GENOTOXIC

Genotoxicity refers to the ability of certain physical or chemical agents to cause damage to thegenetic material DNA and RNA within cells, thereby affecting their structural and functionaintegrity. This study was designed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of vehicular emissions onintra state drivers at central park Benin city. The central objective was to determine whethersustained exposure to vehicular fumes induces measurable genotoxic damage in these individualsA total of 100 buccal cell samples were collected from 25 commercial bus drivers, eachcontributing four samples (two from each cheek). The samples were analyzed using the BuccaMicronucleus Cytome Assay.The results obtained from the exposed group were compared with36 buccal cell samples collected from nine individuals who served as negative controls, each alsocontributing four samples. Altogether, 3,400 cells were examined under a light microscope 2,500from the exposed group and 900 from the control group, to identify and quantify nuclearaberrations such as micronuclei, binucleated, and anucleated cells.The mean frequencies omicronucleated, binucleated and anucleated cells in exposed drivers where significantly highe(p< 0.05) than those in the control. By systematically comparing these findings, this studyprovides critical insights into the potential of vehicular emissions to induce genetic instabilityand cellular damage among occupationally exposed individuals. The outcomes underscore thebiological impact of prolonged exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and highlight the urgenneed for strengthened environmental policies and public health measures aimed at minimizinggenotoxic risks in urban populations