title: Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes of nurses and physicians handling antineoplastic drugs.
abstract: The frequencies of structural chromosome aberrations of persons occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs without adequate protection were measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 106 persons from five oncological units and in an adequate control population. The observed chromosomal aberration frequencies were 3.3 +/- 0.1 aberrations per 100 cells in the exposed group and 0.6 +/- 0.1 aberrations per 100 cells in the controls. Chromosomal aberration frequencies were not correlated with age, duration of exposure and smoking habits. The results stress the necessity to protect hospital staff against the potential risk related to the handling of antineoplastic drugs.
authors.affiliation: Federal Health Office, Bad Elster Branch, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grummt
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Grummt
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D016296:Mutagenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents