Chromosomal Aberrations in Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Cultures of Women Exposed to Sodium Hypochlorite

The widespread use of disinfectants has markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in extensive occupational exposure to chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). This study aimed to evaluate whether prolonged NaOCl exposure induces chromosomal abnormalities associated with reproductive health risks in women.

A total of 156 married women were enrolled and categorized into three groups. Group I (n = 104) included women occupationally exposed to approximately 5 L/month of industrial bleach (5%-15% NaOCl) for 8-10 years. Group II (n = 51) served as unexposed healthy controls. Group III (n = 15) consisted of participants from Group I who voluntarily discontinued NaOCl exposure for 3 months and were temporarily assigned to NaOCl-free duties. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed by conventional Giemsa-banding technique, evaluating 6800 metaphases in total. All participants underwent gynecological examinations and completed detailed reproductive health questionnaires.

The overall chromosomal abnormality rate was 13.86% (P < 0.05). Group I exhibited a significantly higher frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (34.4%; P < 0.05) compared to Group II (0.66%; P < 0.05). Following exposure cessation, Group III demonstrated a considerable reduction in abnormalities (5.77%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, women with a history of miscarriage (n = 73) had significantly higher chromosomal abnormality scores than those without such a history (P < 0.05).

Prolonged occupational exposure to NaOCl is associated with increased chromosomal abnormalities, potentially contributing to reproductive health issues in women. The partial reversibility of these genotoxic effects after exposure discontinuation underscores the necessity for stricter occupational safety measures and further research on NaOCl's cytogenetic toxicity.