Chromosome Aberrations and Sister Chromatid Exchanges of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Arsenic and Lead

The chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges of the peripheral lymphocytes from the workers in different polluted environments were observed,and the results are as follows:1.Average frequencies of the cells with chromosomal aberrations and reakages were 2.47% and 2.53% for pit workers respectively,3.22% and 3.29% for smelters,1.00% and 1.10% for up-pit workers,and 0.4% and 0.5% for non-exposed workers.2.Average frequencies of SCEs were 4.25±0.13 for pit workers,3.49±0.10 for up-pit workers,3.26±0.09 for smelters,and 2.46±0.09 for non-exposed workers.3.In three groupes with different urine arsenic level,average frequencies of SCEs were 5.35±0.31,5.76±0.24,and 5.60±0.19,respectively,and average frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and breakages were 1.75%,2.16%,1.90% and 1.75%,2.16%,2.00%,compared with 0.6% for each control group.4.In four groups with different urine lead,average frequencies of SCEs were 5.07±0.1,5.82±0.21,and 5.96±0.09 respectively,and average frequencies of the cells with chrosomal aberrations and breakages were 2.53%,2.18%,2.59%,2.42% and 2.58%,2.36%,2.42% and 2.66%,compared with 0.6% for each control group.The difference between the exposed groups and each control groups are statistically significant.