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Brisbine BR, Radcliffe CR, Jones MLH, Stirling L, Coltman CE. Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278174. [PMID: 36449531 PMCID: PMC9710848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) fit on functional performance across a range of occupational domains. BACKGROUND PPE introduces an ergonomic, human systems integration, and mass burden to the wearer, and these factors are thought to be amplified if PPE is ill-fitting. However, few studies have considered the role of fit (static, dynamic, and cognitive) when evaluating PPE-related performance detriments in occupational settings. METHOD A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were then critically appraised based on methodological quality and collated to compare key findings and present evidence-based recommendations for future research directions across a range of occupational domains. RESULTS 16 published studies met the inclusion criteria, 88% of which found that the fit of PPE had a statistically significant effect on occupational performance. Poorly sized PPE resulted in slower or increased reaction time; decreased range of motion or mobility; decreased endurance or tolerance; decreased pulmonary function; and altered muscle activation. Limited research met the inclusion criteria and those that did had risks of bias in methodology quality. CONCLUSION Future research evaluating the effect of PPE on performance in occupational settings should aim to recruit a more representative population; consider sex as a covariate; quantify and evaluate PPE fit and performance when integrated with all relevant equipment items; include outcome measures related to all three categories of fit (static, dynamic, cognitive); and assess performance of operationally relevant tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke R. Brisbine
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ceridwen R. Radcliffe
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Monica L. H. Jones
- University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Leia Stirling
- Industrial and Operations Engineering Department, Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Celeste E. Coltman
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Costa S, Costa C, Madureira J, Valdiglesias V, Teixeira-Gomes A, Guedes de Pinho P, Laffon B, Teixeira JP. Occupational exposure to formaldehyde and early biomarkers of cancer risk, immunotoxicity and susceptibility. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108740. [PMID: 31563789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a high-volume production chemical manufactured worldwide to which many people are exposed to both environmentally and occupationally. FA was recently reclassified as a human carcinogen. Several epidemiological studies have revealed an increased risk of cancer development among workers exposed to FA. Although FA genotoxicity was confirmed in a variety of experimental systems, data from human studies are conflicting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occupational exposure to FA in a multistage approach relating the exposure with different biomarkers (dose and effect) and individual susceptibility. Air monitoring was performed to estimate the level of exposure to FA during shift work. Eighty-five workers from hospital anatomy-pathology laboratories exposed to FA and 87 controls were tested for cytogenetic alterations in lymphocytes (micronucleus, MN; sister-chromatid exchange, SCE) and T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay. The frequency of MN in exfoliated buccal cells, a first contact tissue was also assessed. Percentages of different lymphocyte subpopulations were selected as immunotoxicity biomarkers. The level of formic acid in urine was investigated as a potential biomarker of internal dose. The effects of polymorphic genes of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes and DNA repair enzymes on the endpoints studied were determined. The mean level of FA exposure was 0.38 ± 0.03 ppm. MN (in lymphocytes and buccal cells) and SCE were significantly increased in FA-exposed workers compared to controls. MN frequency positively correlated with FA levels of exposure and duration. Significant alterations in the percentage of T cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells and B lymphocytes were found between groups. Polymorphisms in CYP2E1, GSTP1 and FANCA genes were associated with increased genetic damage in FA-exposed subjects. The obtained information may provide new important data to be used by health and safety care programs and by governmental agencies responsible for setting the acceptable levels for occupational exposure to FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carla Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Madureira
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Valdiglesias
- Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Campus Elviña s/n, 15071-A, Coruña, Spain
| | - Armanda Teixeira-Gomes
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Blanca Laffon
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
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Wei CN, Harada K, Ohmori S, Wei QJ, Minamoto K, Ueda A. Subjective Symptoms of Medical Students Exposed to Formaldehyde during a Gross Anatomy Dissection Course. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2016; 20:23-5. [PMID: 17903352 DOI: 10.1177/03946320070200s205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety of and to try to find the best plan to cope with exposure to FA for students during a gross anatomy dissection course. The FA exposure level and subjective symptoms was estimated. The relationship between exposure to FA and subjective symptoms of irritation were discussed for times; before, in the beginning period, in the middle period, and upon completion of the Anatomy Dissection Course. The geometric means of FA concentration were 32.7 ug/m3 (before), 891.3 ug/m3 (beginning), 763.3 ug/m3 (middle), and 238.9 ug/m3 (completion), respectively. Among them, FA-related symptoms were observed in 61.1%; 28.0% fell strong stress during the course, and 27.4% complained that their normal life situation was affected. Our results indicate that such subjective symptoms during the anatomy dissection course were related to the period spent in the anatomy dissection room. Our study suggests that shortening the time of each anatomy dissection practical class and reduction of the number of cadaver tables could help to reduce symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Wei
- Center for Policy Studies, Kumamoto University, Japan.
