Use of the Ames Test for Investigating the Mutagenicity of Air Pollutants

摘要

Biological short-term tests based on the mutation hypothesis of cancer initiation can be used to detect genotoxic, potentially carcinogenic, environmental pollutants. When comparing similar sources, the relative mutagenic activity of combustion emissions can, with due caution, be used as a rough indicator of carcinogenic risk. In the present investigation the Ames Salmonella bacterial test has been used to characterize different combustion emissions and air pollutants that contribute to the potential carcinogenicity of air pollution. Investigation of the short-term variation in particulate mutagenic emissions from a modern, pulverized-coal fired plant showed that mutagenic emissions varied over a 60-fold range. However, the peak emissions only slightly increased the long-term average emission of mutagenic compounds, which is the most relevant factor concerning cancer risks. Two of four waste incineration plants investigated were shown to emit more mutagenic substances than do plants of similar size that use other fuels. One newly constructed incinerator and one incinerator using refuse-derived fuel had lower emissions than the other two incinerators, which shows that mutagenic emissions can be effectively reduced by technical means. Particulate mutagenic emissions were measured from six gasoline-fueled cars with different systems for exhaust reduction. The regulated emissions (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides) were relatively poor indicators of mutagenic activity present in the exhaust. (With 181 refs.). (ERA citation 14:011938)