Genotoxicity of the organophosphorus insecticide malathion based on human lymphocytes in culture.

Abstract

The organophosphorus insecticide malathion is extensively used in commercial and agricultural control of insects. The potential of the compound as a genotoxic agent was determined on the basis of chromosome damage and rates of sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocyte culture. Four treatments (5, 20, 40 and 50μg/ml), a solvent control and an untreated control were used in three replications for 4-hr and 24-hr exposures to assess the damage to chromosomes. Three treatments (5, 20 and 50μg/ml) and the solvent control, in one replication, were used to determine the rates of sister chromatid exchanges. A trend of higher rates of chromosomal aberrations was observed reaching statistical significance generally at the higher concentrations. The sister chromatid exchange rates were highly significantly elevated at 20μg/ml or higher concentration. Malathion therefore should be viewed as a potentially genotoxic agent, particularly for those who comein contact with the compound repeatedly.