Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral lymphocytes in a population exposed to vinyl chloride through an accidental...

On the first of June, 1996 an environmental accident occurred in Schönebeck, Germany in which free vinyl chloride was evaporated into the atmosphere. Thereby, the human population living in this area was exposed to vinyl chloride and its byproducts. Chromosomal aberrations were measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 29 potentially exposed and 29 non-exposed (control) individuals. Both groups were matched regarding age, gender and smoking habits. Two hundred metaphases were analysed for chromosomal aberrations per each individual. The exposed group showed a statistically significant increase in the mean frequency of aberrant cells (1.47% versus 1.07% in the control group). Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes have been shown to be a very sensitive biomarker of genotoxic effects not only for occupational exposure to vinyl chloride as reported several times during the last 20 years, but also for an accidental environmental exposure. A follow-up cytogenetic study is recommendable.