Jewelry Workers Research Articles

Rapidly Fatal Silicosis Among Jewellery Workers Attending a District Medical College of West Bengal, India

Silicosis is a slowly progressive chronic occupational lung disease, developed after a prolong period of exposure to high concentration of silica dust. In this longitudinal study, we enrolled old and new silicosis patients (n=19; 8 jewellery polishers, 11 from other occupations) seen at our Pulmonary Medicine Department from June 2009 to December 2012 to document the course of illness as per their occupational exposure. Six of the eight jewellery polishing workers had developed silicosis within five years of exposure, while six of the 11 other workers with other occupational exposure had developed silicosis after exposure of 10 years or more. Mean duration of exposure was significantly less among jewellery polishing workers compared to other workers (3.4 +/- 1.7 versus 9.3 +/- 4.1; p=0.001). Mean duration of illness (months) (14.9 +/- 5.8 versus 28.5 +/- 16.5; p=0.040) were significantly less among the jewellery polishing workers compared to other workers. At the end of the study period, all eight jewellery polishing workers with silicosis had died while four of the 11 patients with other occupational exposure had died. Silicosis among jewellery polishing workers was found to be more severe and progressive compared to silicosis due to other occupational exposures, in our study.

Elemental state of the organism of workers and population as manifestation of adaptation to the technogenic effect of metals: new methodological approaches

The problem of adaptive, prepathological and pathological reactions of the body to the action of exogenous chemicals is closely intersected with the assessment of the norm and its fluctuations. The imbalance of chemical elements in the human body directly affects the functioning of almost all organs and systems, causing significant stress of adaptation mechanisms. In this article we study the elemental state of the human body depending on the physiological state (endocrine pathology and professional contact with heavy metals), analyze the correlation between macro- and microelements and assess the degree of adaptability of the body. In the work the elemental state of the human body, taking into account not only the absolute values of the concentrations of elements in the hair and whole blood was studied, the adaptability of the body according to the indicators of elemental imbalance in the blood and hair of volunteers, individuals with endocrine pathology (autoimmune thyroiditis and type II diabetes mellitus) and for those working in conditions of contact with heavy metals (for jewelers, welders and batterymen) is analyzed. The results of the study indicate that various non-specific adaptation reactions are accompanied by changes in the elemental state of a person. Under the prevailing pathology of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus or autoimmune thyroiditis), the adaptation of the body was determined as a stage of tension and is associated with the duration of the disease. In persons exposed to professional contact with heavy metals (Mn, Cr, Pb, Ag), adaptation depended on the nature and duration of professional contact with them: the highest tension of adaptation processes was found in jewelers, and the least in welders and batterymen, which is associated with the duration of professional contact with these metals. The high number of connections between the elements indicates the tension of adaptive reactions in people with endocrine pathology and especially in jewelry workers. Adaptation to the high content of metals in the air of welders and batteries due to the longer experience of these workers and adaptation to production conditions with a decrease in the number of correlations between the elements, as a means of reliable operation.

Home-based informal jewelry production increases exposure of working families to cadmium

Trace element concentrations in biological fluids may vary according to the individual exposome, especially when considering specific external factors of the environment, such as occupational activities. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs: As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in urine samples of informal jewelry workers and in jewelry and soldering powder. Fifty-two families from Brazil comprised the Exposed (n = 113) and Control (n = 79) groups. PTE concentrations in urine samples (n = 192) of workers, controls and their family members were determined by ICP-MS. Soldering powder samples (n = 7) and jewelry pieces (n = 54) were measured for PTEs by field-portable X-ray fluorescence. Levels of PTEs in urine and occupational exposure associations were determined. The environment-wide association study (EWAS) approach was applied to test the influence of occupational activities on participant exposure. Mean PTE concentrations were within the limits recommended in urine by Brazilian occupational guidelines. However, As, Cd, Ni and Zn concentrations in some samples exceeded acceptable values for environmental exposure in the U.S and Canada, as well as Brazilian occupational limits. Cd concentrations were higher for women (0.19 μg g−1 creatinine; p = 0.01), adult workers (0.25 μg g−1 creatinine; p = 0.0002) and smokers (0.27 μg g−1creatinine; p = 0.0001). The difference between the Exposed (0.17 μg g−1creat.) and Control groups (0.10 μg g−1creat.) for Cd was significant among non-smokers. Workers engaged in soldering and assemblers had higher Cd concentrations (0.61 and 0.18 μg g−1 creatinine, respectively) than individuals not working with jewelry production (0.12 μg g−1 creat). PTEs in some jewelry and all soldering powder exceeded Brazilian limits. Considering this exposure scenario, informal jewelry production increased urinary cadmium levels in workers. Occupational exposure to this element in the household environment should be explored, as it may pose a health risk to family members and workers alike.

