INCREASED FREQUENCIES OF SISTER-CHROMATID EXCHANGE IN SOLDIERS DEPLOYED TO KUWAIT

Frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE), a measure of genotoxic exposure, were assessed in military troops deployed to Kuwait in 1991 . Soldiers completed health questionnaires and had blood collected pri or to, during and following deployment to Kuwait. Frequency of spontan eous SCE was determined on blood samples as a measure of mutagenic exp osure. Compared to pre-deployment baseline SCE frequency means, levels obtained 2 months into the Kuwaiti deployment were significantly incr eased (P < 0.001) and persisted for at least 1 month after return to G ermany. Outcome was unaffected by known personal SCE effect modifiers including smoking, age and diet. Potential sources of the apparent mut agenic exposure are discussed.