DNA ADDUCTS IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES FROM ALUMINUM PRODUCTION PLANT WORKERS DETERMINED BY P-32 POSTLABELING AND ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY

P-32-Postlabeling analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been used to detect DNA adducts in peripheral blood lymphocytes from primary aluminum production plant workers who were exposed occupationally to a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Preliminary results reported hem are from a comparative study being performed in two aluminum plants. The levels of aromatic DNA adducts have been determined by the P-32-postlabeling assay in samples collected on two occasions, 1 year apart. PAH-DNA adduct levels have also been determined by competitive ELISA in the second set of DNA samples. The results show the necessity of follow-up biomonitoring studies to detect possible alterations in biological effect induced by changing exposures. The comparison of the results obtained by P-32-postlabeling and ELISA may lead to a better understanding of the power and weaknesses of the two methods applied in these studies.