Analysis of sister-chromatid exchanges, cell kinetics and mitotic index in lymphocytes of smoking pesticide sprayers.

Whole blood of 50 smokers who were exposed to pesticides was set up in RPMI 1640 medium, and observed for sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs), cell kinetics (CK) and mitotic index (MI). As controls, blood samples were collected from 20 non-smokers (control I) and 27 smokers (control II) who were not exposed to pesticides. A significant increase in SCEs was observed as the duration of exposure increased. The frequency of M1 metaphases increased significantly whereas M2 and M3+ metaphases decreased in the exposed group. The mitotic index increased in control II and in the exposed population while it showed a decrease at 11-25 years' exposure.