Lithium/aluminium alloys. A problem material for biological monitoring.

Investigations on aqueous and nonaqueous media have shown that the dust particles of lithium/aluminium alloy are readily soluble in blood serum. Concentration of 10 mg A1 and 3 mg Li in 1 l serum constitute the saturation values in human blood serum at 20 degrees C. Further observations are intended to clarify the danger at the workplace.

Alterations in lung function due to mixtures of organic solvents used in floor laying.

To determine the short-term and long-term effects of organic solvents on the respiratory tract, 26 male floorlayers exposed to organic solvents were compared with 36 persons unexposed to such substances. The investigation primarily included a detailed history, determination of solvent concentration in the air inhaled by the workers, long-term ECG during the entire shift and lung-function test (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, flow volume curve) as well as non-specific bronchial inhalation challenge using a 3% acetylcholine aerosol before and after the shift. The floorlayers were primarily subjected to inhalative exposure to adhesives containing mixtures of toluene, petroleum hydrocarbons, ethyl acetate, methanol and acetone or one of these substances alone.

[Intolerance reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSA) in adolescents].

Six adolescents with allergy or intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) showed different types of reaction (asthma, urticaria, anaphylactoid reaction). The results of 60 oral or bronchial challenges in asthmatic adolescents with no positive history of NSAID-intolerance are presented. NSAID should be prescribed very carefully after detailed medical history--especially in adolescents with obstructive lung disease.