Effects of air pollution and smoking on DNA damage of human lymphocytes

The comet assay is a useful technique for the study of genetic damage in hu mans exposed to environmental mutagens and carcinogens. In this study the e ffects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on 80 h ealthy individuals living in urban and rural areas with different smoking h abits were investigated. Endonuclease III (endo III) treatment was also use d to reveal the level of oxidised pyrimidine formation in these groups. The extent of damage and subsequent repair appear to be influeced by the livin g conditions (urban or rural areas). Smoking , however, was shown to have t he most significant effect on DNA damage on all groups studied. (C) 2000 Wi ley-Liss, Inc.