Stable and unstable aberrations in lymphocytes of Chernobyl accident clearance workers carrying rogue cells

Cells with multiple chromosomal aberrations, the so-called rogue cells, wer e found in blood samples from more than 100 Chernobyl accident clearance wo rkers. A comparative analysis of frequencies of stable and unstable chromos omal aberrations in two worker groups - those with or without rogue cells w as made. A higher level of unstable aberrations in persons carrying rogue c ells was observed. No difference in the level of stable aberrations between the groups was seen. The possibility of low dose alpha irradiation causing the chromosomal damage is raised. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.