Resumen

DOMINGUEZ ODIO, Aníbal et al. Cytogenotoxic changes in human buccal epithelial cells and their association with selected occupational exposures to chemical products. Salud de los Trabajadores [online]. 2006, vol.14, n.1, pp.51-59. ISSN 1315-0138.

The objective of this study was to describe cytogenotoxic changes in human buccal epithelial cells and their association with selected occupational exposures to chemical products (antineoplastic agents, grain dust, carbon dioxide, ammonia, naphtha, and complex mixtures of toluene, methanol, xylene, chlorethylene and welding fumes), taking into account age, job seniority and personal habits. A cross-sectional descriptive study, consisting of 31 controls and 88 exposed workers, was conducted. Information on age, seniority, type and duration of exposure, use of personal protective equipment and personal habits was obtained. Buccal mucosal cells were examined for frequency of genotoxic (micronuclei) and cytotoxic (binucleation, pycnosis, condense chromatin and caryolysis) abnormalities. Associations between these abnormalities and age, seniority and personal habits were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficients. Results indicated that 70.45% (n=62) of workers did not use respiratory protection and 82.95% (n=73) were occupationally exposed to chemicals. Antineoplastic agents were significantly associated with cytogenotoxic changes; no relationship was found with grain dust or naphtha. No associations were found between cytotoxicity and age (r=0.10), seniority (r=0.14), smoking (r=0.02) or alcohol use (r=0.11). We conclude that frequency of cytogenotoxic abnormalities was associated with exposure to antineoplastic drugs. Cytotoxicity is not correlated with age, job seniority or personal lifestyle habits.

Palabras clave : genotoxicity; citotoxicity; chemical labor; buccoepithelial cells.