Biomonitoring cytogenetic and oxidative-stress related damage in gas station attendants: Buccal micronucleus cytome assay and serum 8-OHdG levels

This study assessed the genotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage associated with occupational exposure among gas station attendants. We performed buccal micronucleus cytome analysis and measured serum 8-OHdG levels in 32 pumpers and 32 control subjects. Cytotoxicity biomarkers were higher in the exposed group. No significant effect of smoking on cytogenetic parameters was found. In contrast, a higher frequency of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity biomarkers was observed in pumpers with more than 10 years of employment. Serum 8-OHdG levels were higher in pumpers. While the duration of working increased the serum 8-OHdG levels, smoking had no significant effect. Our findings reveal that gas station attendants are continuously exposed to benzene-induced toxicity at the cellular level. Workers may be at risk of developing cancer in the future, so they should be carefully monitored for the long-term effects.