title: Assessment of environmental contamination associated with a mammalian cell transformation assay.
abstract: To estimate worker exposures to, and environmental contamination from, test chemicals and organic solvents used in an in vitro assay to assess the carcinogenic potential of chemicals, sodium fluorescein, a noncarcinogenic fluorescent material, was dissolved in tissue culture medium used to maintain early passage hamster embryo cells. Personal an environmental samples were taken over a 14-d period. The assay was performed according to standard procedures in a ventilated glove box or laminar flow safety cabinet. Considerably more than 99% of the chemical contamination found was recovered from the interiors of the glove box and hood and from disposable equipment. Contamination outside the containment units (less than 1 microgram) resulted from intralaboratory transport of chemicals, treated cultures, and contaminated equipment. We conclude that the standard operating particles and procedures provided adequate safeguards for personnel and the environment.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D006224:Cricetinae; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000633:toxicity; D008647:Mesocricetus; D008722:Methods
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D005452:Fluoresceins