Cytogenetic Studies of Chemically Exposed Workers in Sachsen-Anhalt

The purpose of human genetic monitoring is to detect exposures to chemical mutagens and to evaluate genotoxic effects from different exposure situations. Cytogenetic changes in somatic cells of in vivo exposed workers are an acceptable approach to occupational risk assessment. 5 different groups of chemical workers employed in synthesis and processing of several industrial chemicals (parathion-methyl, dimethylsulphate, s-naphthol, hair dyes, chromate) from one of the formerly most important factories of the Bitterfeld region in Sachsen-Anhalt and 2 non-exposed control groups were analyzed for chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes. Altogether 103 exposed and 117 non-exposed individuals were investigated. The investigations were performed from 1977 — 1984. Till 1990 there was no possibility to publish the results in East Germany. Both genetic endpoints are widely used to monitor human populations to environmental mutagens. A lot of epidemiological studies have shown that workers occupationally exposed to mutagens have higher frequencies of CA and SCE than non-exposed controls (Nordic Study, 1990; Huttner, 1990).