Elevated DNA single-strand breakage frequencies in lymphocytes of welders exposed to chromium and nickel.

DNA damage (alkaline filter elution) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies were measured in lymphocytes of 39 welders and 39 controls. The welders showed a significantly higher rate of DNA single-strand breakages and significantly elevated SCE values. These results are not in accordance with those of a former study in which only DNA-protein cross-links were measured. The different results may be explained on the basis of different exposure levels for chromium(VI) and nickel. Both methods are not specific but sensitive enough to measure genotoxic damage after occupational exposure to chromium(VI) and nickel in the range of threshold values for the workplace on a collective basis. Additionally, the results indicate that DNA single-strand breakage and DNA-protein cross-links show different increases depending on the exposure levels for chromium and nickel.