Biomonitoring of Toxic Effects of Pesticides in Occupationally Exposed Individuals

BACKGROUND: Workers in pesticide manufacturing industries are constantly exposed to pesticides. Genetic biomonitoring provides an early identification of potential cancer and genetic diseases in exposed populations. The objectives of this biomonitoring study were to assess DNA damage through comet assay in blood samples collected from industry workers and compare these results with those of classical analytical techniques used for complete blood count analysis. METHODS: Samples from controls (n = 20) and exposed workers (n = 38) from an industrial area in Multan, Pakistan, were subjected to various tests. Malathion residues in blood samples were measured by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The exposed workers who were employed in the pesticide manufacturing industry for a longer period (i.e., 13-25 years) had significantly higher DNA tail length (7.04 μm) than the controls (0.94 μm). Workers in the exposed group also had higher white blood cell and red blood cell counts, and lower levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration, and mean corpuscular volume in comparison with normal levels for these parameters. Malathion was not detected in the control group. However, in the exposed group, 72% of whole blood samples had malathion with a mean value of 0.14 mg/L (range 0.01-0.31 mg/L). CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation (R2 = 0.91) between DNA damage in terms of tail length and malathion concentration in blood. Intensive efforts and trainings are thus required to build awareness about safety practices and to change industrial workers' attitude to prevent harmful environmental and anthropogenic effects.

Fluoride content in drinking water of northern areas of Pakistan

A total of forty two water samples were collected and analysed to explore the current status of fluoride concentration in Northern Areas of Pakistan covering five districts [Gligit, Ghizer, Skardu, Ghanche and Diamer]. The study revealed that the concentration of fluoride in drinking water is not significant in most of the areas and levels are below permissible limit.In Gilgit city the fluoride concentration is almost negligible as maximum population uses river, spring and tap water, however the water samples obtained from Muhalla Amphary, Danyour, Domyal, Basin Khaari, Jugloat Goor, Karimabad and Hasanabad Hunza, Senakar and Datuchi Bagroat showed fluoride levels ranging from 0.190- 0.466 mg/L. Relatively similar situation was observed in districts Ghizer, Skardu and Ghanche where the fluoride levels were less than 0.1 mg/L. Higher concentration of fluoride was observed in samples obtained from Phandar lake and Kharmang nala where the concentration of fluoride ranges between 2.374 - 2.321 mg/L. However, samples obtained from Gulab Pur, Sher Oilla Punyal, Sadpara lake and Kachura showed fluoride levels ranging between 0.106-0.147 mg/L. The samples obtained from Astore valley showed desirable level of fluoride except the sample obtained from Muskhan where the concentration was as high as 2.4 mg/L. The sample obtained from Chilas showed a very high concentration of fluoride [14.05 mg/L]. The study revealed that the levels of fluoride were well within the limits [0.5 - 1.5 mg/L] in most of the sampling areas. However, the fluoridation is recommended where the concentration is less than 0.5 mg/L so that the diseases due to the lack of fluoride could be controlled. It is strongly urged that a great emphasis should be given to monitor the occurrence of fluorosis in northern areas of Pakistan