[Genotoxic effect of formaldehyde in somatic human cells in vivo]

The genotoxic effect of formaldehyde (F) (chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes, micronucleated cells in buccal mucosa) was studied in workers manufacturing nitrogen fertilizer and exposed to F at concentrations exceeding maximum permissible ones for a working area (group 1); in workers at the Department of Normal Anatomy who handle moist anatomical preparations (group 2); and in students who attended anatomy lessons once (group 3). A pronounced F cytotoxic effect was found in groups 1 and 2. In lymphocytes obtained from individuals of group 1, in which frequency of chromosome aberrations exceeded the control level fourfold, metaphase plates were revealed only after 72 h of cultivation. A similar reduction of the statmokinetic index and an increase in chromosomal aberrations were observed after in vitro F treatment of lymphocytes. In groups 2 and 3, a four- to fivefold excess of micronucleated cells was found in buccal mucosa. In students, the number of micronucleated cells remained higher both 24 and 48 h after they handled moist formaline preparations in anatomy class for 40 min.