Presence of micronuclei in lymphocytes of mercury exposed workers

We have investigated the presence of micronuclei in mercury exposed workers . The study group consisted of 15 workers from a mercury-producing plant, m ean age 39.5 years and a mean exposed period of 12 years. At the time of te sting and for the six previous months, the exposed population had urinary m ercury levels below the currently accepted limit of 50 ug/g creatinine. A s ignificant increase in the percentage of micronuclei was observed in the me rcury exposed individuals when compared to the non exposed group. We have n ot found any correlation between the percentage of micronuclei and age, len gth of exposure or urinary mercury concentrations. Our results suggest a ge notoxic effect of mercury, which is observed in workers exposed chronically to levels considered biologically safe for the exposed population.