Cytopathology of the nasal mucosa in chronic exposure to diesel engine emission: a five-year survey of Swiss customs officers.

Abstract

The simple and cheap technique of nasal cytology was used to assess possible adverse effects of chronic exposure to diesel engine emission (DEE) on respiratory mucous membranes. Brush cytology probes were taken from the noses of 194 male, nonsmoking customs officers twice a year (January and July) over a period of 5 years. The study group of 136 officers was solely occupied with clearing of diesel trucks (8.4 hr/day, 42 hr/week). Measured DEE concentrations varied between 31 and 60 microg/m3) and of benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were between 10 and 15 ng/m3). The control group of 58 officers worked only in the office. Over the 5-year period, similar results were obtained in summer and winter. In contrast to those not exposed to DEE, those who were had clear goblet cell hyperplasia with increased metaplastic and dysplastic epithelia and an increase in leukocytes. We found no evidence of progression of the cytopathologic changes. The findings may be described as a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane in the presence of chronic DEE exposure (chemical-induced rhinitis). Additionally, the findings of metaplastic and dysplastic nasal epithelia in the exposed subjects may indicate a genotoxic effect of chronic DEE exposure in humans.

The Difference of Olfactory Functions in The Workers of The Gas Station by Using Sniffin’ Stickstest in Medan City

“…This is in accordance with Riechelmann's theory (2004), which mentioned chronic exposure to fuel oil vapors containing volatile substances (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) can lead to the release of P (SP) substances, then it will bind to the NK1 (Neurokinin 1) receptor, which triggers the formation of kinase C protein (KCP) and further leads to hyperactivity of the mucous membrane, process of detoxification and chronic inflammatory with large amounts of neutrophils that can cause damage to olfactory cells and mucin glands that may cause the impaired olfactory function [6,7].…”

Customs officers in relation to viral infections, tuberculosis, psittacosis and environmental health risk (Review)

“…five-year survey of Swiss customs officers by Glück et al (32), evaluated the adverse effects of the chronic exposure of customs officers to diesel engine emission (DEE). Their study recruited 194 non-smoking customs officers, from where brush nasal cytology probes were taken twice a year over a period of 5 years.…”

Acute diesel exhaust particle exposure increases viral titre and inflammation associated with existing influenza infection, but does not exacerbate deficits in lung function

“…Studies on the respiratory health impacts of DEP specifically are extremely rare due to the difficulty in separating the effects of DEP from other ambient PM. 10,11 Furthermore, as DEP are only part of the complex mixture of particles and gases produced by combusting diesel, many studies investigate the effects of whole diesel exhaust (DE) on health outcomes. However, exhaust gases dissipate rapidly once released to the atmosphere, whereas DEP remain concentrated within the vicinity of the release point for longer such that the respiratory consequences of DEP exposure are of considerable importance.…”