[Genotoxic effects in a human population exposed to heavy metals in the region of La Mojana, Colombia, 2013]. / Efectos genotóxicos asociados a metales pesados en una población humana de la región de La Mojana, Colombia, 2013.
Biomedica
; 35 Spec: 139-51, 2015 Aug.
Article
em Es
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26535750
INTRODUCTION: Mining is an economically important activity in Colombia which generates large quantities of residues containing potentially toxic elements such as heavy metals. These contaminate ecosystems and place human health at risk. La Mojana lies within one of the most biodiversity-rich zones on Earth and has been subjected to processes of contamination closely related to gold mining activities in the surrounding areas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate genotoxicity in the population of La Mojana region exposed to heavy metals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotoxic effects and their relationship with concentrations of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium and lead) in blood were evaluated among an exposed population and a control group. The exposed group comprised inhabitants of the municipalities of Guaranda, Sucre, Majagual and San Marcos; inhabitants of the municipality of Montería were chosen as a control group. DNA damage was determined using the alkaline comet assay. Concentrations of mercury were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, and those of cadmium and lead by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Concentrations of the heavy metals exceeded the limits permitted by the World Health Organization. Genotoxic effects were found in the exposed population, possibly associated with the presence of these metals in blood. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between mercury and cadmium levels and damage to DNA. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the genetic damage recorded among inhabitants of the region of La Mojana, Colombia, may be associated with the presence of heavy metals in the blood.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Metais Pesados
/
Exposição Ambiental
/
Mutagênicos
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Colombia
Idioma:
Es
Revista:
Biomedica
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Colômbia
País de publicação:
Colômbia