Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Genotoxic effects following exposure to air pollution in street vendors from a high-traffic urban area

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Workers in several occupational environments are exposed to pollutants. Street vendors, for example, typically work in a high-traffic urban environment and are exposed to numerous air pollutants, including genotoxic substances emitted by motor vehicles. This study examined the genotoxic effects of exposure to air pollution. We conducted cytological analyses to assess frequencies of micronucleated (MN) and binucleated (BN) cells in a sample of exfoliated oral mucosa cells. We compared street vendors and control subjects in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and also collected quantitative information on exposure conditions of all test subjects, including concentrations of particulate matter. We found street vendors to exhibit higher frequencies of MN cells compared to the control group. We evaluated the effects of possible confounding variables on MN frequencies, namely the body mass index (BMI), age, as well as smoking and alcohol habits. Multiple linear regression analysis found no significant effects of any of those variables. Our results suggest that continued exposure to air pollution from traffic represents a major source of genotoxicity and raises concerns regarding disease prevention not only in street vendors but also other groups of people working in urban environments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Benbrahim-Tallaa, L., Baan, R. A., Grosse, Y., Lauby-Secretan, B., El Ghissassi, F., Bouvard, V., Guha, N., Loomis, D., Straif, K., & International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group. (2012). Carcinogenicity of diesel engine and gasoline-engine exhausts and some nitroarenes. Lancet Oncology, 13, 663–664. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(12)70280-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, C. C., Chiu, H. F., & Yang, C. Y. (2015). Fine particulate air pollution and outpatient department visits for headache in Taipei, Taiwan. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 78, 506–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2015.1010465.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Demircigil, G. Ç., Erdem, O., Gaga, E. O., Altuğ, H., Demirel, G., Özden, Ö., Arı, A., Örnektekin, S., Döğeroğlu, T., van Doorn, W., & Burgaz, S. (2014). Cytogenetic biomonitoring of primary school children exposed to air pollutants: micronuclei analysis of buccal epithelial cells. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 21, 1197–1207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2001-6. Epub 2013 Jul 25.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fenech, M., & Bonassi, S. (2011). The effect of age, gender, diet and lifestyle on DNA damage measured using micronucleus frequency in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Mutagenesis, 26, 43–49. https://doi.org/10.1093/mutage/geq050.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, S. M., Domingues, G., Gomes, C., Silva, A. V., & Almeida, S. M. (2013). Impact of road traffic emissions on ambient air quality in an industrialized area. Journal of Toxicology and Environ Health, Part A, 76, 429–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2013.771763.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gattas, G. J., Cardoso Lde, A., Medrado-Faria Mde, A., & Saldanha, P. H. (2001). Frequency of oral mucosa micronuclei in gas station operators after introducing methanol. Occupational Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/51.2.107.

