Increased levels of lead in the blood and frequencies of lymphocytic micronucleated binucleated cells among workers from an electronic-waste recycling site

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2011;46(6):669-76. doi: 10.1080/10934529.2011.563176.

Abstract

In recent years, adverse health effects of chemicals from electronic waste (e-waste) have been reported. However, little is known about the genotoxic effects of chemicals in e-waste. In the present study, air concentrations of the toxic metals at e-waste and control sites were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Levels of toxic metals (lead, copper and cadmium) in blood and urine were detected using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 48 exposed individuals and 56 age- and sex-matched controls. The frequencies of lymphocytic micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBNCs) were determined using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Results indicated that blood lead levels were significantly higher in the exposed group (median: 11.449 μg/dL, 1st/3rd quartiles: 9.351-14.410 μg/dL) than in the control group (median: 9.104 μg/dL, 1st/3rd quartiles: 7.275-11.389 μg/dL). The exposed group had higher MNBNCs frequencies (median: 4.0 per thousand, 1st/3rd quartiles: 2.0-7.0 per thousand) compared with the controls (median: 1.0 per thousand, 1st/3rd quartiles: 0.0-2.0 per thousand). Additionally, MNBNCs frequencies and blood lead levels were positively correlated (r = 0.254, p<0.01). Further analysis suggested that a history of working with e-waste was a predictor for increased blood lead levels and MNBNCs frequencies in the subjects. The results suggest that both the living and occupational environments at the e-waste site may be risk factors for increased MNBNCs frequencies among those who are exposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / analysis
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / metabolism*
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / toxicity
  • Cadmium / urine
  • Electronic Waste*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lead / analysis
  • Lead / metabolism*
  • Lead / toxicity
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective / chemically induced*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutagens / toxicity
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Regression Analysis
  • Waste Management

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Mutagens
  • Cadmium
  • Lead