Genotoxic Effects of Exposure to Gasoline Fumes on Petrol Pump Workers

Petrol pump workers are occupationally exposed to gasoline and its fumes consisting of several mutagenic chemicals.
To evaluate the genotoxic effects of exposure to gasoline fumes on petrol pump workers.
The study groups included 70 petrol pump workers (exposed group) and 70 healthy age-matched individuals with no known exposure (comparison group). Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was performed to check the genotoxicity caused due to inhalation of gasoline fumes.
The frequencies of micronucleated cells, nuclear bud, condensed chromatin cells, karyorrhectic cells, pyknotic cells, and karyolytic cells were significantly higher in the exposed workers compared to the comparison group.
Exposure to gasoline fumes is associated with increased frequency of cell abnormalities. This may lead to various health consequences including cancer in those occupationally exposed to gasoline fumes.