Aim: To determine the cytogenetic effect of betel leaf, areca nut and
tobacco mixture usage among female construction workers in Tamilnadu,
Southern India. Methods: Totally 236 buccal cells and blood samples
were collected from 80 betel quid users and 76 users with tobacco
snuffing habit which were compared with 80 healthy subjects. Peripheral
blood leukocyte cultures were analyzed for chromosomal aberrations (CA)
and exfoliated cells from the buccal mucosa were examined for
micronucleus (MN). Results: Statistically significant (p<0.01)
increase in CA and MN were observed in users with snuffing habit when
compared to users without snuffing habit and controls as confirmed by
chi-square test. Therefore, specific biomarkers on cytogenetic
endpoints might help in planning precautionary measures to reduce oral
cancer risks. Conclusions: The present study can be concluded that a
mixture of betel quid, areca nut and tobacco chewing/snuffing is unsafe
for oral health. The genotoxic effect of smokeless tobacco should be
considered in addition to other known hazards for assessing health
risks