[Frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE)in peripheral blood lymphocytes from stainless steel welders]

In order to detect the genotoxic effects of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) contained in welding fumes on humans, sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) frequency in lymphocytes was determined in the blood samples derived from 39 stainless steel welders and compared with the data obtained from 22 sex and age matched unexposed controls. The frequency of SCEs was higher in the welders than in the controls. Smoking proved to be a significant, positive predictor for SCE frequency in the controls but not in the welders. Significant correlation between SCE and chromium concentrations in urine of smoking welders was found. A possible synergism between chromium exposure and smoking is discussed. Neither age and urine nickel concentrations nor duration of exposure was a significant predictor for SCE frequency.