Cytogenetic monitoring of men occupationally exposed to airborne pollutants

A study of structural chromosomal aberration frequencies in peripheral bloo d lymphocytes was performed in a group of 20 professional drivers exposed t o airborne pollutants and 20 matching controls. The subjects in the latter group were of the same sex (males) and of similar age as the exposed ones, and also had similar habits of smoking and alcohol. A statistically signifi cant increase of chromosomal aberration was observed in the exposed subject s over the control group. An increasing trend of aberrations was observed w ith the duration of service (exposure) in the exposed individuals. This stu dy clearly indicates the effect of occupational exposure to airborne pollut ants. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.