Chromosomal Aberration Frequency High in Workers Exposed to Pesticides
Reuters Health 8nov00

WESTPORT, CT - Chromosomal aberrations occur significantly more frequently among individuals exposed to pesticides than among those not exposed, according to a report in the Fall issue of Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Mutagenesis.

Dr. Ilce Mara de Syllos Colus and a colleague, from the University of Londrina, Brazil, studied the genotoxic effects of pesticides by analysis of chromosomal aberration frequencies in blood lymphocyte samples taken from Brazilian workers occupationally exposed to a mixture of pesticides.

Using a standardized questionnaire, the investigators obtained "a detailed history of pesticide use, as well as personal data, smoking habits, and history of recent illnesses and medical treatment" for 23 workers and 23 matched controls. They note that workers were exposed for an average of 11.09 years and all used the prevention measures provided.

One hundred cells were analyzed from each person, according to the team. The researchers report that there was a significant increase in the percentage of cells with chromosomal aberrations among exposed individuals (13%) compared with the control group (4%). Further, "individual characteristics such as age, sex, time of exposure to the pesticides, and smoking habits showed no correlation with chromosomal aberrations," they say.

The team concludes that "occupational exposure was the main factor in the induction of chromosomal aberrations." They add, "This observation indicates the need to increase the preventive measures habitually used by this group occupationally exposed to pesticides."

Teratogenesis Carcinog Mutagen 2000;20:265-272.