[Changes in acid hydrolase activity in white blood cells as an indicator of occupational exposure to mercury vapors].

Using histochemical methods the activity was determined of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase in 89 men exposed to mercury vapours during chloride production by means of mercury electrolysis. The activity of both enzymes was low and the intensity of the histochemical reactions was correlated with duration of exposure and mercury concentrations in urine and blood. The determination of the activity of acid hydrolases may be used for monitoring of the biological consequences of occupational exposure to mercury vapours.