ASSESSMENT OF DNA DAMAGE IN AUTO REPAIR WORKERS EXPOSED TO HEAVY METALS IN AL-DIWANIYAH PROVINCE, IRAQ

Objective: In Al-Diwaniyah auto repair workshops, workers encounter daily contact with lubricants, greases, paints, and solvents containing lead, cadmium, chromium, and zinc. Such metals can trigger DNA breaks via oxidative mechanisms. DNA damage levels assessed in blood lymphocytes from auto workers using alkaline comet assay. Method: Blood samples from 33 male workshop workers (mechanics, welders, painters) and 12 office-based male controls were analyzed. For each participant, we scored ≥50 cells, measuring tail length (µm), tail DNA percentage, and tail moment. Mann–Whitney U test compared groups, Cohen's d estimated effect magnitude. Results: Workshop personnel displayed substantially higher tail length (230.16 ± 12.00 µm versus 70.52 ± 1.15 µm in controls), tail DNA (9.16 ± 0.70% versus 1.13 ± 0.05%), and tail moment (13.86 ± 1.12 versus 1.42 ± 0.11), all p < 0.001. Effect sizes exceeded 12 for every parameter. Parameters were highly intercorrelated reflecting a common genotoxic stress. Novelty: Correlates of significant DNA damage found with Al-Diwaniyah work exposures justify protective equipment, sustained biological monitoring and Optimal ventilation are very important. Workers in car repair environments are mostly exposed to.