Occupational genotoxicity among copper smelters

Abstract

Occupational exposure in a copper smelting industry may produce various adverse health effects including cancer. Despite a number of well-documented studies reporting an increased risk of cancer among copper smelter workers, the data on genotoxic effects in this industry are scarce. In view of the above, an assessment of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes by Comet assay from copper smelter workers was undertaken. Additionally, the proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis was assessed to determine the metal content of samples. The study was conducted with all workers from a copper smelter (males; n = 11), and a control group (n = 11) was recruited. The results of our study showed a significant increase (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test) in DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of smelter workers, compared to the controls (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test). No correlation between DNA damage or metal concentration and age mean or time of exposure was found under study. Our findings indicate that copper smelter workers have increased levels of DNA damage in somatic cells, suggesting a potential health risk for the workers. PIXE results show the presence of copper, iron, and other metals.

Effect of copper exposure on reproductive ability in the bank vole (Myodes glareolus)

“…Levengood and Heske (2008) did not detect any changes in the reproductive activity of small mammals from areas contaminated with copper and zinc. Nevertheless, copper does accumulate in different tissues (Appleton et al 2000;Martiniakova et al 2010Martiniakova et al , 2011Martiniakova et al , 2012 and can cause DNA damage (Yamashita et al 1998;Linder 2001;De Olivera et al 2012). In view of this, in further studies we will examine the impact of copper intake on offspring, and specifically its accumulation in different tissues and its effect on sexual maturation.…”

Pulmonary Functions, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Workers of a Copper Processing Industry

“…34,35 De Olivera, et al , showed a significant increase in DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of smelter workers compared to the controls. 15…”

“…From a previous report, the mean DNA damage for copper smelters and controls differed by 13.0 (damage index/100 leukocytes). 15 To detect a difference of this magnitude, considering a SD of 10.0, type I error of 0.05, and study power of 90%, the minimum sample size for each group (case and the comparison group) was calculated to be 22. To ascertain normalcy of data, we decided to study at least 30 cases and 30 controls.…”

Influence of Toxicologically Relevant Metals on Human Epigenetic Regulation

“…Copper. Occupational exposure to copper (Cu) has been reported to result in chromosome aberrations and increased frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood leukocytes (48) . In addition to genomic toxicity, Cu can also alter the epigenome.…”