Evaluation of genotoxicity in petrol station workers in South India using micronucleus assay

In this study, the micronucleus (MN) frequency was assessed as a measure of genotoxicity in exfoliated cells of buccal mucosa extracted from 110 petrol pump workers and 100 controls. For each individual, 3,000 exfoliated buccal cells were analyzed. The individuals used in the study were grouped based on their smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and tobacco chewing habits. There was a significantly higher frequency of micronucleated cells in the exposed workers to petrol than in the unexposed control population. Smoking and drinking (alcohol) habits, age and length of occupation represent significant factors in terms of increasing the MN frequency measured in the exposed population. This study demonstrates that, using MN assay, it is possible to assess the cytogenetic damage in exposed individuals and that the significant increase in the induction of the MN in the exposed population suggests that the studied individuals may be at a higher risk of developing cancer and therefore monitored for any long term adverse effects of the exposure.