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49966 
Journal Article 
Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in reinforced plastics workers exposed to styrene 
Anwar, WA; Shamy, MY 
1995 
1 
Mutation Research: Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis
ISSN: 0027-5107
EISSN: 1873-135X 
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV 
AMSTERDAM 
EMIC/96291 
327 
1-2 
41-47 
English 
7870096 
WOS:A1995QK55000006 
The aim of this study was to investigate the cytogenetic changes induced in humans exposed to styrene in a reinforced plastics plant. Blood and urine samples were collected from 18 styrene exposed workers and 18 age and sex matched control subjects from the administrative department of the same factory. Chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) (cytokinesis block method) were analyzed in blood lymphocytes. All of the subjects included in the study were male non-smokers. The duration of employment ranged from 10 to 22 years (14.3 ± 4.4). In order to monitor exposure to styrene, urinary mandelic acid (MA) levels were measured using a standard colorimetric method. The level of thioethers in the urine was also determined colorimetrically. The mean level of mandelic acid was significantly higher in the exposed workers (328.44 ± 266.21 mg/g creatinine) compared with that of the controls (50.09 ± 16.84 mg/g creatinine) (p < 0.05). The level of urinary thioethers was found to be higher among the exposed workers. The number of cells with chromosomal aberrations was significantly higher in the workers (6.06 ± 4.41) compared with the controls (3.44 ± 2.28) (p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in the exposed workers compared to controls. Our results support earlier findings on increased rates of chromosomal aberrations in reinforced plastics workers.