Nasal histology and nickel concentration in plasma and urine after improvements in the work environment at a nickel refinery in Norway.
研究了挪威镍精炼厂工作环境改善四年后，工人血浆和尿液中镍浓度下降约50%，但鼻腔组织学异常和发育异常的频率未显著变化，表明鼻腔活检对个体诊断价值有限，但可用于高危人群监测。
Nasal histology and nickel concentration in the plasma and urine of nickel workers were reexamined after 4 a for an evaluation of the effect of improvements in the refining process and work conditions. Ninety-eight (31%) nickel workers who were part of a previous study were reexamined. In addition, 33 of the original 38 workers with nasal epithelial dysplasia were studied for possible regression of the histological changes. Reduction in the atmospheric content of nickel and improved hygienic conditions lowered the concentration of nickel in plasma and urine by approximately 50%. The mean histological score and frequency of dysplasia was virtually the same in the two investigations, 12 and 13%, respectively. Nasal biopsies are of limited diagnostic value in the examination of individual cases. However, the method seems to be of value in identifying and monitoring groups of persons with increased risk of developing nasal carcinoma.