Evaluating air pollution and BTEX exposure effects on DNA damage: A human biomonitoring study in Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Air pollution, a major global issue, comprises various solid and gaseous pollutants in urban environments, including particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and isomeric xylenes (BTEX) constitute about 80% of VOC emissions, primarily from vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, petrol, paints, adhesives, and solvents, posing significant health risks including carcinogenic effects. Here we explore the impact of exposure to various measured air pollutants (NO₂, O₃, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PAHs, and BTEX) on DNA damage among residents (N = 60) of Zagreb, Croatia during the colder part of the year due to anticipated higher pollutant levels. This was done by evaluating primary DNA damage using the comet assay and associating it to measured air pollutants and to blood values of BTEX as a biomarker of exposure. Measured DNA damage was also associated with additional lifestyle factors and sociodemographic data. Statistically significant positive correlations between % tail DNA and air pollutants were observed only for daily average for pyrene, measured one day prior to blood sampling. Passive smokers showed significantly higher DNA damage levels compared to non-smokers. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating cumulative environmental exposures and their health effects, consistent with the exposome concept. Despite improvements in air quality across Europe, urban pollution levels remain hazardous, necessitating robust public health interventions to mitigate long-term health risks.