Abstract
This article aimed to examine the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of gasoline on exfoliated buccal mucosa cells among gas station attendants. The study was conducted through data survey, application of health questionnaires, and cytogenetic analysis, by applying the micronucleus test in oral mucosa cells. The population under study consisted of the Test Group, made up by 20 attendants, exposed to gasoline, in the city of Picos, Piaui, Brazil, and a Control Group, made up by 20 previously selected individuals. The results of this study showed that the frequency of micronuclei and cell death among individuals exposed to gasoline has been statistically significant (p < 0.001) when compared to the non-exposed group. This substance also induced cytotoxicity in the oral epithelium of exposed individuals (p < 0.001), by increasing the frequency of binucleated cells. These results are similar to those reported in the literature, regarding the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of this additive. Furthermore, it was observed that none of the subjects in the Test Group has used personal protective equipment (PPE) and they do not know the toxic action of these compounds. Thus, there is a need for providing information to the exposed workers on the mutagenic and cytotoxic action of gasoline, emphasizing the importance of using PPE, in view of the risk posed to health that such exposure can bring.
Highlights
Cancer is a genetic disease which manifests due to the accumulation of DNA mutations over a period of time
Workers exposed to gasoline reported that, on average, they have been exposed to the work environment for 3 years, with a weekly workload of 48 hours, and not using protective equipment (PPE) during the whole day
A recommendation to minimize occupational exposure is to promote the use of PPE that are appropriate to the risk, as well as educational activities that help workers to realize the risk they are exposed to, with potential damage to their health
Summary
Cancer is a genetic disease which manifests due to the accumulation of DNA mutations over a period of time. Physical, and biological agents are found in workplaces; they are capable of causing problems for workers and triggering various types of cancer, such as oral, skin and larynx, among others. Occupational exposure can silently induce DNA damage; and there is an increasing number of production processes considered as being potentially carcinogenic (GATTÁS, 2006). Gas stations expose their workers to several highly toxic compounds, such as gasoline containing benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, and xylene (called BETX), among other substances. In Brazil, the occupational exposure to these organic solvents is a public health problem, though little reported and neglected by gas stations managers (CERQUEIRA et al, 2010b)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
