Study of some erythrocyte and serum enzyme activities in workers exposed to low ozone concentrations for a long time.

In 22 subjects exposed during work to ozone concentrations ranging from 0.160 to 0.290 ppm, the following enzyme activities were measured at the end of a normal work shift: AchE, G-6-PDh, PK in erythrocytes, LDH and alfa HBDH in serum. AchE of erythrocytes and serum LDH and alfa HBDH were determined also after three weeks of nonexposure to ozone. LDH and alfa HBDH activities decreased at the second determination; the difference between the two determinations was statistically significant (P<0.001). The results indicate that an exposure to 0.2 ppm of ozone, if prolonged in time, may affect the air-blood barrier and possibly cause alteration of some serum enzyme activities. Concentrations of ozone around 0.2 ppm should therefore be avoided in urban and industrial areas. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.