The Impact of Genotoxicity in Coke Oven Workers: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Thiago Guedes Pinto1, Vinícius Fialho do Nascimento1, Giovanna Abreu Holanda Guerra2
1Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|February 16, 2026
Summary
Coke oven workers (COWs) exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) show potential genotoxicity. DNA damage, including micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities, was observed, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Toxicology
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
Background:
- Coke oven workers (COWs) face occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
- PAHs are known genotoxic agents, raising concerns about DNA damage in exposed populations.
- Assessing genotoxicity is crucial for understanding and mitigating occupational health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on the genotoxicity of PAHs in COWs.
- To evaluate the evidence of DNA damage, including micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities, in COWs.
- To assess the quality of existing research and provide reliable findings on occupational genotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases.
- Inclusion of 21 studies utilizing genotoxicity assays like the micronucleus assay (MA) and comet assay (CA).
- Meta-analysis of six studies to determine standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Main Results:
- Twenty-one studies reported genotoxic effects in COWs exposed to PAHs.
- Twenty studies indicated increased micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities.
- Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant genotoxicity in COWs for both MA (SMD=0.70) and CA (SMD=0.86), despite high heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant potential for genotoxicity among coke oven workers due to PAH exposure.
- Findings underscore the importance of regulatory oversight and further research into genotoxicity biomarkers in occupational settings.
- Enhanced safety protocols and monitoring are recommended to protect the health of coke oven professionals.
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