Evaluation of oxidative stress and DNA damage in traffic policemen exposed to vehicle exhaust.

Objective: We aimed to study the genotoxic effects in traffic police who are occupationally exposed due to higher free radical generation.

Methods: Ambient and breathing zone air samples were analyzed blood samples were collected for analysis of antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and free radicals - nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels using a spectrophotometer. DNA damage was measured with the comet assay.

Results: Higher levels of benzene (BZ), toluene (TOL), carbon monoxide (CO), benzo([a])pyrene (BaP) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) was observed in traffic police. Elevated levels of NO, MDA and comet tail length and lower SOD and GPx levels observed in traffic police.

Conclusion: The studied biomarkers, related to oxidative stress and DNA damage positively correlated in traffic police exposed to environmental air pollutants.