Cancer
Cancer caused by Auramine O infection
Apr
Cancer is one of the most frightening diseases humans face. With millions of people worldwide diagnosed every year, the risk of cancer is always a major concern. Meanwhile, there are many factors that can contribute to the development of cancer, one of which is chemical exposure.
In this article, we will explore cancer caused by Auramine O, a bright dye widely used in industry.
1. What is Auramine O?
Auramine O (also known as Yellow O) is a diarylmethane dye used for fluorescent staining in biology. In its pure form, Auramine O crystals are needle-shaped and yellow. It is highly soluble in water and can dissolve in ethanol.
The alarming fact is that Auramine O can accumulate in the meat of livestock and poultry, making it very difficult to eliminate. Moreover, since it is originally used in industry, it may contain heavy metal residues. Consuming meat contaminated with these heavy metals can cause liver and bile damage, infertility, memory problems, intellectual development delays, and, in severe cases, cancer.
Auramine O is toxic to living organisms and has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 3 carcinogen, meaning it has a high potential to cause cancer. Yet, for profit, some businesses still use Auramine O to soak food.
2. Occupations exposed to Auramine O
Auramine O is a bright yellow dye used for staining and detecting bacteria and fungi. Therefore, occupations that involve exposure to Auramine O often include:
- Using it to stain bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium). Auramine O can be combined with Rhodamine B to form auramine-rhodamine, which is used as a disinfectant.
- It is used in textile dyeing, such as silk and cotton, as well as in leather and paper dyeing, printing, and coloring inks.
Auramine O is recommended only for industrial use and must never be used in food or as a food additive for humans or animals.
3. Causes of cancer when exposed to Auramine O
Auramine O is widely used and can cause cancer if exposure is prolonged or at high concentrations. Specifically, cancer-causing mechanisms include:
- Auramine O can damage DNA in cells, causing genetic mutations and increasing cancer risk. Parodi (1982) studied animals and found that Auramine O caused cancer in rats and mice, damaging DNA in liver, kidney, and bone marrow cells in live animal experiments.
- It can attack and destroy protective mucus membranes on cell surfaces, causing cell damage and increasing cancer risk.
- It can affect the immune system by suppressing its function, leading to immune-related health issues.
Therefore, to reduce cancer risk, safety measures must be taken when using Auramine O. These include wearing masks, gloves, protective clothing, avoiding direct contact, and using the substance at the proper regulated concentration.
4. Types of cancer from Auramine O exposure
Long-term or high-concentration exposure to Auramine O can cause various types of cancer, including:
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
Additionally, Auramine O may cause other health issues such as pneumonia, allergies, rhinitis, cough, breathing difficulties, skin ulcers, etc. Ensuring safety during exposure and proper use is essential.
5. Early symptoms of Auramine O exposure
Early detection of cancer can improve treatment outcomes. However, early symptoms of cancer from Auramine O exposure may be difficult to recognize and may not appear clearly until the disease has progressed. Depending on the type of cancer, symptoms may vary. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, coughing, difficulty swallowing, or chest discomfort
- Abdominal pain, painful urination, or frequent urination
- Skin changes, such as scars, non-healing wounds, red spots, or deformities
- Changes in organ or tissue size or shape, such as rapid tumor growth
- Fatigue, discomfort, or sudden unexplained weight loss
If you work with Auramine O or have been exposed, regular health checks and consulting a doctor are recommended for early detection and appropriate treatment.
6. Cancer treatment methods from Auramine O exposure
Treatment depends on the cancer type and severity. Common treatments include:
- Surgery to completely remove the tumor, effective for many cancers
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Stem cell therapy to generate new healthy cells to replace cancer cells
Preventive measures are also important, including wearing masks, protective clothing, and following safety procedures when working with carcinogens. If exposure is suspected or cancer symptoms appear, consult a doctor promptly.
7. Support policies for cancer patients exposed to Auramine O
Currently, Vietnam has no specific policies for those with cancer caused by Auramine O exposure. However, general healthcare and insurance policies may provide support:
- Healthcare: Treatment costs may be supported by organizations or charities.
- Health insurance: Patients are entitled to participate in health insurance and receive coverage for medical fees, medications, and vaccinations.
Additionally, organizations in Vietnam like the Vietnam Cancer Association, Tam Long Vang Fund, Love Water Fund, and Children’s Cancer Support Fund offer financial and psychological support.
8. Workplace improvements to prevent cancer from Auramine O
Measures to improve workplace safety and prevent cancer include:
- Establish safe work procedures and train staff on proper implementation
- Use personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, goggles, safety shoes)
- Conduct regular health check-ups to detect early cancer symptoms
- Improve work environment: ventilation, safe materials, proper lighting, and ergonomics to minimize Auramine O exposure
- Comply with labor safety, environmental, food safety, and public health regulations
- Staff training on labor safety: Train employees on how to prevent and minimize exposure, including protective equipment usage, workstation arrangement, and appropriate protective clothing
- Regular workplace environmental monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases
9. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Labor Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern equipment ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Besides monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environmental issues. With a “customer-centered” philosophy, the center prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides optimal solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable entity in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to:
- Maintain brand reputation and service quality
- Provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions
- Work with experienced Masters and Engineers to protect the environment and benefit businesses
- At Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, companies receive professional services from monitoring experts and the best cost benefits
10. Occupational Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective occupational monitoring, Nam Viet provides pricing tables for occupational environmental monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information on the cost of monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our reports.
- We commit to competitive and reasonable pricing while being ready to answer any service inquiries promptly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet pricing, clients can easily choose service packages matching their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction and professional service quality.