Elevated blood Lead impairs the Hematological and Heme Biosynthesis related parameters of Silver Jewellery Workers

To see the present scenario of blood lead (BPb) levels of Silver Jewellery Workers (SJW) and its effects on haematological and heme biosynthesis parameters. Forty-two SJW of having an age range of 20-45 years were included for this study and compared with 50 healthy male subjects of the same age. Blood lead, RBC δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALDH), urinary δ- aminolevulinic acid (U- δ-ALA), urinary porphobilinogen (U-PBG) and haematological parameters were measured. Blood lead level of silver jewellery workers was significantly elevated (p<0.001, 325%) and non-activated δ-ALAD (p<0.01), activated δ-ALAD (p<0.05) were notably reduced and the ratio of A/NA δ-ALAD (p<0.01) was considerably enlarged in SJW as compared to control group subjects. Urinary excretion of δ-ALA (p<0.001) and PBG (p<0.001) levels were extensively increased in SJW as compared to subjects from the control group. Hb (p<0.001), PCV (p<0.001), MCV (p<0.001), MCH (p<0.05) and RBC (p<0.001) were notably reduced in SJW, while total WBC count (p<0.001, 29.8%) was considerably elevated as compared to subjects from the control group. Conclusions: Increased BPb level in SJW indicates the more absorption of lead from the GIT, which inhibits heme biosynthesis, and alters haematological parameters.

Elevated Blood Lead Results in oxidative stress and Alters the Antioxidants of Silver Jewellery labors

This study is designed to find out the present status of PbB level and its adverse effect on oxidative stress and antioxidant of Silver Jewellery Workers (SJW). Forty-two SJW of having an age range of 20-45 years were included for this study and compared with 50 healthy male subjects of the same age-matched. All biochemical investigations were determined by using standard methods. In this study, we found significantly increased PbB level (325%), serum lipid peroxide (191%) and significantly decreased antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (-37.83%), Catalase (-27.64%), Ceruloplasmin (-10.2%), Nitric oxide (-36.54%) in silver jewellery workers as compared to control subjects. PbB level positively correlated with lipid peroxide (0.46) and negatively correlated with superoxide dismutase (-0.31), Catalase (-0.30), Ceruloplasmin (-0.20) and Nitric oxide (-0.28) were observed in study subjects. Therefore we have planned this study to know the oxidative stress and antioxidant status of silver jewellery workers and we found that blood lead level results in oxidative stress and alters antioxidant enzymes of silver jewellery workers and to reduce this oxidative stress it is indispensable to decrease PbB level of silver jewellery workers by taking vitamins, minerals and using activated carbon fabric mask which can prevent the health hazards of lead.

DNA damage analysis concerning GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism in gold jewellery workers from Peshawar Pakistan

Purpose To evaluate the genotoxic effects of gold jewellery fumes and its association with GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms. Materials and methods We examined 94 subjects including 54 gold jewellery workers and 40 controls. The DNA damage was evaluated by alkaline comet assay and genotyping by PCR. Results The mean total comet score (TCS) in gold jewellery workers was significantly higher as compared to the control subjects (128.0 ± 60.6 versus 47.7 ± 21.4; p = 0.0001). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = 0.453, p < 0.01) with DNA damage. Age and tobacco use had significant effects on the TCS of the exposed group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype in the exposed group was significant (p = 0.004) as compared to the control group. No significant association (p > 0.05) between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and DNA damage was found. Conclusions Our results suggest that there is increased DNA damage in gold jewellery workers due to their occupational surroundings. Hence there is a strong need to educate the workers about the adverse health effects of potentially hazardous chemicals and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

