Genotoxicity evaluation of individuals working with photocopying machines

• Published in: Mutation research Vol. 563; no. 2; pp. 151 - 158
• Main Authors: Goud, K. Iravathy, Hasan, Q., Balakrishna, N., Rao, K. Prabhakar, Ahuja, Y.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 10.10.2004; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Chromosomal aberrations; Chromosome Aberrations; Copying Processes; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution; Humans; Medical sciences; Micronucleus test; Micronucleus Tests; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Photocopying machines; Photocopying toners; Smoking; Toxicology; India; Photocopying machines; Micronucleus test; Photocopying toners; Chromosomal aberrations; Chromosomal aberration; Toxicology; Toxicity; Mutagenicity testing; Genotoxicity; Genetics
• ISSN: 1383-5718; 0027-5107; 1879-3592
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2004.07.001

Photocopying machines are a common sight in the cities of India. There is ample evidence showing that the components of toners individually or in the form of a complex mixture are genotoxic. Toxic components of the photocopiers are from their emissions, toners and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs). In the present study micronucleus test (MNT) on buccal epithelial cells, cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay and chromosomal aberration analysis on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed on 98 workers occupationally involved in photocopying and 90 age and sex matched controls. The results showed a significant increase in the frequency of MN in buccal epithelial cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes, as well as chromosomal aberrations in the exposed as compared to the control subjects.