Effect of NO sub(x) on the Somatic Chromosomes of Goldsmiths

In India, 45 goldsmiths exposed to nitrogen oxides and 45 matched controls were screened for genetic damage. The average exposure concentrations for exposed and control subjects were 1770.05 and 50 mu g/m super(3), respectively. Lymphocytes were examined for mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations, and satellite associations. Results showed that 30 out of the 45 occupationally exposed subjects complained of eye irritation, and six were asthmatics. There was a significant increase in total chromosomal aberrations in the exposed group compared to the controls. In addition, a high frequency of dicentrics was found, and the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in goldsmiths was higher than in controls. A twofold increase in the frequency of satellite associations per cell was observed, and after 5 yr of employment, the mitotic index showed a gradual decline.