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Genotoxic and Hematological Effects in Children Exposed to a Chemical Mixture in a Petrochemical Area in Mexico

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Abstract

Children living in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, and in nearby surrounding areas are exposed to a mixture of pollutants from different sources. Previous studies in the area have reported genotoxic and haematotoxic compounds, such as lead (Pb), benzene, toluene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in environmental and biological samples. The final toxic effects of these compounds are unknown because the toxic behaviour of each compound is modified when in a complex mixture. This is the first study on the exposure and effect of chemical mixtures on children who live near a petrochemical area. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxicity and haematological effects in children environmentally exposed to such mixtures and to determine whether the final effect was modified by the composition of the mixture composition. Biomarkers of exposure to Pb, benzene, toluene, and PAHs were quantified in urine and blood samples of 102 children. DNA damage was evaluated using comet assay, and haematological parameters were determined. Our results show that Pb and toluene did not surpass the exposure guidelines; the exposure was similar in all three localities (Allenede, Mundo Nuevo, and López Mateos). In contrast, exposure to PAHs was observed at three levels of exposure: low, medium, and high. The most severe effects of these mixtures were strictly related to coexposure to high levels of PAHs.

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Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to the Regional Hospital of Coatzacoalcos Veracruz and the Hospital PEMEX of Nanchital, Veracruz, for the facilities granted. This work was performed in the Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosí and supported by the Instituto Nacional de Ecología (INE/A1-047/2007) and the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT Grant No. 163056).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, 42060, Mexico

    Nadia Azenet Pelallo-Martínez

  2. Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud, CIACYT-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, 78210, Mexico

    Lilia Batres-Esquivel, Leticia Carrizales-Yáñez & Fernando Martínez Díaz-Barriga

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  1. Nadia Azenet Pelallo-Martínez
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  2. Lilia Batres-Esquivel
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  4. Fernando Martínez Díaz-Barriga
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Correspondence to Nadia Azenet Pelallo-Martínez.

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Pelallo-Martínez, N.A., Batres-Esquivel, L., Carrizales-Yáñez, L. et al. Genotoxic and Hematological Effects in Children Exposed to a Chemical Mixture in a Petrochemical Area in Mexico. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 67, 1–8 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-014-9999-4

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