In vivo ozone exposure does not increase DNA single-strand breaks in human peripheral lymphocytes.

In this randomized parallel study, we examined whether an acute ozone (O-3) exposure leads to increased DNA strand breaks in human lymphocytes. The groups were exposed to 0.21 ppm O-3 or filtered air for two hours. 30min and 4.5 h after exposure, DNA damage was determined in isolated lymphocytes using the Fast Micromethod. There was no detectable effect after O-3 exposure. We conclude that an acute O-3 exposure at the tested concentration does not lead to persistent DNA damage.