A survey of lymphocyte chromosomal damage in Slovenian workers exposed to occupational clastogens

Assays for sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE), unstable chromosome and chromatid aberrations and micronuclei were performed on blood lymphocytes from persons exposed protractedly to radiation or chemical hazards in the workplace. There was a general tendency with all endpoints examined for the yields to increase with years of working in the industry. This was especially marked for SCE. By comparison with a control group of administrative workers the levels of damage were higher, usually significantly so, in the occupational groups. These comprised workers at a nuclear research reactor, a hospital diagnostic X-ray department, a coal mine and a mercury ore mine.