Induced cytotoxic damage by exposure to gasoline vapors: a study in Sinaloa, Mexico

Gasoline is a blend of organic compounds used in internal combustion engines. Gasoline-station attendants are exposed to gasoline vapors, which pose a potentially mutagenic risk. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, exposure to gasoline and engine exhaust is possibly carcinogenic to humans. We determined the frequency of micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities, such as pyknotic nuclei, chromatin condensation, cells with nuclear buds, karyolytic cells, karyorrhexis, and binucleated cells in buccal mucosal smears of 60 gasoline-station attendants and 60 unexposed controls. In addition, we explored if factors such as smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and worked years exert an additional synergistic cytotoxic effect. There were statistically significant higher frequencies (p < 0.05) of nuclear abnormalities among exposed attendants compared to the controls. No statistical significant (p > 0.05) additional effect of lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption or worked years on the cytotoxicity was observed. The results showed that from the beginning exposure to gasoline vapors increased the frequency of nuclear abnormalities in buccal epithelial cells. Our results provide valuable information on cytotoxic damage for an early pre-symptomatic diagnosis.