Nuclear anomalies in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells of shoe workers in Khartoum state, Sudan

Abstract

Shoe polishes product consists of a complex mixture of chemical compounds. Some of these chemicals are known to be absorbed into the body. In this study 50 shoe workers in Khartoum state and 50 controls were tested for cellular abnormalities in buccal mucosa. The age group of the tested individuals ranged between 14 to 49 years. The results of the study showed high frequency of Micronuclei, Karyolysis and Binucleated cells among shoe workers group. These findings indicate the possible role of shoe cleaner products as a source of abnormal changes in buccal mucosa.