title: Generation of biologically active substances in a natural gas flame.
abstract: Samples of gaseous and solid species taken from the central axis of a 1 megawatt heat-input natural gas flame were tested in vitro for mutagenic activity and teratogenic potential. Mutagenicity was determined by a Salmonella typhimurium forward mutation assay. Potential teratogenicity was indicated by the ability of samples to interfere with the attachment of mammalian cells to a lectin coated surface. Both the mutagenic and anti-attachment activities were found to peak in samples originating from the flame regions where the total polyaromatic compound (PAC) species concentration reached a maximum, indicating a strong correlation between PAC presence in the samples and biological activity. Additional anti-attachment activity was found close to the injection nozzle. No biologically active material was detected beyond the luminous portion of the flame.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D005579:Fossil Fuels / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009153:Mutagens; D013723:Teratogens
chemical_list: D005579:Fossil Fuels; D009153:Mutagens; D013723:Teratogens