Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes of train engine drivers.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Cytogenetics

Background:

• Swedish railway employees, particularly engine drivers, exhibit higher cancer rates, including chronic lymphatic leukemia.
• Occupational exposure to magnetic fields (MF) among these drivers is significant, ranging from a few to over 100 microT.
• Previous research suggests MF exposure may increase chromosome aberrations, a potential indicator of elevated cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential genotoxic effects of occupational MF exposure in Swedish train engine drivers.
• To conduct a cytogenetic analysis of peripheral lymphocytes to assess chromosomal damage.
• To compare aberration frequencies in engine drivers with control groups.

Main Methods:

• Cultured peripheral lymphocytes from Swedish train engine drivers were analyzed over 48 hours.
• A pilot study compared 18 engine drivers with 7 train dispatchers and 16 office workers.
• A follow-up study assessed 30 engine drivers against 30 referent policemen.

Main Results:

• Engine drivers showed significantly higher frequencies of chromosome-type aberrations compared to office workers and dispatchers.
• Seventy-eight percent of engine drivers had chromosomal aberrations compared to 29-31% in control groups.
• Follow-up confirmed increased aberrations in engine drivers (60%) versus policemen (30%).

Conclusions:

• Results support the hypothesis that MF exposure, at intensities of 2-15 microT, can induce chromosomal damage.
• This chromosomal damage in engine drivers may contribute to their increased cancer morbidity.
• Further research into MF genotoxicity and occupational health risks is warranted.