Increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in industrial painters exposed to lead-based paints.

The investigation was carried out in the peripheral lymphocytes of industrial painters who were exposed to dust and fumes of lead-based paints. Samples of peripheral blood were collected from 102 workers out of which 40 were smokers and 62 were nonsmokers. The painters in both the categories were divided in to 3 groups based on duration of exposure. Control data of 30 nonsmokers and 20 smokers belonging to the same socioeconomic group but not exposed to either radiation or toxic chemicals were studied. There was a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the workers when compared to the controls. Further, smoking had an added effect on the frequency of aberrant metaphases.