Abstract
Epidemiological studies found an increased risk of cancers in occupants exposed to traffic air pollution. Fine particulate matter is toxic, can enter into the respiratory tract and circulatory system, and can adsorb various substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its amino, alkyl, and nitro derivates. The study was carried out with Reboucas tunnel workers (exposed group) and 11 healthy men (control group). This tunnel is very representative of Brazilian cities and the biggest tunnel of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Samples of buccal mucosa cells and peripheral blood were evaluated using micronucleus assay. Urine samples were used to estimate the concentration of 1-hydroxyprene (1-HOP) and 2-naphthol (2-NAP). A significantly higher frequency of micronucleus in buccal cells and binucleated lymphocytes was observed for the exposed workers than for the control group. Higher concentrations of 1-HOP and 2-NAP were detected in the exposure group. In conclusion, damage to the genetic material and the high concentrations of metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected in the biological samples taken from control group can be related to daily exposure to pollutants.
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