Low back ache, disability, and quality of life in jewelry workers in Bhayandar and Mira road area of Mumbai: An observational study

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition in clinical practice and may be seen in certain occupations due to awkward sitting postures. Studies have revealed LBP as a common problem affecting the quality of life (QOL) and causing disability in certain occupational settings. OBJECTIVE: The current study was aimed to study the prevalence of LBP, disability, and QOL in jewelry workers. Disability and QOL would be compared across genders. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and ninety-five jewelry workers were the participants of the study and were assessed on certain sociodemographic parameters, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the WHO QOL Questionnaire brief version were administered to those with LBP. The data were statistically analyzed and presented. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five individuals participated in the study. Eighty-two (42.05%) reported the symptom of low back ache. Thirty-one males (n = 68) (45.58%) and 51 females (n = 127) (40.15%) reported the symptom. On the MOLBPQ questionnaire, the disability levels between genders showed no significant difference statistically. A mild negative correlation for the psychological domain of QOL and disability (rho = 0.49, P = 0.001) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: LBP is a commonly occurring problem in jewelry workers and must be addressed. Larger studies are needed to validate and corroborate the findings of the current study.

Impact of Occupational Lead Exposure on Liver and Kidney Function Tests on Silver Jewellery Workers

Impact of Occupational Lead Exposure on Liver and Kidney Function Tests on Silver Jewellery Workers

Measuring static muscular strength among female operatives: a cross-sectional comparison in different handicraft occupations

Purpose. Loss of static muscular strength is the most common work-related problem among handicraft workers involved in hand-intensive jobs. A cross-sectional comparative assessment was carried out to determine the muscular strength among workers involved in the manufacturing of three different crafts: weaving, hand block printing and imitation jewelry. Methods. 120 female operatives were selected, and digital grip dynamometers were used to measure their maximum hand grip and pinch strength. Results. Static muscular strength varies significantly among the different occupational groups of workers. The difference in grip strength in the right and left hands shows that exposure to hand tools for a prolonged period plays a vital role in muscle strength. These findings indicate that static muscular strength varies significantly due to repetitive use of hand tools. The observed values of muscle strength in the dominant hand were significantly lower in jewelry workers while block printing workers had the highest strength. Conclusion. The decrement in pinch grip strength was evident due to long-cycle repetitive pinching movements of the distal phalanx during hand knotting and pearl drilling. This study proposes the need for ergonomically designed hand tool interventions that may reduce the accumulation of loss in static muscle strength.

Systemic sclerosis due to crystalline silica exposure among jewelry workers in Korea: two case reports

BackgroundOccupational exposure to crystalline silica is a potential risk factor for various systemic autoimmune diseases including systemic sclerosis. The etiology of systemic sclerosis is not conclusively known, but there are epidemiological studies that show the relationship between exposure to crystalline silica and risk of systemic sclerosis. Here we report, for the first time, two cases of crystalline silica-related systemic sclerosis in patients who worked in crystal processing in the jewelry-manufacturing field.Case presentationCase 1 is a 57-year-old man who had worked mainly in crystal processing for multiple jewelry-processing companies for 17 years, since the age of 15 years. He contracted tuberculosis at the age of 25 years and showed Raynaud’s phenomenon of both the hands and feet at age 32 years. Digital cyanosis and sclerosis developed at approximately age 41 years. The patient was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis at age 48 years.Case 2 is a 52-year-old man who worked in crystal processing for various jewelry-processing companies for 7 years, since the age of 23 years. He first showed signs of cyanosis in the third and fourth digits of both hands at age 32 years, was diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome at age 37 years, and was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis at age 38 years.Crystal processing is a detailed process that involves slabbing and trimming the selected amethyst and quartz crystals, which requires close proximity of the worker’s face with the target area. In the 1980s and 1990s, the working hours were 12 h per day, and the working environment involved 15 workers crowded into a small, 70-m2 space with poor ventilation.ConclusionTwo workers who processed crystals with a maximum crystalline silica content of 56.66% developed systemic sclerosis. Considering the epidemiological and experimental evidence, exposure to crystalline silica dust was an important risk factor for systemic sclerosis. An active intervention is necessary to reduce exposure in similar exposure groups in the field of jewelry processing.

