Application of the sex-linked recessive lethal test in Drosophila melanogaster for monitoring the work environment of a rubber factory.

Abstract

The intention of the study was to try the applicability of a biologic test system for the detection of potentially hazardous ambient exposures in a rubber factory. Drosophila populations (strain “white”) were exposed for five generations in the calendering and the vulcanization areas. No significant increases in SLRL frequencies were observed. The difference was statistically slightly significant (P ≤ 0.05) between the pooled materials of the exposed cages. Drosophila males (strain “white”) were exposed for 14 days in four manufacturing departments, vulcanization, weighing, calendering and moulding (the area where methylene-o-chloro aniline (MOCA) is used). Only in the pooled material from the exposures in the vulcanization area and in the MOCAroom was the SLRL frequency statistically slightly significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased as compared with the control. The results suggest that potentially mutagenic air-borne contaminants may be found in specific areas, such as the vulcanization area and in the MOCA-room, and that monitoring of ambient exposures can be performed with the Drosophila SLRL system.