Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 1983;9(3):241-246    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.2414 | Issue date: Jun 1983

Increased frequency of lymphocyte micronuclei in workers producing reinforced polyester resin with low exposure to styrene.

by Hogstedt B, Akesson B, Axell K, Gullberg B, Mitelman F, Pero RW, Skerfving S, Welinder H

A new micronucleus method based on the analysis of lymphocytes with preserved cytoplasm revealed an increased frequency of micronuclei in 38 workers employed in a plant producing styrene-modified polyester resin as compared to the frequency in 20 referents (5.9 vs 3.6%). The time-weighted average of the styrene concentration in the workroom air varied between 1 and 36 ppm (mean 13 ppm) during the last year and correlated well to low urinary levels of mandelic acid, which ranged from 9 to 316 mg/g of creatinine (mean 65 mg/g of creatinine).