The present study examined the association between airborne pollutants and early biological effects in children, a group particularly vulnerable to immediate and long-term effects, underscoring the importance of early detection. Researchers have performed the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome assay (BMCty assay) focusing on the assessment of two biomarkers of early genotoxic damage – particularly micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NBUD) – in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of kids between 6 and 8 years old from Gubbio (exposed area with two cement factories) and Città di Castello (control area). Overall, 164 children were enrolled, of whom 161 underwent cytome analysis. Air quality data, along with information on indoor exposure, sociodemographic characteristics, diet, and health, were collected via questionnaires. Sampling was conducted in late spring and winter, seasons with differing pollutant concentrations. Analysis explored correlations between MN frequency and pollution levels. Results showed a significantly (p < 0.001) doubled MN frequency in exposed children during late spring, with a median of 2.0 (IQR 1.0-2.5), compared with 1.0 (IQR 0.5-1.5) of the control group, likely due to unmonitored summer-specific pollutants, despite measured pollutants being below legal limits. The findings indicate a residual genotoxic risk for children in exposed areas, underscoring the need to enhance air pollutant monitoring to better address potential genetic damage. • Children in Gubbio had higher MN in spring than winter, suggesting seasonal patterns • Although NO 2 , PM 10 and PM 2.5 were within limits, residual genotoxic risk was observed • The study integrates environmental and biomarker approaches to assess risk
Franceschini et al. (Sun,) studied this question.