Occupational and environmental risks in and around a smelter in northern Sweden IV. Chromosomal aberrations in workers exposed to lead

Abstract

A significantly increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations was found among lead-exposed workers at the Rönnskär smelter in northern Sweden. The frequency of aberrations showed a correlation with lead exposure as measured by the blood levels of lead. Strong individual variations were found. No synergistic effect of smoking was observed. Correlations were found between (chromosome and chromatid) breaks and gaps, which lends further support to the notion that gaps may be useful as indicators of genotoxic agents.