ASSOCIATION OF PAH DNA ADDUCTS IN PERIPHERAL WHITE BLOOD-CELLS WITH DIETARY EXPOSURE TO POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

Previous investigations suggest that dietary sources of polycyclic aro matic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contribute to the PAH-DNA adduct load in per ipheral white blood cells (WBCs). In the current study, we measured PA H-DNA adducts by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in WBCs obtained fr om 47 California wildland (forest) firefighters at two time points (ea rly and late) during an active forest fire season. PAH-DNA adduct leve ls were not associated with recent firefighting activity, but were pos itively associated with frequency of charbroiled food consumption in t he previous 2 weeks. In addition, adduct levels declined with time sin ce last ingestion of charbroiled rood. These studies indicate that rec ent consumption of charbroiled food contributes to the PAH-DNA adduct load in peripheral WBCs.