Occupational exposure in brick kiln: Evaluating cytogenetic and oxidative-stress related damage

Abstract

Background: In the developing nations, the growing demand for infrastructure necessitates a steady
production of bricks, rendering brick kilns indispensable. Despite their economic relevance, the
pollutants emitted from these kilns contribute substantially to environmental degradation and pose
serious health hazards to both workers and nearby residents.Workers in these environments are
frequently exposed to high concentrations of gaseous and particulate pollutants, which are known to
produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage DNA.Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can
overwhelm the body’s natural defense systems, leading to oxidative stress, which may lead to DNA
damage and increased genotoxicity.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of
oxidative stress and the potential for genotoxic effects in people exposed to pollutants while working in
brick kilns.Material & Methodology: Samples of peripheral blood were collected from 110 workers
exposed to brick kiln environments and 110 non-exposed individuals (controls).Superoxide dismutase,
catalase, carbonylated proteins, and the thiobarbituric acid assay were used to measure oxidative
indicators.Genotoxicity was measured through micronucleus (MN) assay .Results: The exposed group
showed increased MDA, nitrite levels. In contrast, antioxidant defense markers such as reduced
glutathione (GSH) and catalase showed a declining trend, indicating depletion of the cellular antioxidant
system under continuous exposure to pollutants. The evidence of chromosomal damage and genomic
instability was confirmed by the micronucleus assay results, which showed a considerably higher MN
frequency in exposed workers compared to controls.Conclusion: The results show that, in comparison to
controls, those who work in brick kiln conditions have considerably greater levels of oxidative stress and
increased DNA damage.