Toxicogenetic monitoring in urban cities exposed to different airborne contaminants

► Main mutagenic components can be assessed in particulate matter smaller than 100 μm. ► PAHs concentration ratios have been used to deduce origins and environment behavior. ► DNA damage can be used as a genotoxic exposure biomarker and an effective dose index. ► Constant doses of mutagens can induce an adaptive process in the exposed populations.