Association of blood chromium and rare earth elements with the risk of DNA damage in chromate exposed population

Pollution of heavy metals often occurs in combination with multiple metal ions. Whether the genetic damage among chromate exposed population correlated with rare earth elements (REEs) was still not well elucidated. A total of 291 participants from a chromate production plant were recruited in the present study. The DNA oxidative damage was evaluated by urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8−OHdG) and the concentrations of chromium (Cr) and 15 REEs accumulated in the peripheral blood of participants were determined. The results showed that significant DNA oxidative damage was observed in chromate exposed workers. Blood REEs levels in the exposed group were significantly higher than the control group and blood REEs increased in a concentration dependent manner with Cr. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between blood Cr and 10 REEs concentrations. Blood Cr had a significant positive correlation with urinary 8−OHdG. Blood Cr and Yttrium had a positive interactive effect on urinary 8−OHdG. Collectively, the results suggested workers who had been working in the chromate plant were simultaneously exposed to chromate and a variety of REEs, which could have interactive effects on the DNA damage of workers.