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Occupational genotoxicity in nursing professionals: A systematic review
Thiago Guedes Pinto1, Gabriel Carvalhal de Aguiar1, Lorrany da Silva Avanci1
1Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
Summary
Nursing professionals face occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals, leading to genotoxic effects. This review highlights the need for improved monitoring and protective measures to prevent long-term genetic damage in nurses.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nursing professionals are routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals like disinfectants, anesthetic gases, and cytotoxic drugs in healthcare settings.
- This exposure raises significant concerns regarding potential genotoxic effects and long-term health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and investigate the genotoxicity associated with occupational exposures commonly encountered by nursing staff.
- To synthesize evidence on DNA damage biomarkers in nursing professionals exposed to workplace chemicals.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in August 2025 across major databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science).
- Included studies (n=16) evaluated DNA damage using biomarkers such as the micronucleus assay, comet assay, and chromosomal aberration tests in human or mammalian cells.
Main Results:
- All 16 studies consistently reported genotoxic effects linked to occupational exposure in nursing staff.
- Observed effects included increased frequencies of micronuclei, DNA strand breaks, and chromosomal alterations.
- A quality assessment revealed that 15 out of 16 studies possessed moderate to strong methodological rigor.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm significant genotoxic risks for nursing professionals due to occupational chemical exposures.
- Enhanced monitoring and protective strategies are crucial to mitigate long-term genetic damage in this population.
- The micronucleus assay is identified as a suitable biomarker for biomonitoring nursing professionals.
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