Genomic Instability in Buccal Mucosal Cells of Municipal Street Sweepers as Evaluated by Micronucleus Test.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Since street sweepers comprises a group of workers who are in daily contact with rubbish, dust and air pollution, the aim of this study was to evaluate potential cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in buccal mucosa cells of street sweepers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 male street sweepers aged from 22 to 56 years were included in the experimental group. A total of 20 men matched by age were used as the control group. Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity were analyzed by micronucleus test in buccal mucosal cells.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in the frequency of micronuclei was detected in the street sweepers when compared to the control group. No remarkable differences were found to other metanuclear alterations indicative for cytotoxicity such as pyknosis, karyolysis, and karryorhexis when compared to matched controls.

CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results indicate that street sweepers comprise an at-risk group as a result of increased mutagenicity found to buccal mucosa cells.