title: Atmospheric reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: facile formation of mutagenic nitro derivatives.
abstract: Directly active mutagens are formed on exposure of the promutagen benzo[a]pyrene to gaseous pollutants in smog. In simulated atmospheres containing 1 part per million nitrogen dioxide and traces of nitric acid, directly mutagenic nitro derivatives are readily formed from both benzo[a]pyrene and perylene, a non-mutagen in the Ames reversion assay. Possible formation of direct mutagens by such reactions on sample collection filters, in exhaust effluents, and in the atmosphere should be recognized.
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants; D001580:Benzopyrenes; D009153:Mutagens; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010569:Perylene; D010777:Photochemistry; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D001580:Benzopyrenes; D009153:Mutagens; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds; D010569:Perylene; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide