Cytogenetic Analysis and Occupational Health

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the experiences of the Czech Hygiene Service from the mid-1970s until the present time, using cytogenetic analysis as a biomarker of exposure. During this period, the method has proved its ability to detect an occupational hazard. We observed a significant association between the increased frequency of aberrant cells and occupational exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at a group level. Examples of occupational exposures to carcinogens are given from the chemical industry [bis(chloromethyl) ether, epichlorohydrin, vinyl chloride monomer, acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, ethylbenzene], mining (ore mining, soft coal open-cast mining, uranium mining), and health care (cytostatics, halothane, microbiology). The interpretation of the cytogenetic findings in the context of occupational health is discussed. The results of cytogenetic analysis were used to enforce the decrease of carcinogens in the working environment and to establish safer maximum allowable concentrations. The exceptionally broad use of cytogenetic analysis in the Czech Republic was facilitated by the fact that the Hygiene Service accepted the theoretical assumption that the frequency of aberrant lymphocytes is a surrogate indicator for the genetic damage caused by clastogens in target tissues. As a biomarker of exposure, cytogenetic analysis wrote a great chapter in the history of Czech public health and in many cases played a crucial role in improving working conditions in the Czech Republic.