Biomonitoring of genotoxic risks and haematological changes in workers in rubber industry

Several substances used in rubber processing are known to be of genotoxins and haematotoxins. Such as benzene, phenols, amines amides, naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene. Twenty-five exposed workers from a rubber factory were compared with twenty-five controls working as administrative staff in the same factory. An elevated level of urinary thioether (mercapturic acid derivatives) a significant elevation in the level of DNA SSB was found among exposed workers in comparison with control group (p < 0.01). A significant increase in the absolute numbers of peripheral leukocytes and in erthrocyte mean cell volume was observed among exposed workers in comparison with controls (p < 0.01), while a significant decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophils was found among exposed workers in comparison with controls. However, the percentage of monocytes was not altered. The reported results have justified the use of genotoxic biomarkers in assessing levels of genotoxic exposure in human population groups and as a screening biomarkers in periodic medical examination as a protective measure.