Chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchange in the inhabitants of an area surrounding a large metallurgical plant.

The aim of the study was to examine the level of chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of subjects living in the close vicinity of a large metallurgical plant and to compare it with the results obtained in the inhabitants of central Kraków and of a village located 40 km away from the city and the plant. An increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and thus an increased genetic hazard was found in the group living near the steel foundry.