Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of photocopy Machine workers in Erbil City/ Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Abstract

A bstract Photocopiers are one of the most common machines in the market today. They are a source of employment for a large number of people. The personnel working with photocopiers are commonly exposed to possible hazards associated with it .The objective of the present study is to know the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral blood lymphocytes in a group of workers. The present study was performed in a group of workers occupationally exposed to photocopying machines in Erbil City. Samples of blood were collected from 50 workers out of which 20 were smokers and 30 were nonsmokers and 25 controls at different age groups range between (15-38) years. Toxic components of the photocopiers are from their emissions, toners and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields that cause DNA damage. Our results suggest that there was a significant increase in the chromosomal aberrations in the workers when compared to the controls. Significant association was found between years of exposure and smoking .The highest value of chromosomal aberrations were founded in workers who are smoker and who exposed to photocopying machine for more than (5) years.