Inorganic lead exposure does not effect lymphocyte micronuclei in car radiator repair workers

HOFFMANN, M., HAGBERG, S., KARLSSON, A., NILSSON, R., RANSTAM, J. and HOGSTEDT, B. 1984 Inorganic lead exposure does not effect lymphocyte micronuclei in car radiator repair workers.—Hereditas 101:223–226. Lund, Sweden. ISSN 0018–0661.

Eighteen individuals exposed to lead in their work with repair and reconditioning of car radiators were investigated regarding blood lead levels and frequencies of lymphocyte micronuclei. The micronuclei were analyzed in cells with preserved cytoplasm. The lead-exposed group was compared with 12 white-collar workers with no occupational lead exposure. The mean blood lead levels were 2.3 (range 1.50–3.30) and 0.42 (range 0.20–1.05) nmol/1, respectively, with no overlapping of exposed subjects and controls. There was no effect of lead exposure when the influences of age, smoking and drug intake were allowed for in a multivariate analysis. On the other hand, there was a striking effect of age on the frequency of micronuclei.