US EPA

7451638 

Journal Article 

Determination of DNA damage in floriculturists exposed to mixtures of pesticides 

Castillo-Cadena, J; Tenorio-Vieyra, LE; Quintana-Carabia, AI; García-Fabila, MM; Juan, ER; Madrigal-Bujaidar, E 

2006 

Yes 

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology
ISSN: 1110-7243
EISSN: 1110-7251 

2006 

2 

97896 

English 

16883059 

10.1155/JBB/2006/97896 

WOS:000240341700001 

The aim of the study was to determine possible DNA damage in floriculturists chronically exposed to pesticides. Leukocytes from 52 workers, 46 environmentally exposed, and 38 control individuals were evaluated with the comet assay. Serum from all individuals was also analyzed for pesticides using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. A statistically significant difference in DNA fragmentation in the pesticide exposed group compared to the other two groups (P < .001) was found. No differences between environmentally exposed and control individuals were detected. The statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between DNA damage and sex, age, drinking or smoking habits, as well as years of exposure. One or more pesticides were detected in 50% of the floriculturists, while in the rest of the individuals, a chemical related with the preparation of pesticides, such as additives, plasticizers, or solvents, was found. Our study shows that chronic exposure to pesticides produces DNA damage in floriculturists. It also suggests that this type of monitoring could be valuable in recommending preventive measures.