Contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to the carcinogenic impact of gasoline engine exhaust condensate evaluated by implantation into the lungs of rats
An attempt was made to identify the substances chiefly responsible for the carcinogenicity of gasoline engine exhaust condensate. A carcinogen-specific bioassay was performed by a comparison of the carcinogenic effect of various fractions with that of a total sample of automobile exhaust condensate, tested in two or three different doses. The results were examined by Probit analysis. After implantation into the lungs of OM rats, the condensate emitted from a gasoline-driven automobile and the fraction of polycyclic aromatic compounds consisting of more than 3 rings induced lung carcinomas and sarcomas. The tumor incidence demonstrated a clear-cut dose-response relationship. The fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) consisting of more than 3 rings accounted for about 81% of the total carcinogenicity of automobile exhaust condensate. This fraction represented only 2.8% by weight of the condensate. The content of benzo(a)pyrene (CAS: 50-32-8; 0.483 mg/g condensate) accounted for 2.4% of the total carcinogenicity of automobile exhaust condensate. Regarding the minor effect of the PAH-free fraction (approximately equal to 87% by wt), no evidence of cocarcinogenic activity was observed, since the total condensate as well as the PAH fraction consisting of more than 3 rings applied proportionally caused about the same tumor incidence.
- Research Organization:
- Biochemical Institute for Environmental Carcinogens, Ahrensburg, Federal Republic of Germany
- OSTI ID:
- 7132541
- Journal Information:
- J. Natl. Cancer Inst.; (United States), Vol. 72:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
EXHAUST GASES
CARCINOGENESIS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
BENZOPYRENE
CARCINOGEN SCREENING
CARCINOMAS
LUNGS
RATS
SARCOMAS
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
BODY
CONDENSED AROMATICS
DISEASES
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HYDROCARBONS
MAMMALS
NEOPLASMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RODENTS
SCREENING
VERTEBRATES
WASTES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)