Assessment of the deoxyribonucleic acid damage caused by occupational exposure to chemical compounds in Isfahan Polyacryl Company

Background: Chemical pollutants found in industrial environments can cause chronic genotoxicity in vulnerable individuals during the long-term exposure. Th e primary purpose of the present study was to assess the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage caused by occupational exposure to industrial chemicals and secondary purpose is to investigate the eff ect of possible risk factors of genotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Th e blood samples of the workers of Isfahan Polyacryl Company were evaluated in terms of genotoxicity using the comet assay method. Th e percentage of DNA in the tail and tail moment were measured and DNA damage was evaluated. Furthermore, the eff ect of age, smoking, duration of working in the company and working in two parts of the company on the degree of vulnerability to genotoxicity was assessed. Results: Th e amount of DNA damage in the target group (the production line workers) was signifi cantly higher than the control group (the staff s), 3.87 versus 1.52 as tail moment, (P < 0.0001). DNA damage was signifi cantly higher in smoker groups compared with non-smoker target group and control group, 4.18 versus 3.07 and 1.52 respectively as tail moment, (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, it was higher in person working in two diff erent parts of the company compared to those work in one part and control group, 4.63 versus 3.74 and 1.52 respectively as tail moment, (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to Polyacryl caused DNA damage. Smoking and working in two parts of the company may have a signifi cant role in DNA damage.