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Costa S, Carvalho S, Costa C, Coelho P, Silva S, Santos LS, Gaspar JF, Porto B, Laffon B, Teixeira JP. Increased levels of chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage in a group of workers exposed to formaldehyde. Mutagenesis 2015; 30:463-73. [PMID: 25711496 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gev002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a commonly used chemical in anatomy and pathology laboratories as a tissue preservative and fixative. Because of its sensitising properties, irritating effects and cancer implication, FA accounts probably for the most important chemical-exposure hazard concerning this professional group. Evidence for genotoxic effects and carcinogenic properties in humans is insufficient and conflicting, particularly in regard to the ability of inhaled FA to induce toxicity on other cells besides first contact tissues, such as buccal and nasal cells. To evaluate the effects of exposure to FA in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, a group of 84 anatomy pathology laboratory workers exposed occupationally to FA and 87 control subjects were tested for chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and DNA damage (comet assay). The level of exposure to FA in the workplace air was evaluated. The association between genotoxicity biomarkers and polymorphic genes of xenobiotic-metabolising and DNA repair enzymes were also assessed. The estimated mean level of FA exposure was 0.38±0.03 ppm. All cytogenetic endpoints assessed by CAs test and comet assay % tail DNA (%TDNA) were significantly higher in FA-exposed workers compared with controls. Regarding the effect of susceptibility biomarkers, results suggest that polymorphisms in CYP2E1 and GSTP1 metabolic genes, as well as, XRCC1 and PARP1 polymorphic genes involved in DNA repair pathways are associated with higher genetic damage in FA-exposed subjects. Data obtained in this study show a potential health risk situation of anatomy pathology laboratory workers exposed to FA (0.38 ppm). Implementation of security and hygiene measures may be crucial to decrease risk. The obtained information may also provide new important data to be used by health care programs and by governmental agencies responsible for occupational health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Costa
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health, Rua Alexandre Herculano nº 321, Porto 4000-055, Portugal Epidemiology Research Unit - Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, Porto 4050-600, Portugal
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health, Rua Alexandre Herculano nº 321, Porto 4000-055, Portugal
| | - Carla Costa
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health, Rua Alexandre Herculano nº 321, Porto 4000-055, Portugal Epidemiology Research Unit - Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, Porto 4050-600, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Coelho
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health, Rua Alexandre Herculano nº 321, Porto 4000-055, Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health, Rua Alexandre Herculano nº 321, Porto 4000-055, Portugal
| | - Luís S Santos
- Toxomics, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Edifício CEDOC II, Rua Câmara Pestana nº 6, Lisboa 1150-082, Portugal Department of Health Sciences, Portuguese Catholic University, Estrada da Circunvalação, Viseu 3504-505, Portugal
| | - Jorge F Gaspar
- Toxomics, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Edifício CEDOC II, Rua Câmara Pestana nº 6, Lisboa 1150-082, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Porto
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics, Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.º 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Blanca Laffon
- DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Universidade da Coruña, Campus Elviña s/n, A Coruña 15071, Spain
| | - João P Teixeira
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health, Rua Alexandre Herculano nº 321, Porto 4000-055, Portugal Epidemiology Research Unit - Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, Porto 4050-600, Portugal
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Costa S, García-Lestón J, Coelho M, Coelho P, Costa C, Silva S, Porto B, Laffon B, Teixeira JP. Cytogenetic and immunological effects associated with occupational formaldehyde exposure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:217-229. [PMID: 23514064 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.757212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a widely used industrial chemical for which exposure is associated with nasopharyngeal and sinonasal cancer. Based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from human investigations, supporting studies on mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis, and experimental evidence in animals, FA status was recently revised and reclassified as a human carcinogen. The highest level of exposure to FA occurs in occupational settings. Although several studies reported FA ability to induce genotoxic responses in exposed workers, not all findings were conclusive. In addition, published studies on the immunological effects of FA indicate that this compound may be able to modulate immune responses, although data in exposed subjects are still preliminary. In this study a group of pathology anatomy workers exposed to FA was evaluated for cytogenetic and immunological parameters. A control group with similar sociodemographic characteristics and without known occupational exposure to FA was also included. Genotoxicity was evaluated by means of micronucleus (MN) test, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay. Percentages of different lymphocyte subpopulations were selected as immunotoxic biomarkers. The mean level of FA environmental exposure was 0.36 ± 0.03 ppm. MN and SCE frequencies were significantly increased in the exposed group. A significant decrease of the percentage of B cells in the exposed group was also found. Data obtained in this study indicate that genotoxic and immunotoxic increased risk due to FA occupational exposure cannot be excluded. Implementation of effective control measures along with hazard prevention campaigns may be crucial to decrease the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Costa
- National Institute of Health , Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Respirators are used to maintain work performance and protect against inhaled toxins. The study compared the effects of two commonly used respirator classes--dual cartridge half face mask (HFM) and filtering face piece (N95)--upon work productivity. METHODS 107 volunteers performed eight simulated work tasks when using the HFM and N95 respirators. Tasks included several body positions, exertion levels, and concentration requirements. Objective measures of accuracy and speed were developed for each task. Scores for each task were based on the subject's rank among all subjects. RESULTS All subjects were capable of performing the tasks. There were no statistically significant differences between respirator types in either task performance metric. CONCLUSIONS Productivity impact can be measured effectively and should be considered as part of respirator design testing and when selecting the optimal respirator for a worker.
