DNA-protein cross-links and sister chromatid exchange frequencies in lymphocytes and hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid in urine of ethylene oxide-exposed hospital workers.

The lymphocytes of 25 hospital workers exposed to ethylene oxide and of a standardized control group were investigated for DNA damage (measured by alkaline filter elution) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies. Additionally, the excretion of hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (HEMA) in the 24-h urine of ten workers and ten control persons was determined. The peak levels of ethylene oxide in air during the first 8 min after opening of the sterilization unit were measured.

[Experiences with alkaline filter elution for the detection of DNA damage by genotoxic compounds].

In biological effect monitoring the alkaline filter elution is a suitable method to detect DNA strand breakage and cross-linking in peripheral blood lymphocytes. We applied this method to three groups of workers occupationally exposed to carcinogens: n = 39 welders with exposure to chromium and nickel, n = 20 female shoemakers with exposure to benzene and n = 25 disinfectors in hospitals with exposure to ethylene oxide. In comparison to standardised control groups our results must be interpreted as indicating an increased rate of DNA cross-linking in welders and disinfectors whereas the female shoemakers showed an increased rate of DNA strand breakage.