Human biomonitoring on co-exposure to styrene and xylene: assessment of genotoxic effects

Workplace environment represents the main source of exposure to organic solvents. These solvents are extensively used in the chemical industry and particularly important to various chemical and technical processes. Co-exposure to styrene and xylene frequently occurs in numerous occupational settings. These substances are raw materials applied in processes during the manufacture of polymers, paints, pigments, and glues. The aim of this study was to characterize possible genotoxic effects of exposure to a mixture of organic solvents – styrene and xylene, by the measurement of DNA damage by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay and comet assay in workers from a chemical manufacturing polymers industry.