Assessment of DNA damage as an index of genetic toxicity in welding microenvironments among iron-based industries

Abstract

Welding is used extensively in different industries. Welders are always at a risk of exposure to a number of gases and metal-containing fumes in their respective microenvironments in which they work. Welding fumes consist of a wide range of complex metal oxide particles which can deposit in different parts of their bodies causing serious health problems. In the present study, 35 welders (age: 33.80 ± 1.04 years) from two iron-based industries have been assessed for DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes using single-cell gel electrophoresis. An equal number of subjects (N = 35; age: 30.40 ± 1.51 years) matched to exposed subjects with respect to sex, age, socioeconomic status, smoking, and alcoholic habits were taken as controls. The results revealed that the damaged cell frequency (DCF) and mean comet tail length (CTL) in welders were significantly higher as compared to the controls (DCF: 69.74 ± 1.68 vs. 31.14 ± 1.67 and CTL: 29.21 ± 1.48 vs. 1.47 ± 0.08; p < 0.05). The effect of confounding factors such as age, duration of exposure, smoking, and drinking habits was also studied. Blood lead levels also showed a positive correlation with duration of exposure and CTL, and the overall results indicated an increased genetic damage as an index of genotoxicity in workers occupationally engaged in welding microenvironments.

Welding Fumes, a Risk Factor for Lung Diseases

“…Chronic exposure to WFs from both SS and MS could lead to oxidative stress and increased levels of chromosomal aberrations and DNA breaks in lymphocytes [62,63]. DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes could be an index of genotoxicity in welding [64]. Genotoxic effects have also been evaluated using the micronucleus test on welder oral mucosa cells, showing an increase in binucleated cell counts and condensate-chromatin cells in welders compared to controls (8 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 0, respectively; values were expressed as number of occurrences per 2000 cells) [65].…”

Evaluation of the genetic damage to workers in a Greek shipyard

“…Incidentally, there are reports that in welders there is no correlation between smoking and increased micronuclei numbers 87) or DNA damage 88) , as well as in painters exposed to various hazardous substances present in paints, thinners and hardeners 12,43) . Furthermore, there are reports that do not associate smoking and MN induction in buccal cells of road markers 46) or silica exposed individuals 92) .…”

Infertility among iron industry workers

“…Occupational exposures can be the major cause of infertility. Iron industry has previously been assessed for different associated toxicities [1][2][3][4][5]. A wide range of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of occupations on the fertility status of workers [6][7][8][9][10][11].…”