DNA-ADDUCTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL, OCCUPATIONAL AND LIFE-STYLE STUDIES IN HUMAN BIOMONITORING

The importance of DNA adducts in carcinogenesis has been discussed. Th e P-32-postlabelling method was developed as a quantitative technique to measure the level of different DNA adducts including adducts in hum an DNA. The elevated level of DNA adducts was found in white blood cel ls in persons exposed environmentally and occupationally to high conce ntrations of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in the ambient ai r. Tobacco also generated higher level of DNA adducts both in lymphocy tes and laryngeal tissues of smokers. Exposure to styrene has been of interest world-wide because of the very high exposure and persistence of adducts in DNA of lamination workers.