A comparison of comet assay and cell-blocked micronucleus for studying the genotoxicity of organic components in air particulate matters from urban area of Guangzhou

Objective To compare the sensitivity of comet assay and cell-blocked micronucleus for studying the genotoxicity of extractable matter in air particulate matters. Methods Particulate matters (TSP, PM10)were sampled in urban Guangzhou and the DNA damage potential of extractable organics were study by both comet assay and cell-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) on human peripheral blood lymphocyte. Results At doses 0, 4, 12 and 20 m3 eq/ml significant dose-response effects were observed for comet assay while no dose-response effects were observed for the CBMN tests at same doses. Conclusion The results indicated that comet assay was much more sensitive than CBMN.