Abstract

Evaluation of genotoxicity through micronucleus assay among individuals exposed to cement dust

Author(s): Sudha Sellappa, Mythili Balakrishnan

In this study, the micronuclei test (MNT) was applied in exfoliated cells of buccal mucosa, in order to assess the genotoxic risk associated with occupational exposure of cement industry workers, construction workers and residents near cement industry. For each individual, 3000 exfoliated buccal cells were analyzed. A statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in the frequency of micronucleai (MN) in the cement industry workers followed by construction workers and residents near cement industry. The mean frequencies of MN in the exposed group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared to the control group. These results allowed to conclude that the studied individuals belong to a risk group and should periodically undergo biological monitoring and proper care.