Bruno E, De Berardinis R, di Folco F, Russo C, Tatangelo P. Benzene-Exposed Army Soldiers: Nasal Cytology as a Screening Tool.
J Occup Environ Med 2021;
63:e92-e97. [PMID:
33298756 DOI:
10.1097/jom.0000000000002106]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the nasal cytology in revealing early nasal mucosa alteration of workers exposed to benzene.
METHODS
Nasal cytology was compared among non-exposed and exposed workers to benzene. A comparison of the two groups was performed considering rhino-cytological features.
RESULTS
In the exposed group neutrophils count range was 14 to 70, compared to 2 to 5 in control group. Ciliated cells ratio range was respectively 0.28 to 2.8 and 0.25 to 0.31. In subjects exposed to benzene >10 years, nasal mucosa showed an inflammatory status and an ongoing mucipar metaplasia, defined by an alteration of mucipar/ciliated cells ratio.
CONCLUSIONS
Nasal cytology may be a useful research tool for the health surveillance of workers exposed to benzene and may be applied to study the effects of other upper airways chemicals irritants.
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