The hazard of chromium exposure to neonates in Guiyu of China.
Guiyu is one of the most heavily chromium-polluted areas in China due to the presence of numerous electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites in the region. In this study, we investigate the effect of umbilical cord blood chromium levels (UCBCLs) on neonates from Guiyu and discuss chromium-induced DNA damage of cord blood lymphocyte. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from neonates of Guiyu (in 2006, n=100; in 2007, n=100) and the neighboring town of Chaonan (in 2006, n=52; in 2007, n=50) that is associated with the fishery. UCBCLs of the neonates were determined by graphite atomizer absorption spectrophotometer. Comet experiment was used to examine lymphocyte DNA damage. Questionnaires to gauge chromium exposure were administered to the mothers of the neonates. The mean UCBCLs of neonates in the Guiyu group in 2006 and 2007 were 303.38 microg/L and 99.90 microg/L with median 93.89 microg/L and 70.60 microg/L, respectively. We observed significant differences between the results in UCBCLs of neonates in Guiyu and the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference of UCBCLs in neonates between 2006 and 2007 in Guiyu (P>0.05). Higher levels of chromium in neonates were found to correlate with their mothers' exposure to e-waste recycling. There were significant differences in terms of DNA damage between the Guiyu group and the control group (P<0.05). There was a correlation between DNA damage and the UCBCLs of neonates (P<0.05). There is conclusive evidence that high UCBCLs in neonates exists in e-waste recycling areas in Guiyu and that e-waste recycling activity poses serious environmental problems. Chromium pollution is threatening the health of neonates around the recycling sites.
Li
Yan
Y
Central Laboratory and the Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
Xu
Xijin
X
Liu
Junxiao
J
Wu
Kusheng
K
Gu
Chengwu
C
Shao
Guo
G
Chen
Songjian
S
Chen
Gangjian
G
Huo
Xia
X
D002681:China; D017608:Chromium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D020552:Comet Assay; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D004581:Electronics; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D017608:Chromium Compounds; D007220:Industrial Waste; D004247:DNA