Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Exploratory research on mutagenic activity of coal-related materials. Final report, June 1, 1980-November 30, 1981. [52 references]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5270237

Samples ETTM-05, ETTM-12, ETTM-18, ETTM-19, ETTM-20, ETTM-21, and ETTM-22 were tested for mutagenicity in Salmonella strains TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100. None of the samples tested were mutagenic when Aroclor 1254-induced S9 was not incorporated into the test system. Samples ETTM-05 and ETTM-12 (powdered coal) have been found to be marginally mutagenic. Organic solvent fractions prepared from these have also been shown to be slightly mutagenic. ETTM-18 was found to be mutagenic for strains TA1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100 when assayed with Aroclor-induced S9. A highly active methylene chloride component was noted upon fractionation of ETTM-18. ETTM-19, ETTM-20, and ETTM-22 were all marginally mutagenic. ETTM-21 was apparently not mutagenic. The greatest difficulty in the evaluation of data from in vitro assays is in the extrapolation to the human situation. Although in two studies, approximately 90% of known carcinogens were mutagenic for Salmonella, sufficient correlative data do not exist to suggest that a positive response in this assay predicts carcinogenicity or a potential mutagenic hazard for humans. This, however, does not detract from its applicability as a screen for identifying agents for further study. As a screen this assay offers several advantages: it has been used in more comparative studies than other microbial tests; it is less expensive and easier to undertake than the mammalian cell transformation assays which offer a high degree of positive response/known carcinogen correlation; results are obtained in 24 to 48 hours; and results are more simple and less time consuming to score than with chromosome aberration or sister chromatid exchange.

Research Organization:
Cincinnati Univ., OH (USA). Coll. of Medicine
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-78ET00222
OSTI ID:
5270237
Report Number(s):
DOE/ET/00222-9; ON: DE82012280
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English