CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS TO EVOLVE EARLY DIAGNOSIS IN WORKERS INVOLVED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE

365 individuals exposed to hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) during its manu facture were studied and compared with 146 controls. These 502 cases w ere divided into five groups on the basis of serum total HCH levels. E xposure was mainly through skin. Results indicate that neurological sy mptoms reported were due to recent exposure to HCH and were related to die intensity of exposure. ECG abnormalities were seen in exposed cas es. A significant positive correlation to liver related enzymes gammaG T, LAP and Alp. P was observed. beta-globulins significantly increased along with an increase in total HCH. Changes in IgM levels were simil ar as observed in IgA. Remarkably high concentration of HCH residues w ere found in the serum samples of all exposed workers. beta-HCH contri buted more than 80% of the total HCH built up. Presence of circulating immune complexes was also detected in representative samples. Further , repeated biological monitoring was advised to be carried out among s uch workers exposed to HCH, to evaluate signs of severe health impairm ent in them.