Micronucleus assay of DNA damage among welders: Effects of welding processes

Metal fumes, gases, noise, and radiation are hazardous occupational exposures that may be encountered by welders. We have evaluated DNA damage among welders; the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay was used. Thirty-four exposed welders (cases) and an equal number of non-welders (controls) participated in this study. Cell types including basal, early and late differentiated cells with micronucleus (MN), dense chromatin, karyorrhectic, pyknotic, karyolitic, and binucleated cells (NBUD) were measured. Damage levels among, arc, argon, and CO₂ welders were statistically significantly higher, compared to the control group. Results showed that mean of MN and NBUDs as indicators of DNA damages among arc, argon and CO₂ welding's were significantly higher compared to control group. Also, the mean of DNA damage levels were statistically higher among the arc welders than among the argon or CO₂ welders; and levels were higher among the argon welders than the CO₂ welders. Preventative measures need to be implemented to reduce exposure to harmful agents during welding.