B-LYMPHOCYTES IN MERCURY-EXPOSED WORKERS

We have investigated the number of B lymphocytes in mercury-exposed wo rkers. The study group consisted of 33 workers from a mercury-producin g plant, mean age 27 years and a mean exposure period 19 months. At th e time of testing and for the three previous months, the exposed perso ns had urinary mercury levels below the currently accepted limit of 50 mu g g creatinine. A significant reduction in the number of B lymphoc ytes was observed in the mercury-exposed individuals. We found no corr elation between B lymphocytes changes and urinary mercury concentratio ns, length of exposure or age of the workers.