Elevated frequencies of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities in buccal epithelial cells of spray painters in SouthIndia

Abstract

To evaluate genetic damage in exposed populations, the micronucleus (MN) test is performed on exfoliated
buccal cells as part of human biomonitoring. MN test was performed on exfoliated buccal epithelial cells
from 94 spray painters and 80 controls to identify genotoxic effects. Two thousand buccal cells were
collected by exfoliation from each participant. Participants were classified into subsets according to whether
or not they were regular smokers or drinkers. Workers who were exposed had a considerably higher rate of
micronucleated cells than controls. When spray painters were compared to controls of the same age, gender,
education level, and number of years in the industry, the former were shown to have much higher rates of
MN. Important data on cytogenetic damage from spray painting exposure should be used in the risk
assessment process, and attention should also be made to the use of protective gear.