[Activity of acid phosphatase in saliva of industrial workers exposed to fluorine compounds].

Assuming that fluorine is a strong inhibitor of phosphatases, the activity of acid phosphatase in the saliva of 42 phosphorus fertilizers plant workers was studied. The workers were chronically exposed to fluorine compounds. Saliva had been collected for studies before the workers entered the productive plant and after the 1st and 2nd working hour. Enzyme activity was determined by Bessey and Lowry's method and was related to both the volume of the saliva and total protein level. The studies revealed a significant decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase after the 1st and 2nd working hour in those working in the division with a higher exposure to fluorine compounds. The results of these studies were confirmed by in vitro studies carried out additionally. Taking into account biological activity of acid phosphatase it seems that the observed phenomenon of inhibiting enzymatic activity may be connected with the frequency of parodontopathy in the studied group of workers. The results of these studies may be used for working out a biological test of workers' exposure.