Trace amounts of metals are indispensable for normal function of the organism, excessive amounts have however a toxic effect on the organism or can lead in susceptible subjects to allergization. Increased exposure to metals is caused also by environmental contamination. The objective of the trial was to find out to what extent metals can influence the immune reaction of exposed subjects as compared with subjects without occupational contact with metals. To this end the authors recorded the case-history and subjected to dental examination and by the modified test of blastic transformation for metals – method Melisa™ – eight dentist, seven dental assistants (group I), four dental technicians, four workers from the metal industry (group II) and 13 volunteers without occupational exposure to metals. In group I an undesirable reaction to mercury was frequent, as well as to nickel, palladium, chromium and tin. In group II there was most frequently an undesirable reaction to nickel, followed by mercury, silver, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron and titanium. In the control group negative reactions were, mainly in response to cadmium and lead – i.e. metals in the contami- nated atmosphere. Increased exposure to metals on an occupational basis involves an increased health risk also as regards immune reactions and this may lead to a general pathological reaction of the organism.

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