Chemical Risks, Genotoxicity, and Oxidative Stress in Healthcare Workers

Background/Objectives Using genotoxicity tests and oxidative stress indicators, the study evaluated the relationship between healthcare workers' (HCWs) exposure to chemical risks. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative damage and genotoxic effects of sub chronic or long-term volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure in HCWs.

Pathology workers (Group 1), cleaning workers (Group 2), and medical secretaries (Group 3) were categorized, and VOCs and alkaline dust were measured for Groups 1 and 2 using appropriate occupational hygiene methods. Genotoxicity was assessed using alkaline comet and micronucleus (MN) assays. Oxidative stress indicators were analyzed in first-morning urine samples through liquid chromatography.

A total of 90 HCWs participated in the study. The mean R-cdA levels were 0.05 ± 0.02 for medical secretaries, 0.07 ± 0.03 for cleaning workers, and 0.06 ± 0.07 nmol/mmol creatinine for pathology workers (p = 0.040). The mean tail intensity (%) was 16.33 ± 10.68 (Group 1), 18.9 ± 7.4 for cleaning workers, and 14.1 ± 6.5 for medical secretaries (p = 0.020).

Implementing occupational hygiene measures in the working environment has effectively reduced occupational risks. The lack of significant differences in genotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters between the exposed and control groups supports the notion that the exposure limit values are protective.