Cytogenetic markers and their spatial distribution in a population living in proximity to areas sprayed with pesticides.

Human populations are in contact with potentially toxic substances in varying amounts, if the exposure is work-related or direct, generally the amount of toxin is usually greater than if the exposure is environmental through the drifts that occur. It was proposed to determine the existence of genotoxic damage evaluated through Chromosomal Aberrations and Micronuclei assays and their spatial distribution pattern, as well as the possible relationship between that damage and the values found in biochemical biomarkers, in groups of individuals environmental exposure (respiratory exposure) to mixtures of pesticides, in the province of Córdoba-Argentina. Biochemical and hematological determinations were made in each samples. The results reveal that the monitoring of human populations through the analysis of cytogenetic markers enabled the detection of direct damage in man caused by polluting substances and the results were obtained rapidly. The disadvantage of this type of study is the inability to estimate the degree of exposure.

Evaluation of genetic damage in pesticides applicators from the province of Córdoba, Argentina.

The impact evaluation of pesticide exposure is conducted using combined data from biomonitoring and environmental monitoring. Damage to the human genome is, probably, the leading cause of chronic-degenerative disorders, reproductive toxicology, and developmental problems. Although the general population is exposed to pesticides, workers in the agrochemical industry and farmers represent a high-risk group due to the occupational and environmental exposure. The aim of this study is to determine whether occupational exposure to agrochemicals in Córdoba (Argentina) constitute a factor of genotoxic damage. The study was conducted in 30 pesticide applicators from the province of Córdoba. Chromosomal aberrations (CAs), micronuclei (MN), and comet assays (CO) were performed. The current study shows that occupational exposure to pesticides increases values of CAs, MN, and DNA fragmentation biomarkers, all indicators of damage to the genetic material. Evidence suggests that chronic exposure to pesticides is a potential risk to workers health.