•  
  •  
 

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI

10.3906/sag-1203-95

Abstract

Gas metal arc welding is a widely used method in many industrial areas. In this study, the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 23 welders and 25 nonexposed subjects were monitored for genotoxicity. Materials and methods: The blood samples obtained from the subjects were incubated with a culture medium at 37 °C for 72 h. Cytochalasin-B and BrdU were added for micronucleus and replication index. After incubation, the cultures were harvested, stained, and examined. Results: The micronucleus rate (2.165 ± 1.645) of the welders was quite higher than that of those not exposed (1.352 ± 0.978) (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference between micronucleus rates of smoking and nonsmoking subjects. It was found that as the time of exposure to welding fumes increased, so did the micronucleus rates (2.938 ± 1.723) (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between micronucleus frequency and age. The replication index rate (1.026 ± 0.020) of the welders was higher than that of those not exposed (1.019 ± 0.016) (P = 0.01). Conclusion: It is advised that welders who work with gas metal arc welding be instructed and that necessary protective measures be taken because of the risk caused by metal arc welding fumes.

Keywords

Gas metal arc welding, micronucleus, replication index, welder

First Page

411

Last Page

416

Download

Share

COinS