Evaluation of Spontaneous DNA Damage Using the Alkaline Comet Assay in Lymphocyte Cells of Humans Living in the High Level Natural Radiation Area of Mamuju, Indonesia

To evaluate the biological impacts of high background radiation exposures that are represented by spontaneous deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, an evaluation on lymphocyte cells from residents Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Indonesia was tested. The mean annual dose received individuals in this area is about 10.40 mSv. Of 177 adult subjects studied, 102 were high-level natural areas Mamuju and 75 a nearby normal-level area. Both similar living situations. DNA strand breaks other parameters study control group determined using standardized comet assay. Our results showed chronic low-level had resulted significantly higher (p<0.001) damage based three assay (tail length, tail DNA, moment) compared to those control. There positive correlation between level age, where people aged 40 years older than under year. also found be females males. It concluded exposure induced human after long-term which dependent age sex.