Screening for cytological changes associated with inhaled polluted materials in Khartoum industrial area

Abstract

Background: Environmental air pollution is the main risk factor for lung cancer.The objective of the present study was to assess cytomorphological changes in sputum specimens of individuals working in the car-maintenance industrial area. Methodology: A total of 75 sputum specimens were obtained and demonstrated adopting the standard Pap method. Results: The results showed abnormal cytological changes in a form of atypical cellular changes (n= 6, 8%), metaplastic cellular changes (n=12, 16%), in addition to inflammatory changes (n=19, 25.4%). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to air polluted with vehicle emissions is a risk factor for developing precancerous changes in lung epithelial cells. People who work in these heavily industrialized areas should be subject to ongoing sputum cytological examination.