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Exposure of tobacco workers handling dried tobacco leaves has been linked to an increased risk of toxicity and respiratory illness due to the presence of nicotine and other chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the DNA damage caused by the exposure of tobacco growers during the dry leaf classification process and the relation to cellular mechanisms. A total of 86 individuals participated in the study, divided into a group exposed to dry tobacco (n = 44) and a control group (n = 42). Genotoxicity was evaluated using the alkaline comet assay and lymphocyte micronucleus (MN) assay (CBMN-Cyt), and measurement of telomere length. The levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress were evaluated through the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, and nitric oxide levels, respectively. The inorganic elements were measured in the samples using particle-induced X-ray emission method. The combination of variables was demonstrated through principal component analysis and the interactions were expanded through systems biology. Comet assay, MN, death cells, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, and nitrosative stress showed a significant increase for all exposed groups in relation to the control. Telomere length showed a significant decrease for exposed women and total exposed group in relation to men and control groups, respectively. Bromine (Br) and rubidium (Rb) in the exposed group presented higher levels than control groups. Correlations between nitrate and apoptosis; Br and MN and necrosis; and Rb and telomeres; besides age and DNA damage and death cells were observed. The systems biology analysis demonstrated that tobacco elements can increase the nuclear translocation of NFKB dimers inducing HDAC2 expression, which, associated with BRCA1 protein, can potentially repress transcription of genes that promote DNA repair. Dry tobacco workers exposed to dry leaves and their different agents showed DNA damage by different mechanisms, including redox imbalance.

Coal and its by-products are complex mixtures which can have an impact on the environment and human health. Complex mixtures of coal and its by-products have an impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic effect of coal, fly ash and bottom ash using the Allium cepaand Salmonella/microsome test, and to correlate the results with the organic and inorganic components detected in the samples. This study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic effect of coal, fly ash and bottom ash using Allium cepa and the Salmonella/microsome test, and to correlate the results with organic and inorganic components detected in the samples. The samples were obtained in the Presidente Medici power plant at Candiota (Brazil). The samples did not show cytotoxicity in the A. cepatest or a mutagenic effect in the Salmonella/microsome test. Nevertheless, we observed an increase in micronucleus frequency for coal and bottom ash exposure. Different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and inorganic elements were detected and related to the mutagenicity results. The study demonstrates the need for preventive measures to protect coal and ash handling to avoid possible damage to health.