[Work conditions and health status of workers in present-day production of disperse azo dyes].

The work conditions appeared to be unfavorable in modern production of dispersed nitro dyes, having up-to-date technologic equipment and automated control systems. The main occupational hazards are semiproducts (nitroaniline derivatives containing chlorine, bromine and cyanides) used as diazo components in dyes synthesis, dispersers based on sodium lignosulfonate, outlet forms of dispersed nitro dyes. Medical examination of the workers exposed to combination of chemicals amounting several times over the MACs proved frequent diseases of upper respiratory tract and cardiovascular system, functional disorders of liver and CNS, propensity for allergic conditions. Specific effects of dispersed nitro dyes and semiproducts of their synthesis on the red blood were methemoglobin formation, suppressed antioxidant activity of RBC (lower serum level of reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid) and stimulated erythropoiesis in bone marrow (increased serum Hb and RBC count, reticulocytosis). The studies helped to elaborate well-justified complex of sanitary, hygienic, therapeutic and prophylactic measures to better the work conditions and prevent the occupational diseases among the workers.