Cytogenetics and occupational exposures in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Working Group on the Epidemiology of Hematolymphopoietic Malignancies in Italy.

Studies on the association between cytogenetic aberrations and environmental or occupational exposures of patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome were selected from the literature and reviewed. Chromosome abnormalities as a whole and specific aberrations involving chromosomes 5, 7, 8, and 21 were considered. Occupational exposures were also considered as a whole or, whenever possible, as specific substances. An association between all occupations and any chromosome aberration has been observed in earlier studies but was not confirmed in later studies. Similar results have been observed when specific aberrations, or specific substances (ie, solvents) have been considered. Methodological issues and the comparability of the reviewed studies are discussed, and suggestions are made for refining epidemiologic investigations.