Increased DNA Damage, Instability and Cytokinesis Defects in Occupationally Exposed Car Painters

Abstract

Background/Aim: Car painting is considered an occupational exposure job with high risk for cancer development, due to the association with harmful chemicals and mutagens. This study aimed to profile car painters occupationally exposed and determine its association with DNA damage and genomic instability. Materials and Methods: We collected a questionnaire and buccal cells of 74 individuals (37 car painters and 37 non-exposed workers) paired by age, alcohol and smoking habits. The number of pyknotic cells, karyolitic cells, karyorrhetic cells, condensed chromatin, binucleated cells, basal cells, differentiated cells (DIFF), micronucleated cells and nuclear buds were evaluated using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay protocol. Results: A statistically significant increase was observed in all parameters (p<0.05) in the exposed group, but DIFF showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001), compared to the control group. Conclusion: In association with the poor work environment and lack of personal and collective protective equipment, occupational exposure of car painters leads to high DNA damage, genomic instability and alterations in cellular kinetics.

Evaluation of Skin Absorption Potential of Chemicals Relevant to Painting Trades

“…However, lack of training and motivation for using PPEs among painters has been reported. 1,24,25 In addition, workers rarely prefer to wear chemical protective suits and gloves in hot work environments (during the summer). 21 Several studies attempted assessing chemical exposure of painters through skin absorption.…”

“…that are used in painting activities. Several investigations have indicated causal relationship between occupational exposure of painters to chemicals and its negative health outcomes, including increased DNA damage, genomic instability, and alterations in cellular kinetics. − Exposure to emitted volatile chemicals from paint mixtures is a potential risk factor for developing respiratory illness among painters. − Other suggested systemic health effects attributed to the exposure of paint chemicals are hematological, immunological, cardiovascular diseases, congenital malformations in offspring, and cancer. − The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified “occupational exposure as a painter” is carcinogenic to humans (group 1)…”

“…Safe work practices and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPEs; e.g., chemical protective suits and gloves) can limit dermal uptake of chemicals. However, lack of training and motivation for using PPEs among painters has been reported. ,, In addition, workers rarely prefer to wear chemical protective suits and gloves in hot work environments (during the summer) …”

Impact of Gene–Environment Interactions on Cancer Development

“…Several risk factors have been attributed to the development of cancer, including the following: lifestyle choices such as cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, high intake of red meat and fat, and low intake of fiber [19,20]; indoor and outdoor air pollution, along with exposure to chemical substances and radiation [21][22][23]; as well as inherited genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 [24]. The mortality of cancer has slightly decreased in recent years due to medical improvements in early detection, diagnosis, and screening.…”