ABSTRACT
Benzene has been internationally recognized as a potent toxin, particularly for its effects on the blood forming system of the bone marrow and its association to a large number of haematological disorders. This study aimed to assess the cytogenetic damages related to occupational exposure to benzene by calculating the mitotic index [MI], nuclear division cytotoxicity index [NDCI], binucleated cells ratio and chromosomal aberrations. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 benzene exposed workers and 10 from unexposed- controls- persons. 20 out of the exposed workers were occupationally exposed to benzene from 2 to more than 4 years. The rest of workers were exposed to benzene from one month to one year. The mean MI in the benzene exposed workers [5.72 +/- 0.62] was found significantly higher than in controls [4.03 +/- 0.37]. The highest MI mean was calculated in the exposure group 4 to above years. The NDCI of the exposure workers [3.38 +/- 0.54] was also significantly higher than in control [2.04 +/- 0.76]. Lower NDCI mean was calculated in the 4 to above years exposure. Chromosomal aberrations were observed in the exposed group. Polyploidy, aneuploidy [5 monosomy and 9 trisomy] and structural aberration [del 8q] were detected in the exposed groups 0-3 years. MN frequencies were significantly increased in relation with length of employment. According to the MN results and the chromosomal aberrations detected in the exposed groups, it could be possible that a correlation found between the elevated values of the MN and the detected chromosomal aberrations