DNA repair enzyme that can remove a variety of covalent adducts from DNA through hydrolysis of a 3'-phosphodiester bond, giving rise to DNA with a free 3' phosphate. Catalyzes the hydrolysis of dead-end complexes between DNA and the topoisomerase I active site tyrosine residue. Hydrolyzes 3'-phosphoglycolates on protruding 3' ends on DNA double-strand breaks due to DNA damage by radiation and free radicals. Acts on blunt-ended double-strand DNA breaks and on single-stranded DNA. May have low 3'exonuclease activity and may be able to remove a single nucleoside from the 3'end of DNA and RNA molecules with 3'hydroxyl groups. Has no exonuclease activity towards DNA or RNA with a 3'phosphate (By similarity). Belongs to the tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase family.