Estimation of chromosome disorders in workers at coal thermal power plant

Abstract

Introduction. Coal heat power stations are characterized by severe hazardous eff ect of occupational environment on workers. Objective. To analyze chromosomal disorders in workers of thermal power plant working on coal from Kuznetsk coal fi eld (West Siberia). Materials and methods. Th e authors studied level and specter of chromosomal aberrations in blood lymphocytes of 185 workers of Kemerovo thermal power plant and 218 inhabitants of the same location, not working on industrial enterprises (Kemerovo, Russia). For every individual, average number of 200 metaphase plates of high quality was analyzed. Results. Findings are that the workers of thermal power plant have levels of chromosomal aberrations signifi cantly higher than those of reference group (3,01±0,13% vs. 1,45±0,08%; р<0,00001). With that, increased frequency is seen both for chromatid aberrations and for chromosomal ones — that indicates complex exposure to chemical and radiation factors. Conclusions. Th e results obtained necessitate elaboration of measures to decrease genotoxic hazards in the occupational environment.