N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in lymphocytes of workers exposed to benzene and its homologues.

In 108 workers having occupational contact with benzene and its homologues by 1 to 122 months, the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) within the peripheral blood lymphocytes was estimated by means of cytochemical method. The benzene, the toluene and the xylene concentration at work stands was equal to 0-370, 0-580 and 0-560 mg/cu . m, respectively. In 41 workers having the service time equal to 55-122 months the NAG deficiency within the lymphocyte lysosomes was stated. Above phenomenon is probably due to disintegration of lysosomes caused by lipophilic properties of benzene.