Biological Monitoring of Genotoxic Hazards in Electroplating Industry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Occupational Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic risks in humans exposed to different chemicals in electroplating industry. Blood and urine samples were collected from 50 exposed workers and 50 age and sex matched control subjects selected from the administrative department of the same factory. DNA single strand breaks [DNASSB] was analyzed in blood lymphocytes. The level of thioethers in the urine was also determined colorimetrically. The median level of DNASSB was significantly higher in the exposed workers [40] compared with that of the controls [7.0] [p <0.01]. The level of urinary thioethers was found to be higher among the exposed workers. We recommend the introduction of somatic cell mutation analysis in the periodic medical examination of workers exposed to different chemicals agents in electroplating industry.

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