Micronucleous assay as a biomarker of genotoxicity in the occupational exposure to agrochemicals in rural workers. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

N. GENTILE, F. MAÑAS, B. BOSCH, N. GORLA, D. AIASSA

BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY

SPRINGER

Año: 2012 vol. 88 p. 816 - 822

0007-4861

Overuse and inappropriate use of pesticides causes certain environmental and health problems in different exposed populations. This paper aims to evaluate the genotoxic effect of agrochemicals in rural workers occupationally exposed by the micronucleus assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes and to promote the development of health and environmental preventive and protective practices. A total of 22 blood samples from 12 individuals occupationally exposed to different agrochemicals and 10 unexposed persons, who formed the reference group, were analyzed. We found statistically significant differences in the frequency of micronuclei between the two groups. The analysis of age showed a positive correlation with the frequency of micronuclei, in contrast with smoking habits and years of exposure. Micronucleus assay allows an early detection of populations at higher risk of having genetic damage, allowing us to implement strategies of intervention for the purpose of contributing to reduce that risk.