In order to assess DNA damage associated with exposure to environmental pollution in two polluted sites and one control site in Kosovo, whole blood samples were collected from volunteers in two polluted areas (Kastriot/ Obiliq - lignite-based power plants and lignite mines - and Drenas/Gllogovc - Ferronikeli smelting plant) as well as from Peja, representing an unpolluted area. White blood cells were isolated, and DNA damage was analyzed by the alkaline comet assay. Significantly higher levels of DNA damage (strand breaks) were found in white blood cells from subjects living in the polluted areas compared with residents of the unpolluted city, indicating a potential threat to human health.
We have recently shown that inhabitants of two polluted areas in Kosovo display more DNA damage (strand breaks in blood cell DNA) than do residents of a cleaner area. Here, we present additional analyses of these data and discuss additional data sets from Kosovo. Based on our data as well as the available data from other authors, age and sex-related differences in DNA damage or in susceptibility to DNA-damaging agents in the environment should be carefully considered when designing biomonitoring studies and when carrying out statistical analysis of the data.
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