[pH and IgA determination of nasal secretions--possible use in occupational medicine-rhinologic diagnosis in relation to function].

For the recognition of nasal lesions in exposure to non-toxic metallic dusts with crystalline SiO2-content in 100 foundry workers the in vitro determinations of the pH-value as well as the statement of IgA in the serum and nasal discharge were performed by means of simple radial immunodiffusion according to Mancini. The two functional-diagnostic method did not show any significant differences in comparison to the control groups. At present an use in the clinical and occupational-medical practice cannot be recommended.