Abstract
Objective: Analyze the smoking profile and the frequency of micronuclei on smokers compared to non-smokers who live in a municipality in the south of Minas Gerais. Methods: This is an observational study, involving 60 individuals of both genders, over 18 years old, divided equally into two groups: smokers and non-smokers. Data on the smoking profile were obtained through the application of a questionnaire. Genotoxic activity was assessed by analyzing the frequency of micronuclei. Cells of the oral mucosa were collected by the conventional cytological method, stained in hematoxylin-eosin (HE), for certification of the quality of the material, and Giemsa, for analysis of micronuclei. For analysis, 1000 cells per individual were counted, evaluating the frequency of micronuclei. Statistical analysis was performed for data analysis. Results: Upon analysis, there was no difference between the two groups for the frequency of micronuclei (p = 0.839). However, it was observed that individuals who do not consume alcohol smoke more (p = 0.045), and those who smoke for more than 30 years consume more cigarettes per day (p = 0.011). Conclusion: The smoking profile of the population is heterogeneous, influenced by the time of use and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, although it does not seem to be an exclusive factor for the formation of micronuclei in individuals.