[A study on the relationship between lymphocyte micronucleus rates and blood plasma benzo(a)pyrene levels in coking workers].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between lymphocyte micronucleus rates and blood plasma levels of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] in coking workers.


METHODS
One hundred coking workers and 100 unexposed workers were selected, and their lymphocyte micronucleus rates and plasma levels, as well as workplace air concentrations, of B(a)P were determined.


RESULTS
It showed that there was significant difference in plasma B(a)P level between coking workers and unexposed workers, and it correlated with air concentration of B(a)P in the workplace. Positive rates of micronucleus and rates of micronucleus lymphocyte were 60% and 1.79per thousand in coking workers and 29% and 1.10per thousand in controls, respectively, with very significantly statistical difference. It also showed that positive micronucleus rate correlated with plasma level of B(a)P in dose-effect pattern. Multivariate analysis showed that factors contributing to positive micronucleus rate ranked in such an order: plasma level of B(a)P, economic status, regularity of their lifestyle and smoking status of the coking workers.


CONCLUSIONS
Accumulation of B(a)P in blood plasma played a major role in the formation of lymphocyte micronucleus. Results of micronucleus test in coking workers could reflect preliminary damage to their health caused by it.
Wang
G
G
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001.
Jia
M
M
Zhao
S
S
Li
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene / Q000378:metabolism*; D003077:Coke; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors
D003077:Coke; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene