Abstract
The article discusses changes in the buccal epithelium of the cheeks (BECh) based on the results of a survey of the child population of three industrial cities of the Karaganda region (Temirtau, Balkhash, Abay), methods of cytological analysis were used. Cytochemical methods were used for the early detection of functional changes in the nonspecific protection of the body from environmental factors. When conducting a research on the cytological status of buccal epithelium cells of children living in the studied areas, it was revealed that an increase in the number of cells with small-droplet inclusions in the cytoplasm of children of Temirtau and Balkhash was found. When comparing the results of investigation of child population (Temirtau, Balkhash, Abay), a decrease in the number of cells with small-droplet inclusions in the cytoplasm by 4 times and an in-crease in the number of cells with large-droplet inclusions in the cytoplasm for 78 %, with signs of karyorexis for 74 % was noted. The number of nuclear-free cells was reduced for 34 %, degenerated neutrophil leuko-cytes by 3.9 times. There is an increase in the amount of amitosis for 50 % and a decrease in the number of normal buccal cells for 71 %. The appearance of small and large inclusions in the cytoplasm of cells proves the effect of adverse environmental factors on the body of children living in industrial regions.