Mixed cells comprising of eosinophils, basophils and monocytes were significantly lower among the photocopier operators.
All these cells are involved in the inflammatory response to tissue injury.
The significant decrease in mixed cell population might be due to the migration of these cells to the airways, the site of injury caused by chronic exposure to pollutants.
A decrease in circulating monocytes and increase in migration of monocytes to inflammatory sites upon exposure to ambient air pollution have been observed by earlier studies