[Chromosome changes induced by industrial chemicals (author's transl)]

Radiation-induced chromosome damage has been widely recognized and intensively studied. Recently, attention is placed on chromosome changes induced by various industrial chemicals. In case of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, chromosome breaks are characterized as one of the most sensitive biological effects. Chromosome breaks among industrial workers who dealt with benzene, vinyl chloride monomer or styrene have also been reported. Moreover, relationship between chromosome changes and exposure to environmental lead, cadmium and mercury compounds have been studied. Ionizing radiation, benzene and vinyl chloride monomer are known also as industrial carcinogens and attention is now placed on carcinogenicity of clastogens or chromosome breaking agents. In the present paper, our studies on in vitro chromosome breakage induced by benzene and its metabolites as well as cadmium, lead, and chromium compounds are reviewed. Also, inhibition of repair of radiation-induced chromosome breaks by clastogens is reported. Significance of cytogenetic studies in industrial medicine is also discussed.