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For 26 chloralkali workers exposed to inorganic mercury and 26 age-matched, occupationally unexposed referents, the frequency and size distribution of micronuclei were determined in peripheral lymphocytes stimulated with either phytohemagglutinin or pokeweed mitogen. For the exposed workers the mean concentrations of mercury in urine, plasma, and erythrocytes were 16 nmol/mmol of creatinine, 48 nmol/l, and 78 nmol/l, respectively, and their mean exposure time was 10 years. Neither the frequency nor the size of micronuclei was significantly different in the two groups; nor were there any correlations to current mercury levels. However, in the exposed group, and with phytohemagglutinin as the mitogen, a statistically significant correlation between previous exposure to mercury (cumulative exposure or number of blood mercury peaks) and the frequency of micronuclei was found. This association was also present when the effects of age and smoking were allowed for, and it may indicate an accumulation of cytogenetic effects in T-lymphocytes.

For 20 glass-reinforced plastics workers exposed to styrene and 22 unexposed referents, the frequency and size distribution of micronuclei were determined for lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin or pokeweed mitogen, and white blood cell counts were made. Furthermore, chromosome aberrations were scored for 11 of the exposed subjects and 15 of the referents. The mean level of styrene in the breathing zone of the workers was 56 mg/m3. Workers exposed to styrene did not show an increase in any of the cytogenetic end points studied when the effect of age and smoking was allowed for in a multiple regression analysis. A significant 30% increase in the number of peripheral monocytes was observed for the exposed workers. No correlations between the cytogenetic and hematological tests on one hand and the length of exposure time on the other could be detected.