Evaluation of genetic damage in tobacco-growing farmers occupationally exposed to a mixture of metalaxyl and imidacloprid

The use of pesticides, to which humans are exposed, will possibly be increased in the near future. Exposure occurs via inhalation or skin contact during the preparation of the solutions to be sprayed or during spraying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potent genetic damage in tobacco-growing farmers occupationally exposed to a mixture of metalaxyl and imidacloprid before and after spraying. This evaluation was performed by the micronucleus assay. The results obtained show that there are no statistically significant differences in the micronuclei frequencies of our studied groups before and after spraying. Analysis on the basis of smokers versus non-smokers did not show statistically significant differences. Analysis between control and exposed farmers revealed a significant difference in the smoking group after exposure to these pesticides. Further studies are required in order to estimate the potential effects of pesticides.