Published Paper Details:

Tobacco is a harmful genotoxic natural compound. Tobacco smoke is harmful to smokers and to those exposed to Tobacco smoke. The chemicals found in bidi, cigarette, and cigar etc,. smoke are known for their toxicity. Nicotine, the principal pharmacologic agent common to all forms of Tobacco is a powerfully addicting drug. Thus nicotine in bidi smoke puts smokers at risk for addiction. Nicotine also has adverse effect on cardiovascular health. Tobacco is widely used in cigarette, cigar, chewing tobacco, gutkahs, etc.,. Exposure showed a high risk of human health and development of several types of oral cancers. A total of 56 male daily wage workers in Chandanagar area, Hyderabad, Telangana were investigated for genetic damage in buccal cells of exposed and control subjects. A questionnaire based survey was conducted and buccal smears were collected from oral cavity and analysed for nuclear damage. A high frequency of karyolysis and micronucleated cells were observed among males. The higher percentage of nuclear damage was observed in workers who were smokers. The habit of smoking resulted in the frequency of formation of micronuclei in buccal cells when compared with controls. The present study clearly reveals the mutagenic and genotoxic nature of tobacco and its products. It is necessary to educate the public about the adverse effects of tobacco consumption and prevent nicotine addiction, to decrease genetic damage and risk of serious diseases.