# The Impact of Genotoxicity in Coke Oven Workers: Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis

## TL;DR

Coke oven workers are at high risk of genetic damage from exposure to harmful chemicals, highlighting the need for safety regulations.

## Contribution

This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes genotoxicity in coke oven workers, revealing significant DNA damage and calling for regulatory action.

## Key findings

- 21 studies found genotoxic effects in coke oven workers, with 20 showing micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities.
- Meta-analysis showed significant differences in genotoxicity markers between coke oven workers and controls.
- All 21 studies were rated as Strong or Moderate quality, supporting the reliability of the findings.

## Abstract

This systematic review (SR) with meta‐analysis investigates the genotoxicity potential of coke oven workers (COWs) exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through a comprehensive analysis of studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The comparisons were defined as standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were established. A systematic search conducted in May 2025 identified 21 relevant studies, which employed different assays, such as the micronucleus assay (MA) and the comet assay (CA) in order to assess DNA damage. The outcomes suggested that 21 of the reviewed studies observed genotoxic effects related to this exposure, with 20 inducing micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities. As for the quality assessment, a total of 18 studies were classified as Strong, and three (out of 21) were deemed as Moderate. No study was categorized as Weak, which proves our findings can be considered trustworthy. The meta‐analysis (six studies) revealed a statistically significant difference between COWs and the control group, for both the MN (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI, 0.26–1.15, p = 0.002) and CA (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.34–1.38, p = 0.001) with high heterogeneity. We concluded that there is a potential for genotoxicity in COWs. This certainly shows the importance of further investigation and regulatory oversight to ensure coke oven professionals' safety. Also, we understand such findings are vital for clarifying the role of biomarkers related to genotoxicity due to this occupational exposure.

Coke oven workers are in an occupational group at high risk for genotoxicity, as determined by cytogenetic, cellular, and molecular endpoints. This finding certainly shows the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of these professionals, since genetic damage is the initial step in some chronic degenerative diseases, such as cancer.