BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared physicians exposed to anesthetics to non-exposed individuals, aiming at investigating chromosomal changes, the possible interference of inhalational anesthetics on cell kinetics and the genotoxic risk associated to occupational exposure. METHODS: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were temporarily cultured to obtain metaphases needed for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges. RESULTS: Cytogenetic analysis has shown an increased frequency in chromosomal aberrations per cell in the exposed group as compared to controls, confirming the clastogenic effect of such compounds. Anesthetic gases, however, had no inducing effects on sister chromatid exchanges. The comparison between proliferation and mitotic indices has also shown no significant differences between exposed and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that anesthesiologists may represent a group at risk among exposed people, and that working conditions should be improved.
ANESTHETICS, Inhalational; PROFESSIONAL RISK