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Comparison of Personal Formaldehyde Levels in Anatomy Laboratories of 5 Physical Therapist Education Programs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1097/00001416-201107000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Costa S, Pina C, Coelho P, Costa C, Silva S, Porto B, Laffon B, Teixeira JP. Occupational exposure to formaldehyde: genotoxic risk evaluation by comet assay and micronucleus test using human peripheral lymphocytes. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2011; 74:1040-1051. [PMID: 21707428 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2011.582293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a world high-production compound with numerous applications ranging from production of resins to medicines. Due to its sensitizing properties, irritating effects and potential cancer hazard FA is of great environmental health concern. Numerous studies in humans and experimental animals demonstrated that inhaled FA produced toxicity, genotoxicity, and cancer at distal sites. IARC, based on sufficient data, reclassified FA as a human carcinogen. The highest level of human exposure to this aldehyde occurs in occupational settings, namely, in pathology and anatomy laboratories, where FA is commonly used as a fixative and tissue preservative. Several studies consistently showed that the levels of airborne FA in anatomy laboratories exceeded recommended exposure criteria. In order to assess the genotoxic effects of chronic occupational exposure to FA, a group of pathology/anatomy workers was assessed using a micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay. The level of exposure to FA was also determined and the time-weighted average (TWA) of exposure was calculated for each subject. The TWA mean value for FA exposed workers was 0.43 ± 0.06 ppm, exceeding national and international recommended limit levels of 0.3 ppm. Both MN frequency and comet assay parameters were significantly higher in exposed subjects. Data obtained confirm a correlation between genetic damage and occupational exposure to FA. These data, along with recent implications of human carcinogenicity, point out the need for close monitoring of occupational exposure to FA. Implementation of security and hygiene measures as well as good practices campaigns may be crucial to decrease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal.
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Takahashi M, Abe M, Yamagishi T, Nakatani K, Okade T, Ogawa T, Konishi H, Kiryu-Seo S, Kiyama H, Nakajima Y. Local ventilation system successfully reduced formaldehyde exposure during gross anatomy dissection classes. Anat Sci Int 2010; 85:251-2. [PMID: 20734180 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-010-0092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Subjective response to respirator type: effect of disease status and gender. J Occup Environ Med 2010; 52:150-4. [PMID: 20134339 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181cfcf09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of respirator type and user characteristics (eg, health status) on the subjective response to respirator use. METHODS The subjective responses for multiple domains were evaluated in 104 volunteers performing work tasks in a simulated work environment. Each used a dual cartridge half face mask and a filtering facepiece (N95) respirator. The study population was recruited to include four groups (normal respiratory status, mild asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or chronic rhinitis). Mixed model regression analyses determined the effects of respirator type, disease, gender, and age. RESULTS Half face mask produced more adverse subjective response than the N95 for most scales. There were significant interactions such that disease status modified the effect of respirator type. In general, women reported greater adverse ratings than did men. CONCLUSIONS The effect of respirator type depends on disease status. Respirator design evaluation panels should include persons with mild respiratory disease.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE : Evaluate subjective tolerance to respirator use outside of traditional industrial settings by users including persons with mild respiratory impairment. METHODS : The response to respirator use (half face mask dual cartridge and N95) was measured during eight types of work activities as well as in an exercise laboratory setting. The 43 research subjects included persons with mild respiratory impairments. Multiple domains of subjective response were evaluated. RESULTS : Mixed model regression analyses assessing the effect of respirator type and task type showed: 1) most tolerated respirator use well; 2) half face mask respirators typically had greater adverse impact than N95 types; 3) multiple subjective outcomes, rather than only comfort/breathing impact, should be measured; and 4) rated subjective impact during work activities is less than in exercise laboratory settings. CONCLUSIONS : The results suggest that respirator use may be feasible on a widespread basis if necessary in the face of epidemic or terror concerns.
