[Genotoxic effects in a XXXX population exposed to heavy metals in the region of La Mojana, Colombia, 2013].

@entity1 @entity349 @entity15583 @entity3409 @entity74
INTRODUCTION: Mining is an economically important activity in Colombia which generates large quantities of residues containing potentially toxic elements such as heavy metals. These contaminate ecosystems and place @entity1 health at risk. La Mojana lies within one of the most biodiversity-rich zones on Earth and has been subjected to processes of contamination closely related to gold mining activities in the surrounding areas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate genotoxicity in the population of La Mojana region exposed to heavy metals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotoxic effects and their relationship with concentrations of heavy metals ( @entity349 , @entity3409 and lead) in blood were evaluated among an exposed population and a control group. The exposed group comprised inhabitants of the municipalities of Guaranda, Sucre, Majagual and San Marcos; inhabitants of the municipality of Monter  a were chosen as a control group. DNA damage was determined using the alkaline comet assay. Concentrations of @entity349 were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, and those of @entity3409 and lead by @entity15583 furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Concentrations of the heavy metals exceeded the limits permitted by the World Health Organization. Genotoxic effects were found in the exposed population, possibly associated with the presence of these metals in blood. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between @entity349 and @entity3409 levels and damage to DNA. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the @entity74 recorded among inhabitants of the region of La Mojana, Colombia, may be associated with the presence of heavy metals in the blood.
