Pollution

Pollution

Investigation of the Effects of Pollutants (Lead) in Areas Surrounding Baghdad City Using Cytogenetic Biomarkers (Buccal Cell Assay)

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author
Scientific Research Commission–Baghdad/ Iraq,
10.22059/poll.2026.415197.3347
Abstract
Lead (Pb) continues to be a persistent environmental contaminant that puts human health at grave risk for toxicity and genotoxicity. This study investigated the genotoxic effects of lead exposure in Baghdad City residents using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay as a biomonitoring tool. Nuclear abnormalities in buccal epithelial cells, such as pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, and micronucleus formation, are well-known indicators of cell death and genotoxicity. A validated technique for identifying chromosomal instability and exposure to environmental mutagens is the micronucleus assay. In comparison with the control group, this study examined cytogenetic damage in people exposed to occupational and environmental pollutants in Baghdad, Iraq.70 participants (35 controls and 35 exposed, ages 25–40) had buccal cell samples taken. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate nuclear abnormalities and determine statistical significance. Nuclear abnormalities were significantly more common in the exposed group (≥94%) than in the control group (≤14.3%). Pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, and micronucleus formation were all markedly increased (p < 0.001), suggesting severe genotoxic stress linked to environmental exposure.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 August 2026