Association between exposure to nitric oxide and changes in select molecular markers of health among men in the gold jewelry manufacturing industry

Gold jewelry workers are occupationally exposed to nitric oxide (NO) during the purification of gold. The present study involves the evaluations of chromosome aberrations (CA), micronucleus (MN) and comet assay in lymphocytes and identifies the influence of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes (XRCC1280Arg/His, XRCC1399Arg/Gln) among the gold jewelry workers occupationally exposed to nitric oxide (NO). Among the 84 samples undertaken for study, the non-exposed (categorized based only on age being group I <35years; group II ≥35 years) and exposed subjects (categorized based on age and work duration) constituted 42 subjects each. With increase duration of years of exposure, an increased level of chromosomal damage was observed. Likewise, a higher degree of chromosomal damage and MN was observed in exposed subjects of group II with a total CA of 8.07 ± 3.29 and MN of 10.61 ± 2.25 when compared to group I. Significant increases were also indicated with the overall CA frequency for the exposed subjects for chromatid, chromosome type aberrations and the MN/1000 binucleated cells in peripheral lymphocytes (p < 0.05) in comparison with non-exposed. The analysis of mean tail length of comet assay shows the DNA damage among the group II exposed subjects exhibits higher degree of chromosomal damage, indicating chronic exposure of NO causes the genetic modification, largely influenced by the polymorphic genotypes XRCC1280Arg/His (p < 0.001) and XRCC1399Arg/Gln (0.524). In conclusion, this result of work provides evidence for an apparent genotoxic effect associated with NO exposure. Our result reinforces the higher sensitivity of cytogenetic assays for the biomonitoring of occupationally exposed populations. So there is a strong need to educate those who work with potentially hazardous heavy metals about their adverse effects and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

Status of Serum Calcium, Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone and Hematological Indices Among Lead Exposed Jewelry Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Jewelry utilizes lead either directly or as a base metal. Costume jewelry requires lead before molding and plating the product with valuable metals. Therefore, such ornaments have a great potential to release heavy metals having health hazards. Also, jewelry makers engaged in preparing German silver, an alloy, apply lead in smelting, alloying, rolling and milling silver wires and pieces. The metal is taken up by blood, soft tissues and bone. The biological effects of lead are dependent upon the level and duration of exposure. Lead inhibits three enzymes of heme biosynthesis- δ-amino-levulinic-acid dehydratase (ALAD), coproporphyrin oxidase, and ferrochelatase, impairing heme synthesis and depressing serum level of erythropoietin resulting in decreased hemoglobin synthesis. Lead exposure also affects calcium metabolism and impair the synthesis of Calcitriol. In the present study, jewelry makers from Dhaka, Bangladesh, were shown to have significantly high levels of lead, protein, albumin, and parathormone in their blood, and significantly high amount of zinc-protoporphyrin and δ-amino-levulinic-acid in their urine. The control group, on the other hand showed significantly higher amounts of calcium (both total and ionized form) Vitamin D3 and non-activated erythrocyte ALAD in their blood, along with hemoglobin. It might be due to inhibition of 1-α-hydroxylase enzyme in renal tubules. Lead causes nephro-toxicity and inhibits 1-α- hydroxylase enzyme leading to decreased calcitriol synthesis resulting in impaired calcium absorption across gastro-intestinal tract and renal tubules. Low Vitamin D3 and significantly increased Parathyroid hormone (PTH) in study group has been found.

Increased DNA damage and oxidative stress among silver jewelry workers.

