[Frequency of chromosome aberration in workers of a coke derivative distillation plant]

The effect of occupational exposure on frequency of chromosomal aberrations in workers of coke by-product department was estimated. Fourty seven persons employed in that plant, exposed to tar substances, BaP and dust and 77 non-exposed controls were examined. Concentrations of tar substances, BaP and dust exceeded MAC 13.9, 10 and 1.5 times, respectively. The structural chromosomal aberrations were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes after 72h cultivation, according to a modified Moorhead method. The findings did not revealed any significant differences in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations between the compared groups. These results seem to be produced by a relatively low level of exposure.