[Chromosome analysis in professional subjects exposed to lead contamination]

Chromosomes were analyzed in cultured lymphocytes of 44 male workers from a lead oxide factory, and from a control group of 15 nonexposed individuals. Lead concentration in blood ranged from 30 to 75 mug/100 ml in exposed subjects and from 15 to 35 mug/10 ml in controls. Length of exposure to lead ranged from one month to 11 years eight months. In subjects occupationally exposed to lead, a significant increase in chromatid and chromosome aberrations was found. The frequency of such findings parallels exposure time to lead.