[Karyological and immunological parameters in children under conditions of varying ambient air pollution].

The cytological status, proliferation, and apoptosis of the buccal epithelium and the level of secretory immunoglobulin A were studied in 90 children living in a large ferrous metallurgy center (Tula). There were increases in the degree of cytogenetic impairments, a change in cell kinetic processes, and a reduction in local immunity in children in a more polluted area. There was a high significant correlation of karyological and immunological parameters with some chemical ambient air pollutants.