title: Chromosomal aberrations in long-haul air crew members.
abstract: The increasing use of air travel suggests the need for risk assessment and cytogenetic analysis of flight personnel, to check for the risk of developing cancer. Taking into consideration occupational risk and possible confounding factors, we used traditional cytogenetics, the micronucleus test and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis to study 48 male crew members working on long-haul flights and a control group of 48 ground staff. Compared to controls, we detected a significant increase in the relative risk of gaps and breaks (adjusted odds ratio (OR(adj))--7.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 2.4-24.9) and of translocations (OR(adj)--5.1; 95% CI 1.5-17.3) in crew members, with a non-significant difference in the other chromosomal aberrations. The possibility of a correlation between translocations and cancer risk highlights the need for preventive measures for aircraft personnel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, ISPESL-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00040 Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Delia
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cavallo
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marinaccio
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Perniconi
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tomao
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pecoriello
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moccaldi
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Iavicoli
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D003359:Cosmic Radiation; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic