CYTOGENETIC STUDY ON BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES IN PERSONS OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO FORMALDEHYDE

Abstract

Carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of formaldehyde (FA) have been reported in animals. This led to concern about its possible role in human cancer. The aim of the present work was to study the chromosomal effects of FA in workers occupationally exposed to it. This study involved 46 men, 10 were normal controls and the other 36 men were divided into: (1) subgroup A, consisting of 19 FA exposed workers for less than 10 years, (2) subgroup B, consisting of 17 FA-exposed workers for more than 10 years. All obtained blood samples were subjected to culture using (GTG) technique. The controls showed normal karyotype. Among the tested subgroups, there were few chromosomal anomalies. It can be concluded that, although FA has an irritant and possible carcinogenic effect on respiratory system, its effect on chromosomes is still questionable. Further studies, using more advanced techniques are recommended.