RISK ASSESSMENT FOR CARCINOGENICITY AMONG WORKERS IN PETROLEUMREFINERY USING THE DNA ADDUCT LEVEL TEST

Abstract

Epidemiological surveys in occupationally exposed populations postulate that long term exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (P AHs) is carcinogenic. The ability 'of PAHs to induce the formation of adducts in the DNA of white blood cells of workers exposed at the workplace has been studied. Our study included random sample of 85 workers exposed to• PAHs and 69 non-exposed workers. In the univariate analysis, the DNA adduct level of PAHs- exposed workers was significantly• increased (p<0.05) compared to that in the non-exposed group. However, we could identify neither current smoking nor absence of glutathione S-transferase class Mu as possible risk factors for DNA adducts. Linear regression analysis identified degree of exposure to PAHs as the only DNA adducts risk . factor. We recommend further research, with sufficient sample size, putting in consideration the different types of PAHs.