Dynamics of the level of chromosomal aberrations in residents of industrial cities under the conditions of changing atmospheric pollution

The level and range of chromosomal aberrations in residents of Kemerovo, a large industrial center of Western Siberia, was studied in two periods of time: from 1986 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2012. Cytogenetic studies were performed on 668 persons (333 persons in the first period and 335 persons in the second period). The frequency of aberrations among residents in Kemerovo was lower in 2001–2012 than in 1986–2000, which is consistent with the reduced emission of pollutants into the air in Kemerovo. The new background level of chromosomal aberrations in Kemerovo’s residents, who do not come into contact with industrial genotoxicants, was established at 1.48 ± 0.08% and can be used in further genetic and ecological studies.