Assessment of Non-Specific Resistance and Local Oral Immunity in Employees Exposed to Epoxy Polymer Production Factors

Occupational exposure to harmful factors associated with epoxy polymer production may negatively affect both systemic nonspecific resistance and local immunity of the oral cavity. Workers exposed to epoxy polymer compounds for up to one year demonstrated decreased activity of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), reduced lysozyme activity in oral fluid, and diminished adsorption capacity of epithelial cells. These findings indicate adverse effects of industrial toxic factors on the organism as a whole and particularly on periodontal tissues and oral mucosal structures.