Increased level of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of Chernobyl liquidators 6-10 years after the accident.

Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were used to investigate the level of cytogenetical damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the liquidators in a remote period (6-10 years) after the Chernobyl accident. There was a significantly higher frequency of chromosomal radiation markers (dicentrics and rings) in the peripheral lymphocytes of the liquidators than in the control subjects. No differences between these groups were demonstrated by the micronucleus (MN) test. Increased frequency of chromatid exchanges was associated with the smoking habits of the liquidators.