Frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in smokers exposed to pesticides in cotton fields.

Blood samples were collected from 50 smokers who were exposed to the pesticides DDT, BHC, endosulfan, malathion, methyl parathion, monocrotophos, quinolphos, dimethoate, phosphomidon, cypermethrin and fenvelrate. Samples were also collected from 20 non-smokers (control I) and 27 smokers (control II) who were unexposed to pesticides. Control II showed a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations when compared to control I. There was a significant increase in total chromosomal aberrations in smokers exposed to pesticides when compared to unexposed populations.