Determination of DNA Damage in Floriculturists Exposed to Mixturesof Pesticides

The aim of the study was to determine possible DNA damage infloriculturists chronically exposed to pesticides. Leukocytes from52 workers, 46 environmentally exposed, and 38 control individualswere evaluated with the comet assay. Serum from all individualswas also analyzed for pesticides using gas chromatography coupledto mass spectrometry. A statistically significant difference inDNA fragmentation in the pesticide exposed group compared to theother two groups (P <.001) was found. No differences betweenenvironmentally exposed and control individuals were detected. Thestatistical analysis showed no significant correlation between DNAdamage and sex, age, drinking or smoking habits, as well as yearsof exposure. One or more pesticides were detected in 50% of thefloriculturists, while in the rest of the individuals, a chemicalrelated with the preparation of pesticides, such as additives,plasticizers, or solvents, was found. Our study shows that chronicexposure to pesticides produces DNA damage in floriculturists. Italso suggests that this type of monitoring could be valuable inrecommending preventive measures