title: The distribution and origin of mutagens in airborne particulates, detected by the salmonella/microsome assay in relation to levels of lead, vanadium and PAH.
abstract: At three stations in central Copenhagen, Denmark, samples of particulate matter were collected simultaneously with different contributions from automobile exhaust products. Samples were obtained at street level, 22 m above street level and within a hospital zone; 32 samples were analysed for levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and elements, as well as for mutagenicity towards S. typhimurium TA1538. Two classes of mutagens were quantified: a non-polar extract rich in PAH and, other promutagens, and a polar extract containing direct acting mutagens (not requiring microsomal activation). Covariances between lead and mutagenicity, and the varying distribution of the polar and non-polar mutagens at the stations, indicate that at all stations the mutagenicity of the non-polar extract is dominated by automobile exhaust products. The polar extract is relatively less influenced by primary traffic emissions; a considerable part of the activity of this extract is attributed to secondary emissions, transformed by atmospheric reactions, and primary emissions from stationary sources.
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D003718:Denmark; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods; D009153:Mutagens / Q000032:analysis*; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D012486:Salmonella typhimurium / Q000187:drug effects; D014639:Vanadium / Q000032:analysis*; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D009153:Mutagens; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D014639:Vanadium; D007854:Lead