Biomonitoring of DNA damage in individuals exposed to brick kiln pollution from Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Different kinds of harmful raw materials are used in brick kilns for baking bricks, thus exerting negative effects on the health of brick kiln workers and nearby residents. The comet assay technique monitors DNA damage in lymphocytes of brick kiln workers. Blood samples were collected from 150 participants to conduct comet assay. The results indicated a highly significant increase (p < .0001) in DNA damage in brick kiln workers (171.9 +/- 62.1) as compared with the control group (101.9 +/- 48.3). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = .823, p < .05) with DNA damage. Age and tobacco use had significant effects on total comet score (TCS) of exposed group as compared to control group (p < .05). In summary, these findings indicate greater genotoxicity in brick kiln workers.