Correlation between lead exposure indicators and sister chromatid exchange(SCE) frequencies in lymphocytes from inorganic lead exposed workers

Inorganic lead exposure was studied in 31 volunteers employed in storage ba ttery plant. The genotoxicity of lead was measured in terms of sister chrom atid exchange (SCE). Erythrocyte delta -aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase ( ALAD) activity, urinary delta -aminolevulinic acid (U-ALA), and blood lead levels (PbBs) were also determined to evaluate some possible relations betw een these lead exposure indicators and the observed SCE frequencies. Blood lead concentration of 36.31 mug/dl was determined as an average level in th e workers. Consequently decreased ALAD activity in erythrocytes and increas ed U-ALA excretion was observed in statistically higher PbBs when compared with the control group. A statistically significant correlation was observe d between the PbBs and SCE frequencies (p < 0.05). Moreover, the correlatio n between U-ALA excretion and SCE frequencies (p < 0.01) was relatively hig her than the correlation between PbBs and SCE frequencies. These results mi ght indicate a possible mechanism of ALA mediation in the genotoxic effects of lead.