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Bansal S, Harber P, Yun D, Liu D, Liu Y, Wu S, Ng D, Santiago S. Respirator physiological effects under simulated work conditions. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2009; 6:221-227. [PMID: 19180375 DOI: 10.1080/15459620902729218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study compared the physiological impacts of two respirator types in simulated work conditions. Fifty-six subjects included normal volunteers and persons with mild respiratory impairments (chronic rhinitis, mild COPD, and mild asthma). Respiratory parameters and electrocardiogram were measured using respiratory inductive plethysmography while performing eight work tasks involving low to moderate exertion using two respirators: (1) a dual cartridge half face mask (HFM) respirator, and (2) the N95. Mixed model regression analyses evaluating the effect of task and respirator type showed that task affected tidal volume, minute ventilation, breathing frequency and heart rate; all were greater in heavier tasks. Although respirator type did not affect respiratory volume parameters and flow rates, the HFM led to increase in the inspiratory time, reduction of the expiratory time, and increase in the duty cycle in comparison with the N95. The magnitude of differences was relatively small. The results suggest that most individuals, including persons with mild respiratory impairments, will physiologically tolerate either type of respirator at low to moderate exertion tasks. However, because effective protection depends on proper use, differences in subjective effect may have greater impact than physiological differences. Using respirators may be feasible on a widespread basis if necessary for maintaining essential services in the face of widespread concern about an infectious or terrorist threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Bansal
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
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Costa S, Coelho P, Costa C, Silva S, Mayan O, Santos LS, Gaspar J, Teixeira JP. Genotoxic damage in pathology anatomy laboratory workers exposed to formaldehyde. Toxicology 2008; 252:40-8. [PMID: 18721846 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2008.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2008] [Revised: 07/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a chemical traditionally used in pathology and anatomy laboratories as a tissue preservative. Several epidemiological studies of occupational exposure to FA have indicated an increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancers in industrial workers, embalmers and pathology anatomists. There is also a clear evidence of nasal squamous cell carcinomas from inhalation studies in the rat. The postulated mode of action for nasal tumours in rats was considered biologically plausible and considered likely to be relevant to humans. Based on the available data IARC, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has recently classified FA as a human carcinogen. Although the in vitro genotoxic as well as the in vivo carcinogenic potentials of FA are well documented in mammalian cells and in rodents, evidence for genotoxic effects and carcinogenic properties in humans is insufficient and conflicting thus remains to be more documented. To evaluate the genetic effects of long-term occupational exposure to FA a group of 30 Pathological Anatomy laboratory workers was tested for a variety of biological endpoints, cytogenetic tests (micronuclei, MN; sister chromatid exchange, SCE) and comet assay. The level of exposure to FA was evaluated near the breathing zone of workers, time weighted average of exposure was calculated for each subject. The association between the biomarkers and polymorphic genes of xenobiotic metabolising and DNA repair enzymes was also assessed. The mean level of exposure was 0.44+/-0.08ppm (0.04-1.58ppm). MN frequency was significantly higher (p=0.003) in the exposed subjects (5.47+/-0.76) when compared with controls (3.27+/-0.69). SCE mean value was significantly higher (p<0.05) among the exposed group (6.13+/-0.29) compared with control group (4.49+/-0.16). Comet assay data showed a significant increase (p<0.05) of TL in FA-exposed workers (60.00+/-2.31) with respect to the control group (41.85+/-1.97). A positive correlation was found between FA exposure levels and MN frequency (r=0.384, p=0.001) and TL (r=0.333, p=0.005). Regarding the genetic polymorphisms studied, no significant effect was found on the genotoxic endpoints. The results of the present biomonitoring study emphasize the need to develop safety programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Praça Coronel Pacheco 15, 4050-453 Porto, Portugal.
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