Chromosome Aberrations Induced by Occupational Exposure to Mercury

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Abstract
The incidence of chromosome aberrations was studied by peripheral blood incubation (52 h, the last 4 h in the presence of Colcemid) using a modification of the Evans'' technique in 22 men exposed to either vapors of metallic Hg (Group I) or organic Hg (Group II). Hg concentrations of the work areas frequently exceeded the Maximum Allowable Concentrations in the past. During the year proceeding the investigation, Hg values ranged between 0.15 and 0.44 mg/m3. None of the investigated men was poisoned, but all had had repeated increase Hg absorption with urinary eliminations reaching 890 .mu.g/l and 896 .mu.g/l for subjects in Groups I and II, respectively. The incidence of chromosome aberrations was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in subjects exposed to Hg compared with a control group (10 subjects) of a similar mean age. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of chromosome aberrations between men belonging to Groups I and II. Although an increase of both chromatid gaps and breaks was noticed in exposed men, the incidence did not significantly differ from controls. No chromatid interchanges were recorded and no difference between exposed and control subjects was noticed concerning the frequency of aneuploid or polyploid cells.

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