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This review systematically examines studies from 2003 to 2023 to assess the genotoxic and epigenetic effects of black carbon/soot on human health. Databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus were searched using key terms like ‘black carbon’, ‘soot’, ‘genotoxicity’, ‘epigenetics’ etc. A total of 89 articles were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review revealed that the harmful effects of soot extend beyond the site of exposure, as its components can be metabolized into reactive intermediates that damage DNA. It also affects non-coding RNAs, leading to potential epigenetic modifications linked to disease, including cancer. It demonstrates that black carbon/soot exposure induces significant genotoxic and epigenetic alterations in cells through multiple receptor-mediated pathways including AhR, CD36, and TLRs which activate signaling cascades such as NF-κB and MAPK to drive oxidative stress, inflammation, and triggers DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA expression all of which can contribute to carcinogenesis and alters epigenetic markers. Quantitative evidence, like increased sister chromatid exchange frequencies and upregulation of detoxification enzymes, supports these mechanistic insights that may link soot exposure to epigenetics and genetic effects. Overall, the findings underscore that even low-level exposure to black carbon/soot may have long-term adverse health effects, supporting the need for improved air quality regulations and targeted public health interventions.
Nze-Dike et al. (Mon,) studied this question.