  • Gupta, S. K., Saxena, P., Pant, V. A., & Pant, A. B. (2012). Release and toxicity of dental resin composite. Toxicology International, 19, 225–234. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-6580.103652.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hallare, A. V., Gervasio, M. K., Gervasio, P. L., & Acacio-Claro, P. J. (2009). Monitoring genotoxicity among gasoline station attendants and traffic enforcers in the City of Manila using the micronucleus assay with exfoliated epithelial cells. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 156, 331–341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0488-y.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haveric, A., Haveric, S., & Ibrulj, S. (2010). Micronuclei frequencies in peripheral blood and buccal exfoliated cells of young smokers and non-smokers. Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods, 20, 260–266. https://doi.org/10.3109/15376516.2010.482962.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa, H., Ishikawa, T., Yamamoto, H., Fukao, A., & Yokoyama, K. (2007). Genotoxic effects of alcohol in human peripheral lymphocytes modulated by ADH1B and ALDH2 gene polymorphisms. Mutation Research, 615, 134–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2006.11.026.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kausar, A., Giri, S., Mazumdar, M., Giri, A., Roy, P., & Dhar, P. (2009). Micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities among betel quid chewers with or without sadagura, a unique smokeless tobacco preparation, in a population from North-East India. Mutation Research, 677, 72–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrgentox.2009.05.007.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khayat, C. B., Costa, E. O., Gonçalves, M. W., Da Cruz Cunha, D. M., da Cruz, A., de Araújo Melo, C. O., Bastos, R. P., da Cruz, A., & de Melo Silva, D. (2013). Assessment of DNA damage in Brazilian workers occupationally exposed to pesticides: a study from Central Brazil. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 20, 7334–7340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-1747-1.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marconi, A., Cattani, G., Cusano, M., Ferdinandi, M., Inglessis, M., Viviano, G., Settimo, G., & Forastiere, F. (2007). Two-years of fine and ultrafine particles measurements in Rome, Italy. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 70, 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287390600883174.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mariani, R. L., Jorge, M. P. M., Pereira, S. S., Melione, L. P., Carvalho-Oliveira, R., Ma, T. H., & Saldiva, P. H. N. (2009). Association between micronuclei frequency in pollen mother cells of Tradescantia and mortality due to cancer and cardiovascular diseases: a preliminary study in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Environmental Pollution, 157, 1767–1770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2009.02.023.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mateuca, R., Lombaert, N., Aka, P. V., Decordier, I., & Kirsch-Volders, M. (2006). Chromosomal changes: induction, detection methods and applicability in human biomonitoring. Biochimie, 88, 1515–1531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2006.07.004.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Minasi, L. B., Costa, E. O., Silva, D. M., Melo, C. O., de Almeida, J. G., Vieira, T. C., Silva Júnior, R. L., Ribeiro, C. L., da Silva, C. C., & da Cruz, A. D. (2011). Cytogenetic damage in the buccal epithelium of Brazilian aviators occupationally exposed to agrochemicals. Genetics and Molecular Research, 10, 3924–3929. https://doi.org/10.4238/2011.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pastor, S., Gutierrez, S., Creus, A., Cebulska-Wasilewska, A., & Marcos, R. (2001). Micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal epithelial cells of Polish farmers exposed to pesticides. Mutation Research, 495, 147–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1383-5718(01)00206-6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira, B. B., Campos Junior, E. O., & Morelli, S. (2013). In situ biomonitoring of the genotoxic effects of vehicular pollution in Uberlândia, Brazil, using a Tradescantia micronucleus assay. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 87, 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.10.003.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira, B. B., Campos Junior, E. O., Lima, E. A. P., Barrozo, M. A., & Morelli, S. (2014). Biomonitoring air quality during and after a public transportation strike in the center of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Brazil by Tradescantia micronucleus bioassay. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 21, 3680–3685. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2335-0.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira, B. B., da Cunha, P. B., Silva, G. G., de Campos Júnior, E. O., Morelli, S., Filho, C. A., de Lima, E. A., & Barrozo, M. A. (2017). Integrated monitoring for environmental health impact assessment related to the genotoxic effects of vehicular pollution in Uberlândia. Brazil. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 24, 2572–2577. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-8039-5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rufo, J. C., Madureira, J., Paciência, I., Slezakova, K., Pereira, M. d. C., Pereira, C., Teixeira, J. P., Pinto, M., Moreira, A., & Fernandes, E. d. O. (2015). Exposure of children to ultrafine particles in primary schools in Portugal. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 78, 904–914. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2015.1048866.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stojić, S. S., Stanišić, N., Stojić, A., & Šoštarić, A. (2016). Single and combined effects of air pollutants on circulatory and respiratory system-related mortality in Belgrade, Serbia. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 79, 17–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2015.1101407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tolbert, P. E., Shy, C. M., & Allen, J. W. (1992). Micronucleus and other nuclear anomalies in buccal smears: methods development. Mutation Research, 271, 69–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1161(92)90033-I.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Viegas, S., Mateus, V., Almeida-Silva, M., Carolino, E., & Viegas, C. (2013). Occupational exposure to particulate matter and respiratory symptoms in Portuguese swine barn workers. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 76, 1007–1014. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2013.831720.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X., Bi, X., Sheng, G., & Fu, J. (2006). Chemical composition and sources of PM10 and PM2.5 aerosols in Guangzhou, China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 119, 425–439. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-005-9034-3c.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X., Duan, H., Gao, F., Li, Y., Huang, C., Niu, Y., Gao, W., Yu, S., & Zheng, Y. (2015). Increased micronucleus, nucleoplasmic bridge, and nuclear bud frequencies in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of diesel engine exhaust-exposed workers. Toxicological Sciences, 143, 408–417. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfu239.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

Financial support came from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Health, Laboratory of Environmental Health, Federal University of Uberlândia, Santa Mônica Campus, Avenida João Naves de Ávila, 2121, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38408-100, Brazil

    Érica Prado Domingues, Guilherme Gomes Silva, Andrei Barbassa Oliveira, Lorrany Marins Mota, Vanessa Santana Vieira Santos & Boscolli Barbosa Pereira

  2. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People’s Republic of China

    Guilherme Gomes Silva

  3. Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Mutagenesis, Federal University of Uberlândia, Umuarama Campus, Avenida Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil

    Edimar Olegário de Campos Jr

Authors
  1. Érica Prado Domingues
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Guilherme Gomes Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Andrei Barbassa Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Lorrany Marins Mota
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Vanessa Santana Vieira Santos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Edimar Olegário de Campos Jr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Boscolli Barbosa Pereira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Boscolli Barbosa Pereira.

Ethics declarations

Our study was carried out in accordance with the ethical standards in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. Our research protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Fundação Carmelitana Mário Palmério (FUCAMP) in Monte Carmelo, Minas Gerais, Brazil (number 1.599.783).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Domingues, É.P., Silva, G.G., Oliveira, A.B. et al. Genotoxic effects following exposure to air pollution in street vendors from a high-traffic urban area. Environ Monit Assess 190, 215 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6598-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6598-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation