title: Occupational genotoxicity among copper smelters.
abstract: Occupational exposure in a copper smelting industry may produce various adverse health effects including cancer. Despite a number of well-documented studies reporting an increased risk of cancer among copper smelter workers, the data on genotoxic effects in this industry are scarce. In view of the above, an assessment of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes by Comet assay from copper smelter workers was undertaken. Additionally, the proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis was assessed to determine the metal content of samples. The study was conducted with all workers from a copper smelter (males; n = 11), and a control group (n = 11) was recruited. The results of our study showed a significant increase (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test) in DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of smelter workers, compared to the controls (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test). No correlation between DNA damage or metal concentration and age mean or time of exposure was found under study. Our findings indicate that copper smelter workers have increased levels of DNA damage in somatic cells, suggesting a potential health risk for the workers. PIXE results show the presence of copper, iron, and other metals.
authors: Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica - Curso de Biologia, Universidade Luterana do Brasil, ULBRA, Canoas, RS, Brazil.
authors: Juliana Viégas Duarte
authors: JV
authors: De Olivera
authors: Liana Appel
authors: LA
authors: Boufleur
authors: Carla Eliete Iochims
authors: CE
authors: Dos Santos
authors: Johnny Ferraz
authors: JF
authors: Dias
authors: Cíntia Haag
authors: CH
authors: Squeff
authors: Guilherme Ruivo Gonçalves
authors: GR
authors: Silva
authors: Martus
authors: M
authors: Ianistcki
authors: Vinícius Cosmos
authors: VC
authors: Benvegnú
authors: Juliana
authors: J
authors: Da Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D020552:Comet Assay; D003300:Copper / Q000633:toxicity*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
chemical_list: D003300:Copper