Chromosome investigations of workers exposed to cadmium in the manufacturing of cadmium stabilizers and pigments.
Chromosome analyses were undertaken on 14 workers exposed to cadmium and the results were compared with a corresponding control group. All probands have been employed for many years in cadmium pigment and stabilizer production plants (between 6 and 25 years). The results of the clinical investigations were, for the most part, unspecific, although at the same time some parameters were above the normal (transaminase, beta 2-microglobulin deposit in the urine, as well as cadmium in the blood and urine). The chromosome analyses were undertaken on the lymphocytes of the peripheral blood with the aid of the so-called "micromethod." Metaphases, 150 per person, were analyzed. The statistical evaluation was made according to the Fisher-Yates test. The chromosome aberration rate of the group investigated was not higher than that of the control group, inclusive and exclusive of gaps.