What types of genetic mutations are associated with PAH exposure?
Exposure to PAHs can lead to various types of genetic mutations, including point mutations, insertions, deletions, and chromosomal aberrations. One of the most common mutations induced by PAHs is the G to T transversion, where a guanine base is replaced by a thymine base. This type of mutation is frequently observed in the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and preventing cancer. Mutations in the p53 gene can lead to loss of function, contributing to the development of cancers such as lung, skin, and bladder cancer.