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Sputum Cytology among Frequent Users of Pressurized Spray Cans

Montrose Memorial Hospital, Montrose, Colorado 81401 [W. O. G.], and the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 [C. E., V. E. A.]

Sputum samples were collected from a group of private patients who had no respiratory symptoms but who frequently used aerosols generated by pressurized cans, and from two groups of controls. Atypical metaplastic changes in exfoliated cells were compared between the groups. An excess of moderate and marked atypical metaplastic cells was found among the frequent aerosol users. This association, which suggests that some aerosol preparations either alter the flora of the bronchial tree or contain carcinogenic agents, strongly suggests that additional studies be done on aerosol can ingredients, and that these sprays be used in a manner to minimize inhalation of the resultant aerosol, except for medical preparations where proper control is exercised.

¹ To whom requests for reprints should be sent.

Received 4/22/74. Accepted 10/16/74.