Coal is an important fossil fuel used to generate energy. Coal dust is constituted primarily of hydrocarbons
and metals. During coal extraction, large quantities of coal dust particles are emitted, contributing to
environmental pollution. Coal miners are constantly exposed to coal dust and its derivatives. The goal
of this study was to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of coal and oxidative stress in individuals
from Candiota who were exposed to coal as part of their occupation. The comet assay and micronucleus
(MN) test were used to assess these effects. This study involved 128 male participants of whom 71
reported work that included exposure to coal (exposed group) and 57 reported working at different jobs
(unexposed group). The exposed group had a significantly increased damage index and damage frequency,
as assessed using the comet assay, and increased MN and nucleoplasmic bridge frequencies, as assessed
using the MN assay, compared with unexposed individuals. Significant and positive correlations between
MN frequencies in the lymphocytes and buccal cells of control and exposed individuals were observed.
The exposed individuals presented lower average levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)
and catalase activity (CAT), while the mean superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels were higher in
this group. The exposed group also had higher hematocrit levels. No correlation between DNA damage
and inorganic elements, as identified using PIXE, was found; however, there was a correlation between
the damage index and zinc. The evidence that exposure to coal and its derivatives presents a genetic
hazard demonstrates the need for protective measures and educational programs for coal miners.