Comparison of Different Genotoxic Tests for Biological Monitoring of Coke Oven Workers. Preliminary Results

ABSTRACT Chemical by-products of coke production are classified by IARC as carcinogenic in humans. Polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are the main compounds involved in carcinogenic and mutagenic activities of coke oven smokes, but many other compounds are present in emissions and could be involved in these activities. PAH analysis of the atmosphere indicated external contamination, but is not sufficient to evaluate the risk for exposed workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between atmospheric analysis of PAH and genotoxic markers in coke oven workers'white cells compared to controls. One hundred fifty-five exposed workers'samples were analyzed. They were selected in 5 coke production sites using a complete questionnaire allowing one to exclude all confounding factors. Two equal groups of smokers and nonsmokers were analysed. Analysis of chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), micronucleus (MN) and DNA-adduct formation using 32P-postlabelling were performed ...