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Sources of mutagenic activity in urban fine particles

Journal Article · · Toxicology and Industrial Health; (USA)
OSTI ID:6064945
; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA)

Samples were collected during the winter of 1984-1985 in the cities of Albuquerque, NM and Raleigh NC as part of a US Environmental Protection Agency study to evaluate methods to determine the emission sources contributing to the mutagenic properties of extractable organic matter (EOM) present in fine particles. Data derived from the analysis of the composition of these fine particles served as input to a multi-linear regression (MLR) model used to calculate the relative contribution of wood burning and motor vehicle sources to mutagenic activity observed in the extractable organic matter. At both sites the mutagenic potency of EOM was found to be greater (3-5 times) for mobile sources when compared to wood smoke extractable organics. Carbon-14 measurements which give a direct determination of the amount of EOM that originated from wood burning were in close agreement with the source apportionment results derived from the MLR model.

OSTI ID:
6064945
Journal Information:
Toxicology and Industrial Health; (USA), Journal Name: Toxicology and Industrial Health; (USA) Vol. 6:5; ISSN TIHEE; ISSN 0748-2337
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English