Micronuclei and chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells and lymphocytes of humans exposed mainly to petroleum vapors

摘要

Several cytogenetic parameters, i.e. chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells and in peripheral lymphocytes as well as micronuclei in erythropoietic bone marrow cells, were studied in 16 tank cleaners exposed to organic solvents and other petroleum products and sediments containing heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Micronuclei and chromosome breaks in peripheral blood lymphocytes proved significantly more common in tank cleaners than in controls. The data indicated an exposure-connected relationship, suggesting that assessment of micronuclei in bone marrow cells might be a useful method for detecting cytogenetic effects in humans chronically exposed to chemical agents. In this respect both erythroblasts and polychromatic erythrocytes could be studied.