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 humans exposed to environmental mutagens and carcinogens. In this study the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on 80 healthy individuals living in urban and rural areas with different smoking habits were investigated. Endonuclease III (endo III) treatment was also used to reveal the level of oxidized pyrimidine formation in these groups. The extent of damage and subsequent repair appear to be influenced by the living conditions (urban or rural areas). Smoking, however, was shown to have the most significant effect on DNA damage on all groups studied. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.