[Electrolyte homeostasis in petroleum industry workers].

Disorders in electrolyte balance of erythrocytes and plasma in petroleum industry workers are described. All examinees were divided into 3 groups with different intensity of chemical exposure: 1) workers of the plant without contacts with chemicals (21); 2) workers handling chemicals 2-3 times a week (28)--risk group; and 3) workers permanently exposed to chemicals for 3-5 years (46); control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects without occupational exposure to chemicals. Significant changes in erythrocyte and plasma electrolytes were detected in groups 2 and, more so, 3: erythrocyte K, Mg, and Ca levels were decreased and Na and P levels increased, while in the plasma K, Mg, and P concentrations were increased and Na and Ca decreased.