The effect of fluorine and lead ions on the chromosomes of human leucocytes in vitro

Abstract

Human leukocytes in the cultures in vitro were exposed to the action of Pb and F ions at the concentrations of 10-3 M and 10-5 M for Pb and 3.15 x 10-3 M, 3.15 x 10-4 M, 3.15 x 10-5 M for F. Both factors caused structural and quantitative aberrations in the chromosome set, which seemed to indicate their mutagenic character. The smallest of the applied concentrations of F- (3.15 x 10-5 M) equaled the concentration of these ions in running water of Szczecin [Poland] given for the prevention of caries. These results generated some apprehension regarding the suitability of this treatment.