HBM4EU Chromates Study—Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Workers Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium

Abstract

A study was conducted within the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) to characterize occupational exposure to Cr(VI). Herein we present the results of biomarkers of genotoxicity and oxidative stress, including micronucleus analysis in lymphocytes and reticulocytes, the comet assay in whole blood, and malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine in urine. Workers from several Cr(VI)-related industrial activities and controls from industrial (within company) and non-industrial (outwith company) environments were included. The significantly increased genotoxicity (p = 0.03 for MN in lymphocytes and reticulocytes; p < 0.001 for comet assay data) and oxidative stress levels (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 for MDA and 8-OHdG levels in pre-shift urine samples, respectively) that were detected in the exposed workers over the outwith company controls suggest that Cr(VI) exposure might still represent a health risk, particularly, for chrome painters and electrolytic bath platers, despite the low Cr exposure. The within-company controls displayed DNA and chromosomal damage levels that were comparable to those of the exposed group, highlighting the relevance of considering all industry workers as potentially exposed. The use of effect biomarkers proved their capacity to detect the early biological effects from low Cr(VI) exposure, and to contribute to identifying subgroups that are at higher risk. Overall, this study reinforces the need for further re-evaluation of the occupational exposure limit and better application of protection measures. However, it also raised some additional questions and unexplained inconsistencies that need follow-up studies to be clarified.

Potential of sodium dichromate and sodium silicate to control in vitro growth of Bacillus cereus, a metal corrosion-causing bacterium

“…Due to its high toxicity to prevent metals from microbe-induced corrosion, chromium has been used to protect alloys (such as stainless steel) as well as cookware, automobile parts, and sink faucets. The high toxicity level of this compound, due to its heavy metal content should also be considered (Chen et al 2019), because it will have bad side effects on human health following chromate exposure (Kozłowska et al 2022;Santonen et al 2022;Tavares et al 2022). This compound has also recently been reported to have carcinogenic effects (Chen et al 2019;Zhu and Costa 2020).…”

E-Waste and Metal Contamination in the Environment: Health Effects

“…In exposed workers, Cr(VI) markers of genotoxicity and oxidative stress have been measured. These included micronucleus analysis in lymphocytes and reticulocytes, the comet assay in whole blood, and malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-20-deoxyguanosine in urine [42].…”

Serum Phthalate Concentrations and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue in a Spanish Adult Cohort

“…The main endogenous source of ROS is the mitochondrion along the electron transport chain. Exogenous ROS sources include lifestyle patterns, e.g., lack or excess of physical exercise, consumption of certain foods, especially those high in fats and sugars, stress, cigarette smoke, and some drugs such as anesthetics and chemotherapeutics. − In addition, inadvertent long-term exposure to certain chemical environmental pollutants (e.g., bisphenols, parabens, or chromium) is acknowledged to contribute to the oxidative unbalance. − Moreover, there have been recent concerns about the potential contribution of phthalate exposure to redox-related chronic diseases, e.g., cancer or diabetes. ,, However, the relationship between phthalate exposure and oxidative stress remains unclear.…”

“… 26 − 30 In addition, inadvertent long-term exposure to certain chemical environmental pollutants (e.g., bisphenols, parabens, or chromium) is acknowledged to contribute to the oxidative unbalance. 31 − 33 Moreover, there have been recent concerns about the potential contribution of phthalate exposure to redox-related chronic diseases, e.g., cancer or diabetes. 3 , 34 , 35 However, the relationship between phthalate exposure and oxidative stress remains unclear.…”