Biomaterial Database

Sister chromatid exchange frequency in workers exposed to high levels of ethylene oxide, in a hospital sterilization service. 1984

C Laurent, and J Frederic, and A Y Léonard

Blood samples were taken from a group of 25 subjects professionally exposed to high levels of ethylene oxide (EO) during the past two years; the samples were compared to those from 22 control subjects, using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) methodology. The quantity of ethylene oxide inhaled during the two previous years was subsequently evaluated to fall between 500 and 5800 mg. When compared with the control group, the exposed group demonstrated a significant increase in the SCE rate. For certain individuals, the rate of increase rose 100% beyond the control mean. Smoking habits significantly influenced the data observed for the control group, but no significant differences in the SCE rate were found for the exposed group, regardless of smoking habits. Senior workers had the highest SCE mean levels. This observation indicated that the effect of exposure to EO was sufficient to produce a genetic reaction, was cumulative and in some cases persistent.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D010564	Personnel, Hospital	The individuals employed by the hospital.	Hospital Personnel
D003434	Crossing Over, Genetic	The reciprocal exchange of segments at corresponding positions along pairs of homologous CHROMOSOMES by symmetrical breakage and crosswise rejoining forming cross-over sites (HOLLIDAY JUNCTIONS) that are resolved during CHROMOSOME SEGREGATION. Crossing-over typically occurs during MEIOSIS but it may also occur in the absence of meiosis, for example, with bacterial chromosomes, organelle chromosomes, or somatic cell nuclear chromosomes.	Crossing Over,Crossing-Over, Genetic,Crossing Overs,Genetic Crossing Over,Genetic Crossing-Over
D005027	Ethylene Oxide	A colorless and flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Ethylene oxide is a bactericidal, fungicidal, and sporicidal disinfectant. It is effective against most micro-organisms, including viruses. It is used as a fumigant for foodstuffs and textiles and as an agent for the gaseous sterilization of heat-labile pharmaceutical and surgical materials. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p794)	Oxirane,Oxide, Ethylene
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000395	Air Pollutants, Occupational	Toxic air-borne matter related to work performed They are usually produced by the specific nature of the occupation.	Occupational Air Pollutants,Pollutants, Occupational Air
D012854	Sister Chromatid Exchange	An exchange of segments between the sister chromatids of a chromosome, either between the sister chromatids of a meiotic tetrad or between the sister chromatids of a duplicated somatic chromosome. Its frequency is increased by ultraviolet and ionizing radiation and other mutagenic agents and is particularly high in BLOOM SYNDROME.	Chromatid Exchange, Sister,Chromatid Exchanges, Sister,Exchange, Sister Chromatid,Exchanges, Sister Chromatid,Sister Chromatid Exchanges
D013242	Sterilization	The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means.
D014029	Tobacco Use Disorder	Tobacco used to the detriment of a person's health or social functioning. Tobacco dependence is included.	Nicotine Addiction,Nicotine Dependence,Nicotine Use Disorder,Tobacco Dependence,Tobacco-Use Disorder,Addiction, Nicotine,Dependence, Nicotine,Dependence, Tobacco,Disorder, Nicotine Use,Disorder, Tobacco Use,Disorder, Tobacco-Use,Nicotine Addictions,Nicotine Use Disorders,Tobacco Use Disorders