Coal miners are constantly exposed to coal dust and its derivatives. Therefore, characterizing and estimating the risks of exposure
are of utmost importance to the safety of individuals working in a
coal mining environment [10]. There is an increased risk for developing several diseases following exposure to coal dust and products
of combustion [11–16]. A number of studies have shown that the
parameters of oxidative damage are altered following inhalation
of industrial particles such as coal [17]. Studies with coal mine
workers have demonstrated higher levels of DNA and chromosomal damage, as evaluated via assays of chromosomal aberration,
micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange [2,18,19]