[Chromosome investigations in subjects with occupational lead exposure (author's transl)]

The lead content in blood, the excretion of delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) in urine, and the ratio of secondary chromosomal aberrations in lymphocyte cultures were investigated in 105 workers with varying degrees of lead exposure. While the mean lead content was slightly increased (377 plus or minue 207 mug/l) the mean ALA excretion was normal (3,8 plus or minus 4.7 mg/g creatine). Chromosome investigations showed a slightly increased rate of cells with structural abnormalities (14,1 plus or minus 7.0%). Statistical evaluation of these data showed no significant correlation between the lead content in blood, ALA excretion in urine, and cytogenetic findings. No other reason for the increased rate of chromosomal aberrations could be detected.