Sister chromatid exchanges(SCE), chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei of cultured peripheral lymphocytes in miners, nonmining workers of Dachang Tin Mine in Guangxi / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

Determination of SCE frequency, chromosomal aberration and micronucleus rate of cultured peripheral lymphocytes of 38 miners who worked in the well, and 40 non-miners who worked outside the well in Dachang Area and 27 other workers who didn't work and live there (as control group) was carried out. The result showed that the miners had higher SCE incidence and chromosomal aberration rate. The nonmining workers and the control group had much lower rates. There was a significant difference between the miners and non-miners or control group, but no statistically differences were found between the non-miners and the control group. Micronucleus rate among the miners, the non-miners and the control group were all the same level statistically. We proposed that some toxic substances in the Dachang Tin Mine might be respousible for the genetic damages in the miners. We suggested that a combined assay of SCE with chromosomal aberration or micronucleus might be a good screening method for the high risk population such as the miners in Dachang Tin Mine.