Evaluation of Genetic Damage to Workers in a Nickel Smelting Industry

Objectives: Occupational exposure to nickel is affecting millions of employees around the world. Potential alterations in the genetic material of workers in the mining and processing of nickel, possibly resulting from exposure to nickel in the production process, were investigated. The study focused on assessing the percentage of induced micronuclei, as well as on changes in the various cell types of oral mucosa epithelium. Methods: The buccal micronucleus assay was employed to assess possible induced genetic alterations to production line workers in comparison to office employees of the same nickel mining and pyrometalurgic processing industry. Subjects were also compared with regard to their smoking habit. Results: Very low soluble nickel levels were measured in certain workplaces and only in one workplace insoluble nickel was above the acceptable level. Statistically significant micronuclei differences among smokers and non-smokers, in both study groups as well as in total, were observed (p less than 0.01). Production line workers appeared with statistically significant induced micronuclei compared to office employees. Non-smoker production line workers compared to non-smoker office employees revealed statistically significant induced micronuclei. Statistically significant cell lesions were detected between non-smokers and smokers among office employees and production line workers documenting Ni engagement in their induction. Conclusions: The observed frequencies of micronuclei and cell lesions in the oral mucosa of workers, in certain positions of the production line, in relation to their smoking habit document the synergistic effect of Ni and cigarette smoking as effectors in their induction.