Genotoxic evaluation and plasma oxidative stress markers in copper smelters

Abstract

Smelters are at elevated risk of oxidative stress and DNA damage because of metal fumes exposure. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress (antioxidant capacity, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA)) and DNA damage in 47 smelters and to compare the results with 33 non-exposed workers. The DNA damage was significantly higher in the exposed compared to the non-exposed group (p < .001), with the largest effect size for tail intensity. There was no significant difference in the MDA and total antioxidant capacity between exposed and non-exposed participants. Exposure to metal fumes could increase the primary DNA damage and accelerate the cellular aging process in smelters.