The frequency of chromosomal aberrations in persons chronically in contact with the factor of industrial exposure of the aluminum plant

Abstract

Background: Chronic excess human exposure to fluorides is an underestimated problem. There is information that fluorides are capable of exerting a genotoxic effect in vitro and in vivo. The data obtained on human populations are limited and contradictory. More research is needed. Materials and methods: The material for the study was peripheral venous blood taken from residents of the city of Novokuznetsk. The material was selected in four groups: workers of the Novokuznetsk Aluminum Plant (NkAZ) with fluorosis, NkAZ workers without pathology, residents of the area adjacent to NkAZ, residents of the city living away from the industrial zone. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in blood leukocytes was estimated using the method of accounting for metaphase chromosomal aberrations, as well as the concentration of fluoride ion in blood plasma by direct potentiometry. Results: A significant increase in the frequency of aberrant metaphases in blood leukocytes was observed among workers at an aluminum smelter compared to control, workers with fluorosis compared to workers without pathology, and residents of the area adjacent to the plant compared to residents of the city living far from the industrial zone. A correlation of the frequency of chromosomal aberrations with the concentration of fluoride ion in blood plasma was noted. Conclusion: The results obtained confirm the ability of the industrial factor of the aluminum smelter to exert a genotoxic load on the human population. The presence of an association of fluoride factor with chromosomal abnormalities in blood leukocytes is likely.