Chromosome aberrations and their relevance to metal carcinogenesis.

Scoring for structural chromosome abnormalities is one of the only practical methods available for detecting visual damage in human genetic material. Cytogenetic tests in vivo and in vitro have shown the clastogenic potential of a number of metals and metal compounds. The difficulties in in vivo studies lie in identifying a specific clastogen in an occupational setting, where simultaneous exposure to a number of organic and inorganic chemicals is a common phenomenon. Metals known to be carcinogens in animals also tend to possess chromosome-damaging properties, even though more extensive studies are needed before any conclusive evidence can be reached. The visible chromosomal damage produced by exposure to metal compounds should be considered as a warning indication of potentially adverse genetic and somatic effects in humans.