Assessment of mutagenicity in hairdressers by cytogenetic tests
The hairdressers are regularly exposed to potential mutagenic substances as hair dyes, waving and straightening preparations, sprays and nail products. Epidemiological studies indicate the occurrence of contact dermatitis, respiratory problems, repetitive work tasks and some types of cancers, like bladder, lung, breast, and lymphomas. There are several reports on mutagenic effects of aromatic amines, solvents, formaldehyde and ethanol that are present in these products. Human population occupationally exposed to genotoxic agents can be monitored by mutagenic tests as micronuclei (MN) and Comet assay. The frequency of MN and comets was evaluated on peripheral lymphocytes of 82 women hairdressers (36 ±10 yo) compared to a control group, 82 women blood donator (32.6 ±10 yo) from the blood bank. Considering the analyses of 1000 cells per individual the frequency of cells with MN (5.9 ±3.1) and the total of MN (6.2 ±3.2) observed in the hairdressers was higher (p<0,001) than in the control (2.7 ±1.7 and 2.9 ±1.9, respectively).Positive results (p=0,005) were also detected by analyzing 100 cells for each hairdressers(159.8 ±71)and controls (125.4 ±64.1) by the comet assay. The frequency of cells with MN increased positively in function with the time of profession(mean time =12.9 ±10.6y) suggesting individual and specific action of chronic occupational exposure (r=0.22; p=0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that not only the profession but also the tobacco consumption were associated with the higher incidence of cells with MN and comet (p<0.05). Our results show that hairdressers are chronically exposed to genotoxic products that could be responsible, at least in part, for the genetic damage observed, which can interfere with the incidence of diseases, including cancer. Chromosomal aberration analyses and xenobiotic metabolizing gene polymorphisms are going to be performed in these groups. Considering that hairdressers profession is not officially regulate in Brazil, more attention should be focus in this worker not only by the government but also by a multidisciplinary team intended to suggest risk prevention and control proceedings for chemical, physical and biological agents that hairdressers are exposed.