Silver has long been valued as a precious metal, and it is used to make ornaments, jewelry, high-value tableware, utensils, and currency coins. Human exposures to silver and silver compounds can occur oral, dermal, or by inhalation. In this study, we investigated genotoxic and oxidative effects of silver exposure among silver jewelry workers. DNA damage in peripheral mononuclear leukocytes was measured by using the comet assay. Serum total antioxidative status (TAS), total oxidative status (TOS), total thiol contents, and ceruloplasmin levels were measured by using colorimetric methods among silver jewelry workers. Moreover, oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Results were compared with non-exposed healthy subjects. The mean values of mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage were significantly higher than control subjects (p < 0.001). Serum TOS, OSI, and ceruloplasmin levels were also found to be higher in silver particles exposed group than those of non-exposed group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). However, serum TAS levels and total thiol contents of silver exposed group were found significantly lower (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). Exposure to silver particles among silver jewelry workers caused oxidative stress and accumulation of severe DNA damage.

Occupational cadmium exposure-associated oxidative stress and erythrocyte fragility among jewelry workers in India.

Cadmium-induced pulmonary and renal target organ effects are well-established although its association with oxidative stress and associated hematological effects for human toxicity remain understudied. In a population of cadmium-exposed male jewelry manufacturing workers (n = 32) and referents without direct exposure (n = 21), all with urinary cadmium quantification, we measured plasma antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), erythrocyte fragility, and surface irregularity of the erythrocyte membrane. Compared to referents, exposed workers manifested significantly lower plasma antioxidant enzymes, and increased malondialdehyde and erythrocyte fragility (for all, P < 0.01). Consistent with the exposure subcategories, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were reduced and lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte fragility were enhanced (P < 0.01 for all) in terms of Cd-effect indicating a strong impact on hematological system and oxidative stress. Cd exposure contributes to oxidative stress and related erythrocyte effects thus making the hematological system another end-organ target for chronic Cd toxicity.

Study of Pulmonary Functions in Goldsmith Workers: A CrossSectional Study

Introduction: The occupational hazards reported in jewellery workers are due to the exposure to chemicals during jewellery making like cyanide, lead, zinc, cadmium, palladium, iridium, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, chalk moulds containing high percentage of silica, etc. Spirometry lung functions were assessed in goldsmith workers and compared with the control group. Methods: Twenty males working as goldsmith workers since last 10 years and above with period of exposure to chemical fumes > 5 hours/day were tested for spirometry lung function parameters of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume at the end of one second (FEV1) and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV). The results were compared with matched controls. Results:The Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) of FVC was 63.95±9.77% in cases and 76.95±8.1 in controls. The Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) of FEV1 was 67.25±7.65% in cases and 73.3±8.31in controls. The Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) of MVV was 61.8±10.54% in cases and 81±5.04in controls. All the parameters studied were significantly less in goldsmith workers. Conclusions: The spirometry lung function parameters were found to be significantly lesser in goldsmith workers when compared to the matched controls.

Adverse respiratory effects associated with cadmium exposure in small-scale jewellery workshops in India

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) is an important metal with both common occupational and environmental sources of exposure. Although it is likely to cause adverse respiratory effects, relevant human data are relatively sparse.MethodsA...

Musculoskeletal and rheumatological disorders in HIV infection: Experience in a tertiary referral center

Background:Musculoskeletal involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients are important disease manifestations, responsible for increased morbidity and also decreased quality of life.Objectives:To study the spectrum of different musculoskeletal involvement in HIV infected patients and its impact on quality of life.Patients and Methods:Three hundred (n = 300) HIV-1 reactive patients were evaluated in respect to different musculoskeletal involvement including the quality of life from January 2010 to January 2011.Results:Male to female ratio was 11:1 with a mean age of 35 (±6.4) years and mean duration of the disease was 3 (±1.54) years. Majority of cases were truck drivers, motel workers, and jewelry workers. Musculoskeletal disorders were observed in a total of 190 cases (63.33%). The spectrum of musculoskeletal involvement was: Body ache in 140 (46.7%), arthralgia in 80 (26.7%), mechanical low back pain in 25 (8.3%), osteoporosis in 20 (6.7%), painful articular syndrome in 10 (3.3%), hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in two (0.7%), pyomyositis in two (0.7%), osteomyelitis in one (0.3%), and avascular bone necrosis in one patient (0.3%). Rheumatologic disorders associated were: Reactive arthritis in seven (2.3%), fibromyalgia in four (1.3%), septic arthritis in three (1%), acute gout in three (1%), spondyloarthropathy in two (0.7%), rheumatoid arthritis in two (0.7%), dermatomyositis in one (0.3%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in one patient (0.3%). But HIV associated arthritis and diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (DILS) were not detected. Most of the patients had decreased quality of life.Conclusions:Musculoskeletal involvement was common in HIV patients causing increased morbidity, so early detection and timely intervention is essential to improve quality of life.

