no effect on the value.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Asbestos bodies in sputum of asbestos exposed workers.

The prevalence of asbestos bodies (AB) in sputum was studied in a group of 220 former or current asbestos workers, who came under observation because of a claim for compensation and who had, in most cases, high levels of exposure. Only one sputum specimen was obtained from each subject. The overall AB prevalence was 34%; it was 24.5% among workers exposed to chrysotile only, and 42% among workers also exposed to amphiboles, thus showing a statistically significant difference. No significant differences were found in AB prevalence either between current asbestos workers and former workers or between asbestosis cases and those without asbestosis. AB prevalence among current smokers was significantly lower than that observed among non-smokers and ex-smokers pooled together. The highest AB prevalence was found among currently exposed textile workers (65.7%), especially in male subjects (66.7%). As the exposure of these groups was heavy and included amphiboles, it may be concluded that although AB counts are highly specific they have low sensitivity.

Asbestos↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Asbestos bodies in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and sputum.

The aim of the study was to determine the concordance of asbestos body (AB) detection in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). AB were detected in the BALF of 110 former or current asbestos workers with medium weak exposure level and, for 65 subjects, in sputum. Several spontaneous sputum samples were taken from each subject. AB prevalence in BALF was rather low (48.2%) especially in subjects with former chrysotile exposure (32.5%). AB prevalence was lower in smokers (40.9%) and ex-smokers (40.7%) than in non-smokers (68.7%). In the sub-group, who underwent both sputum and BALF examination, the concordance of AB detection was observed only in 56.8% of the cases. Neither of the two methods had significant prevalence over the other but were complementary, as both are useful in increasing the probability of AB detection.

Asbestos↗