Cytogenetic Damage in Ceramic Tilers Exposed to Ceramic Dust in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria
Dommages Cytogénétiques chez les Carreleurs Exposés à la Poussière de Céramique dans la Métropole de Benin, au Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67260/hra.v4i8.7736Keywords:
Cytogenetic damage, Micronucleus assay, Ceramic dust, Occupational exposure, GenotoxicityAbstract
Introduction. Occupational exposure to ceramic dust poses a potential risk of cytogenetic damage due to its genotoxic components. This study aimed to assess cytogenetic damage among ceramic tilers occupationally exposed to ceramic dust in Benin metropolis, Nigeria, using the micronucleus assay in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells. Methodology. An analytical cross-sectional case-control design was employed, involving 60 exposed individuals and an equal number of non-exposed controls. Buccal cell samples were collected, stained using the Papanicolaou technique, and analyzed for micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities, including binucleated cells, nuclear buds, and karyorrhectic cells. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test, regression, and Pearson correlation. Results. Our result showed a significant increase in cells with micronuclei and total micronuclei among exposed participants compared to controls (p<0.001), indicating elevated cytogenetic damage. Age and duration of occupational exposure were identified as significant predictors of DNA damage, while the use of personal protective equipment demonstrated a protective effect. A strong positive correlation was observed between exposure duration and micronuclei frequency (r=0.62, p<0.001), suggesting a dose–response relationship. Graphical analyses further supported these findings, showing clear separation between exposed and control groups and increased micronuclei frequency with prolonged exposure duration. Conclusion. The findings indicate that chronic exposure to ceramic dust is associated with increased genotoxic risk among ceramic tile vendors. Micronucleus assay proved to be a reliable and non-invasive tool for biomonitoring early cytogenetic damage. Implementation of effective occupational safety measures is essential to reduce exposure and associated health risks.
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