Occupational exposure to potentially toxic elements alters gene expression profiles in formal and informal Brazilian workers

O impacto da exposição química sobre o transcriptoma de trabalhadores formais e informais

“…A moderate correlation was observed between As concentration in domestic dust where informal work took place and As concentrations in the blood of children residing in those houses, while concentration was strongly associated with the Cd concentration in household dust (Barrozo et al, 2022). Informal production of jewelry also increases the exposure of working families to cadmium reflecting higher cadmium urinary concentrations in workers (Salles et al, 2021). Jewelry pieces analyzed by X-ray showed concentrations above the Brazilian regulatory limits for cadmium (>100 mg kg 1 ) and lead (>300 mg kg 1 ) (Salles et al, 2021).…”

“…Informal production of jewelry also increases the exposure of working families to cadmium reflecting higher cadmium urinary concentrations in workers (Salles et al, 2021). Jewelry pieces analyzed by X-ray showed concentrations above the Brazilian regulatory limits for cadmium (>100 mg kg 1 ) and lead (>300 mg kg 1 ) (Salles et al, 2021). Barrozo et al (2022) concluded that lead is found in samples of soldering wire used by informal workers, while cadmium is found in samples of soldering powder.…”

“…Os resultados deste projeto, aprovado pela Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP 2017/25424-9, bolsa de Doutorado), complementam os resultados de pesquisas desenvolvidas pelo nosso grupo, em Limeira. Elas já avaliaram as consequências da exposição à elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPTs) oriundos da produção de joias e bijuterias, o que inclui a análise de concentrações totais dos EPTs no sangue e na zona de respiração dos trabalhadores (Ferreira et al, 2019), no efluente sanitário do munícipio , na poeira das casas e no sangue de crianças expostas aos EPTs no ambiente doméstico (Barrozo et al, 2022), análise das condições de vida e trabalho de jovens inseridos no arranjo produtivo (Pereira et al, 2020), análise metabolômica no plasma e proteômica na saliva de trabalhadores , além de possíveis associações entre a exposição química no trabalho informal e a incidência de sintomas de Covid-19 (Salles et al, 2023a).…”

“…Compared to formal workers, informal workers usually have lower earnings and protection, encounter heightened risks and increased vulnerability (Bonnet et al, 2019). Some studies reported increased exposure to PTEs in informal workers and their families (Ferreira et al, 2019;Salles et al, 2021).…”

“…Jewelry production in this city follows different process flows and welding activities are commonly developed in a home environment without adequate safety equipment and hygiene conditions, replacing the industrial steps (Ferreira, 2005;Barrozo et al, 2022). Further details of informal activities performed in Limeira can be found in previous studies published by the research group Ferreira et al, 2019;Pereira et al, 2020;Salles et al, 2021;Barrozo et al, 2022;. The city of Volta Redonda, Brazil, hosts one of the largest steel companies in Latin America, producing approximately 5.8 million tons of steel annually (CSN, 2017).…”