Musculoskeletal and rheumatological disorders in HIV infection: Experience in a tertiary referral center

Musculoskeletal involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients are important disease manifestations, responsible for increased morbidity and also decreased quality of life. To study the spectrum of different musculoskeletal involvement in HIV infected patients and its impact on quality of life. Three hundred (n = 300) HIV-1 reactive patients were evaluated in respect to different musculoskeletal involvement including the quality of life from January 2010 to January 2011. Male to female ratio was 11:1 with a mean age of 35 (±6.4) years and mean duration of the disease was 3 (±1.54) years. Majority of cases were truck drivers, motel workers, and jewelry workers. Musculoskeletal disorders were observed in a total of 190 cases (63.33%). The spectrum of musculoskeletal involvement was: Body ache in 140 (46.7%), arthralgia in 80 (26.7%), mechanical low back pain in 25 (8.3%), osteoporosis in 20 (6.7%), painful articular syndrome in 10 (3.3%), hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in two (0.7%), pyomyositis in two (0.7%), osteomyelitis in one (0.3%), and avascular bone necrosis in one patient (0.3%). Rheumatologic disorders associated were: Reactive arthritis in seven (2.3%), fibromyalgia in four (1.3%), septic arthritis in three (1%), acute gout in three (1%), spondyloarthropathy in two (0.7%), rheumatoid arthritis in two (0.7%), dermatomyositis in one (0.3%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in one patient (0.3%). But HIV associated arthritis and diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (DILS) were not detected. Most of the patients had decreased quality of life. Musculoskeletal involvement was common in HIV patients causing increased morbidity, so early detection and timely intervention is essential to improve quality of life.

Acute cyanide poisoning among jewelry and textile industry workers

Limited work has focused on occupational exposures that may increase the risk of cyanide poisoning by ingestion. A retrospective chart review of all admissions for acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion for the years 1988 to 2008 was conducted in a tertiary university hospital serving the largest population in the country working in jewelry and textile facilities. Of the 9 patients admitted to the hospital during the study period, 8 (7 males, 1 female; age 36 ± 11 years, mean ± SD) attempted suicide by ingestion of potassium cyanide used in their profession as goldsmiths or textile industry workers. Five patients had severe neurologic impairment and severe metabolic acidosis (pH 7.02 ± 0.08, mean ± SD) with high anion gap (23 ± 4 mmol/L, mean ± SD). Of the 5 severely intoxicated patients, 3 received antidote therapy (sodium thiosulfate or hydroxocobalamin) and resumed full consciousness in less than 8 hours. All patients survived without major sequelae. Cyanide intoxication by ingestion in our patients was mainly suicidal and occurred in specific jobs where potassium cyanide is used. Metabolic acidosis with high anion is a good surrogated marker of severe cyanide poisoning. Sodium thiosulfate and hydroxocobalamin are both safe and effective antidotes.

Evaluation of DNA damage in jewellery workers occupationally exposed to nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is a metastable radical, reacts with oxygen to produce toxic nitrogen oxides (N 2O 3, ONOO −) which damage DNA. Occupational exposure to nitric oxide leads to increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in humans. In the present study the DNA damage among the jewellery workers occupationally exposed to nitric oxide was analyzed using buccal cell comet assay. The result of this study shows increased levels of DNA damage among jewellery workers. The habit of cigarette smoking among the jewellery workers has a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage.