In vivo genotoxicity of alcohol consumption and lead exposure in printing press workers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of a double exposure to alcohol and lead in subjects from the printing industry, and the possible interaction between the two agents. Individuals were classified into four different groups: controls, lead-exposed individuals, alcohol consumers, and lead-exposed alcohol consumers. Chromosomal analysis was carried out according to conventional methods and data on chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were obtained for each individual. Alcohol consumers had a significant increase in the frequency of SCEs compared to the controls. Though there was an increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations and SCEs in individuals exposed to lead, it was not significant. Statistical analysis did not reveal an interaction between alcohol and lead in either assay.