[Electrolyte metabolism in workers engaged in oil-refining industry].

The influence of unfavourable factors of the industrial environment on electrolyte balance in the red blood cells and plasma of workers engaged in petroleum-refining industry was studied. All examinees were divided into 3 groups in terms of the exposure to chemical pollutants: 1) workers unexposed to chemical pollutants; 2) those exposed to them 2-3 times a week; 3) those exposed constantly during their work for 3-5 years. A control group included individuals who were not engaged in chemical industry. Groups 2 and 3 showed decreases in the levels of K, Mg, and Ca and increases in the concentrations of Na and P in the red blood cells and in those of K, Mg, and P in the plasma while plasma Na and Ca reduced.