Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of harmful factors of electrolysis nickel production on the state of respiratory health in 1530 nickel industry workers. It was found that one-fifth of the workers are at risk of forming chronic bronchopulmonary disease (CBPD). In about one-fifth of those examined, clinically formed CBPDs have already developed, among which the most prevalent diseases were chronic bronchitis (12%) and toxic pulmonary fibrosis (6%). The highest risk of developing chronic bronchitis was observed in the most exposed groups of workers: electrolysis operators (RR = 1.87), hydrometallurgical equipment operators (RR = 1.55) and fitters-repairmen (RR = 1.55). Up to now there is no clear understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development of a particular nosological form of CBPD (chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic pulmonary fibrosis) in nickel industry workers. The conclusion is made about the need to improve the system of technical and medical measures for prevention of CBPD in nickel industry workers.