Single-strand breaks in deoxyribonucleic acid in fire fighters accidentally exposed to o-nitroanisole and other chemicals

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to detect single-strand breaks in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in ~noilonuclear blood cells of fire fighters exposed to o-nitroanisole and other substances released into the environment during an accident in a chemical plant. Methods The level of DNA single-strand brealts in mononuclear blood cells was detected by alkaline elution. The results were compared for 16 fire fighters who worked in a contaminated area for about 8 h and two reference groups (one of fire fighters who had not worlted in the conta~llinated area, group I, and one of persons without any apparent occupational exposure to genotoxic substances, group 11). Results The mean nonnalized elution rate (nER) 19 d after the accident was slightly but statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the exposed fire fighters [mean 1.48 k 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.211 than for reference group I (mean 1.21 f 95% CI 0.21) or reference group 11 (mean 1.17 k 95% CI 0.18). No statistically significant difference was found between reference groups 1 and 11. Another analysis was performed three months after the first. The level of DNA single-strand breaks (mean nER 1.12 k 95% CI 0.1 I) was no longer increased in comparison with the levels of the reference groups. C O~~C~U S~O~~S DNA single-strand breaks were increased in fire fighters exposed to o-nitroanisole and other substances. In comparison with the extent of DNA strand brealts found in other occupational groups the increase was only moderate. The observed decrease in DNA single-strand breaks to the reference level in exposed fire fighters three months later suggests a DNA repair mechanism for DNA single-strand brealts caused by o-nitroanisole. Key terms acute toxicity, biomonitoring, DNA single-strand breaks, fire fighters, hutnan rnononuclear blood cells, o-nitsoanisole.

Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, lung function, systemic inflammation, and genotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from firefighters before and after a work shift

“…In a recent biomonitoring study of 53 conscripts under education as firefighters, firefighting was associated with increased levels of PAH on the skin, increased urinary excretion of 1‐OHP and increased levels of oxidatively damaged DNA in PBMC [Andersen et al, ]. Municipal firefighters had increased levels of DNA strand breaks in PBMC after a firefighting episode at a chemical plant where they did not wear protective clothing or other safety provisions [Hengstler et al, ]. Another study showed higher levels of DNA strand breaks in PBMC from firefighters as compared to controls, whereas the levels of Fpg‐sensitive sites were similar in the two groups of subjects [Abreu et al, ].…”

Fire Fighters, Combustion Products, and Urothelial Cancer

“…The frequently analyzed decomposition compound benzene is carcinogenic, but the urinary bladder is clearly not the target tissue. Furthermore, it must be considered that fire fighters might be also exposed to toxic substances due to emergency aid in cases of chemical pollution (Hengstler et al, 1995).…”

Compact semi-automatic incident sampler for personal monitoring of volatile organic compounds in occupational air

“…Sudden incidents resulting in contamination of working atmospheres may occur in relation to several work tasks in a number of industries and branches. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Such incidents of sudden and unintended release of chemicals to the working atmosphere have for instance been reported from fires 15,16 and chemical manufacturing. [17][18][19] Moreover, aircraft cabin air has for several years been of major interest due to alleged in-flight illness and reports of incidents where flight crew members have experienced unexplained health symptoms and sudden air contamination.…”