Estudo da genotoxicidade em células epiteliais de ourives por exposição ocupacional

Abstract

Jewelery is one of the oldest arts in the world, some records show that jewelry and other valuable ornaments that were made with gold, among other precious metals, were manufactured many years ago. In Brazil, it is not a very popular profession because it brings certain difficulties, demands, skills in handling jewelry and risks at work, such as exposure to chemicals used. Studies show that the exposure of any genotoxic chemical agent can induce an increase in the frequency of micronuclei. In view of this, the micronucleus test has been a valuable and widely used tool, contributing in several research fields as a cell damage meter. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of chromosomal and nuclear changes in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa as markers of occupational risk due to exposure to genotoxic agents and the relationship with the work and life habits of goldsmiths in the City of Oiapoque. Methodology: A cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study was carried out with goldsmith professionals, who are exposed to chemicals in their work environment. The micronucleus test was performed, which has been used to monitor populations exposed to genotoxic products, and a semi-structured questionnaire was applied. Results: The study participants were 100% male. Where the level of education that predominated elementary and middle, with more than 50% of participants consuming alcoholic beverages and 100% of participants showing cellular changes. When analyzing occupational exposure it was possible to prove that these professionals are daily vulnerable, as they work without any type of personal protective equipmente (PPE) and their lifestyle reveals a relationship with the profession, among the symptoms that predominated among these professionals, the literature proves a relationship with the products used in daily life in your occupational environment. Conclusion: In view of the exposure of these professionals, it is important to note that the changes presented are a response to genotoxic exposure in their occupational environment, making it necessary to pay attention to this class of workers in the best way to prevent and mitigate future clinical manifestations