Benzene, a hazardous component of gasoline, is a genotoxic class I human carcinogen. This study evaluated the genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to benzene in gasoline stations. Genotoxicity of exposure to benzene was assessed in peripheral blood leucocytes of 62 gasoline station workers and compared with an equal numbers of matched controls using total genomic DNA fragmentation, micronucleus test and cell viability test. An ambient air samples were collected and analyzed for Monitoring of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX) in work environment and control areas. DNA fragmentation, micronucleus and dead cells percent were significantly higher in exposed workers than controls. Level of benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene and xylene in the work environment were higher than the control areas and the permissible limits. Gasoline station workers occupationally exposed to benzene are susceptible to genotoxic effects indicated by increased DNA fragmentation, higher frequency of micronucleus and decreased leukocytes viability.

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Occupational exposure in spraying and application of non-arsenical insecticides has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. The fundamental molecular mechanisms involved the tumor-related genes. This study aimed to investigate the carcinogenesis effects related to chronic exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in pesticide applicators. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 27 pesticide applicators and 24 matched controls through the period from June to December 2018. The level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was determined and the effects of OPs exposure on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the DNA-damage responsive genes P53, P21, GADD45a, and MDM2 were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A significant reduction of serum AChE enzyme activities was observed in chronically exposed subjects in comparison with the control group ( p = 0.001). The expression of P53, P21 mRNA was significantly downregulated in the exposed group compared with the healthy nonexposed control group ( p < 0.05). Conversely, the expression of MDM2 and GADD45a did not significantly differ between the exposed subjects and the control group ( p > 0.05). No significant differences were noted between the exposed and control groups regarding the genotype or allele distributions of P53 Arg72Pro polymorphism. These results suggested that chronic exposure to OP insecticides may have mitogenic and carcinogenicity activity for the exposed cases due to downregulation of P53 and P21 but did not demonstrate any DNA damage properties for the exposed cases, and finally, a regular follow-up of the exposed cases for tumor markers is recommended.

Background: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) and zinc phosphide pesticides are widely used as grain preservatives in Egypt. It was associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Aim: To investigate the pattern and predictors of mortality related to aluminum and zinc phosphide poisoning. Methods: A two years prospective study was conducted on 399 patients with acute aluminum and zinc phosphide poisoning (124 non-survivors and 275 survivors) who were admitted to Menoufia University Poison and Dependence Control center (MPCC), during the period from 1st of July 2016 to the end of June 2018. For each patient, demographic and poisons data were taken. Also, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, ECG and Echocardiography were performed. Results: Phosphide poisoning predominated among cases aged < 18 years (46.8%), females (68.7%), students (48.9%) who attempted suicide (92.2%). The majority of non-survivors took aluminum phosphide tablets (97.6%) while most of survivors took zinc phosphide powder (78.5%). There was a significant difference as regards poisoning severity score (PSS), severe PSS among nonsurvivors (91.9%) while mild PSS among survivors (77.4%). Severe left ventricular dysfunction was the most predicting factor for mortality in the studied cases (OR= 9.35; CI: 1.156-5.26, P <0.001) followed by higher dose, need for mechanical ventilation, more than 2 hours' time delay, acidosis and hypotension. Conclusion: The mortality from aluminum and zinc phosphide poisoning can be predicted by intake one tablet or more of AlP with delayed time from intake to seek medical care, left ventricular dysfunction, hypotension and acidosis. These finding necessitate the need for public health policies to restrict the accessibility and use of phosphides in Egypt with the awareness of the public to the high fatality of these poisons.