Cytogenetic investigation in a Brazilian population living in an area of high natural radioactivity.

A cytogenetic survey is presented of the inhabitants from Guarapari, a small village on the coast of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, who live permanently exposed to high levels of radiation. The survey was performed in order to detect possible biological effects of chronic natural radiation exposure. An increase in the total number of chromosomal aberrations was found in the inhabitants of Guarapari, compared to a control group. (ERB)