An immunological study of chloralkali workers previously exposed to mercury vapour.

Several animal studies have suggested that exposure to inorganic mercury compounds may have effects on the immune system. Human data are, however, relatively sparse. The presence of several autoantibodies and the concentration of immunoglobulins and complement components were determined in the present cross-sectional study in 77 chloralkali workers previously exposed to mercury vapour and 53 age-matched referents. The mean duration of exposure to mercury vapour was 7.9 years (range 1.1-36.2), and the exposure had ceased on average 12.3 years (range 1.0-35.0) prior to the examination. No increased prevalence of the studied autoantibodies was observed among the exposed subjects as compared with the referents. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of immunoglobulins or complement components between the two studied groups. Nor was any relationship observed between cumulative mercury dose estimates or time since cessation of exposure and the measured concentrations of immunoglobulins or complement components.