Genotoxicity evaluation of atmospheric environments of subway stations in Seoul using Tradescantia micronucleus assay

Abstract

Airborne pollutants in subway facilities can be harmful to passengers. This study was done to examine whether the suspended particulates have clastogenic effects on the biological systems. Total suspended particulates were collected from subway stations in Seoul. Aqueous extracts from the particulates were tested with the Tradescantia micronucleus assay. All the plant cuttings exposed to the extracts resulted in a significantly increased micronucleus frequency. As the biological assay resulted in a positive response to the extracts, the air particulates from the subway facilities contains genotoxic materials, and thus can be harmful to the workers and passengers of the subway facilities.