Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2.34 MB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
No âmbito da Iniciativa Europeia em Biomonitorização Humana (HBM4EU) realizou-se um estudo ocupacional, envolvendo trabalhadores com potencial exposição a crómio hexavalente [Cr(VI)], um reconhecido agente carcinogénico. No presente estudo são apresentados os resultados de biomarcadores de genotoxicidade, incluindo a análise de lesão no DNA e de alterações cromossómicas em células sanguíneas. O estudo foi realizado em vários Países Europeus e abrangeu trabalhadores de diversos setores industriais e atividades, bem como um grupo de controlo constituído por trabalhadores administrativos das mesmas empresas (controlo interno) e de outras não relacionadas com produção/aplicação de Cr(VI)
(controlo externo). Os resultados mostraram níveis de alterações cromossómicas (ensaio do micronúcleo) e de lesão no DNA (ensaio do cometa) significativamente aumentados nos trabalhadores expostos comparativamente aos controlos externos (p=0,03; p<0,001, respetivamente). Estes resultados sugerem que mesmo um baixo nível de exposição ao Cr(VI) representa um risco acrescido para a saúde dos trabalhadores e, principalmente, para os que realizam cromagem em banho. O grupo controlo interno apresentou níveis médios de lesões no DNA e nos cromossomas comparáveis aos do grupo exposto, salientando a relevância de se considerarem também em risco. O uso de biomarcadores de efeito demonstrou ser crucial para a deteção precoce de efeitos biológicos decorrentes de baixos níveis de exposição ao Cr(VI), contribuindo para a identificação de subgrupos em maior risco. O presente estudo vem apoiar a necessidade de uma reavaliação do limite de exposição ocupacional a Cr(VI), bem como da implementação de medidas de gestão de risco conducentes a uma melhor proteção da saúde dos trabalhadores.
ABSTRACT: An occupational study was carried out within the scope of the European Initiative on Human Biomonitoring (HBM4EU), involving workers with potential exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a recognized carcinogenic agent. In the present study, the results of biomarkers of genotoxicity are presented, including the analysis of DNA damage and chromosomal alterations in blood cells. The study was carried out in several countries and included workers from different industrial sectors and activities, as well as a control group including administrative workers from the same companies (internal control) and from others not related to the production/application of Cr(VI) (external control). Results showed significantly increased levels of chromosomal alterations (micronucleus assay) and DNA damage (comet assay) in exposed workers compared to external controls (p=0.03; p<0.001, respectively). These results suggest that even a low level of exposure to Cr(VI) represents an increased risk for the health of workers and, mainly, for those who perform chromium bath plating. The internal control group displayed DNA and chromosomal damage levels comparable to those of the exposed group, highlighting the importance of also being considered as potentially at risk. The use of effect biomarkers proved to be crucial for the early detection of biological effects resulting from low levels of exposure to Cr(VI), contributing to the identification of subgroups at a higher risk. The present study supports the need for a reassessment of the occupational exposure limit to Cr(VI), as well as the implementation of risk management measures leading to better protection of workers' health.
ABSTRACT: An occupational study was carried out within the scope of the European Initiative on Human Biomonitoring (HBM4EU), involving workers with potential exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a recognized carcinogenic agent. In the present study, the results of biomarkers of genotoxicity are presented, including the analysis of DNA damage and chromosomal alterations in blood cells. The study was carried out in several countries and included workers from different industrial sectors and activities, as well as a control group including administrative workers from the same companies (internal control) and from others not related to the production/application of Cr(VI) (external control). Results showed significantly increased levels of chromosomal alterations (micronucleus assay) and DNA damage (comet assay) in exposed workers compared to external controls (p=0.03; p<0.001, respectively). These results suggest that even a low level of exposure to Cr(VI) represents an increased risk for the health of workers and, mainly, for those who perform chromium bath plating. The internal control group displayed DNA and chromosomal damage levels comparable to those of the exposed group, highlighting the importance of also being considered as potentially at risk. The use of effect biomarkers proved to be crucial for the early detection of biological effects resulting from low levels of exposure to Cr(VI), contributing to the identification of subgroups at a higher risk. The present study supports the need for a reassessment of the occupational exposure limit to Cr(VI), as well as the implementation of risk management measures leading to better protection of workers' health.
Description
Keywords
Saúde ocupacional Exposição ocupacional Genotoxicidade Crómio hexavalente
Citation
Tavares A, Aimonen K, Ndaw S, Fucic A, Ladeira C, Viegas S, et al. Caracterização de biomarcadores de genotoxicidade em trabalhadores expostos a crómio hexavalente: um estudo no âmbito da Iniciativa Europeia em Biomonitorização Humana. Observações - Bol Epidemiol. 2022;11 Suppl 14:40-6.
Publisher
Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge