Author/Authors :
AGOVA, Savina Medical University - Department of Medical Genetics , GROSEVA, Detelina Medical University - Department of Medical Genetics , PANEV, Todor National Center of Hygiene - Department of Toxicology, Bulgaria , POPOV, Todor National Center of Hygiene - Department of Toxicology, Bulgaria , TONCHEVA, Draga Medical University - Department of Medical Genetics , HADJIDEKOVA, Valeria National Center of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Bulgaria
Abstract :
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the main environmental pollutants in urban areas. Cytogenetic analysisof chromosomal aberrations is of great concern as they are involved in the mechanism of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study wasto assess the genotoxic effect of occupational exposure to PAHs in a group of 30 Bulgarian traffic policemen compared to 30 officeclerks.Structural and numerical chromosome aberrations were analyzed by the conventional method in 100 to 300 cells per person. Theexposure assessment was performed by personal sampling of air in the respiratory area. PAHs were identified by high performanceliquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent detector.SPSS 8.0 and Statistica 4.3 were used for statistical analysis of the results. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations in peripheralblood lymphocytes was higher in the occupationally exposed policemen - 2.55% than in the control group 1.57% (P 0.002). Theexposure to PAHs varied from 24.69 ng/m3 to 203.97 ng/m3 in the policemen and from 4.89 ng/m3 to 120.61 ng/m3 in thecontrols. PAHs possessed cytogenetic effects in highly exposed persons. The registered adverse effects increase the health risk forpeople professionally exposed to PAHs.
Keywords :
chromosome aberrations , PAH , exposure , traffic policemen
