title: [Genotoxic effects in a human population exposed to heavy metals in the region of La Mojana, Colombia, 2013].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mining is an economically important activity in Colombia which generates large quantities of residues containing potentially toxic elements such as heavy metals. These contaminate ecosystems and place human health at risk. La Mojana lies within one of the most biodiversity-rich zones on Earth and has been subjected to processes of contamination closely related to gold mining activities in the surrounding areas.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate genotoxicity in the population of La Mojana region exposed to heavy metals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genotoxic effects and their relationship with concentrations of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium and lead) in blood were evaluated among an exposed population and a control group. The exposed group comprised inhabitants of the municipalities of Guaranda, Sucre, Majagual and San Marcos; inhabitants of the municipality of Montería were chosen as a control group. DNA damage was determined using the alkaline comet assay. Concentrations of mercury were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, and those of cadmium and lead by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Concentrations of the heavy metals exceeded the limits permitted by the World Health Organization. Genotoxic effects were found in the exposed population, possibly associated with the presence of these metals in blood. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between mercury and cadmium levels and damage to DNA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that the genetic damage recorded among inhabitants of the region of La Mojana, Colombia, may be associated with the presence of heavy metals in the blood.
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Investigación en Aguas, Química Aplicada y Ambiental, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia.
authors.forename: Clelia Rosa
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Calao
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Investigación en Aguas, Química Aplicada y Ambiental, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia.
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Marrugo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002104:Cadmium / Q000097:blood; D003105:Colombia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000097:blood; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000633:toxicity*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D009153:Mutagens; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D008628:Mercury