Chemical Risks, Genotoxicity, and Oxidative Stress in Healthcare Workers
Ayşe Coşkun Beyan1, Esra Emerce2, Gamze Tuna3,4,5
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35330 Izmir, Turkey.
Toxics
|March 26, 2025
Summary
Occupational hygiene measures effectively reduced risks for healthcare workers exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). No significant genotoxicity or oxidative stress differences were found, indicating protective exposure limits.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Healthcare workers (HCWs) face chemical risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Evaluating oxidative damage and genotoxic effects from chronic VOC exposure is crucial for HCW well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between HCW exposure to chemical risks and genotoxicity.
- To evaluate oxidative damage and genotoxic effects from sub-chronic or long-term VOC exposure in HCWs.
Main Methods:
- Categorized HCWs into pathology, cleaning, and medical secretary groups.
- Measured VOCs and alkaline dust; assessed genotoxicity via alkaline comet and micronucleus assays.
- Analyzed oxidative stress indicators in urine using liquid chromatography.
Main Results:
- 90 HCWs participated; mean R-cdA levels and tail intensity showed some variation between groups (p < 0.05).
- While specific markers varied, overall genotoxicity and oxidative stress did not show significant adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Effective occupational hygiene measures have successfully mitigated workplace risks.
- The absence of significant differences in genotoxicity and oxidative stress supports the protective nature of current exposure limit values.
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