Genotoxicity of the organophosphorus insecticide malathion based on human lymphocytes in culture.

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Abstract
The organophosphorus insecticide malathion is extensively used in commercial and agricultural control of insects. The potential of the compound as a genotoxic agent was determined on the basis of chromosome damage and rates of sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocyte culture. Four treatments (5, 20, 40 and 50 .mu.g/ml), a solvent control and an untreated control were used in three replications for 4-hr and 24-hr exposures to assess the damage to chromosomes. Three treatments (5, 20 and 50 .mu.g/ml) and the solvent control, in one replication, were used to determine the rates of sister chromatid exchanges. A trend of higher rates of chromosomal aberrations was observed reaching statistical significance generally at the higher concentrations. The sister chromatid exchange rates were highly significantly elevated at 20 .mu.g/ml or higher concentration. Malathion therefore should be viewed as a potentially genotoxic agent, particularly for those who come in contact with the compound repeatedly.

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