[Evaluation of the cytogenetic effect of the herbicide treflan and of a number of its metabolites on mammalian somatic cells].

Investigation of the cytogenetic effect of two samples of trifluralin, a herbicide, (chemically pure active ingredient and 25% emulsion concentrate) and its eight metabolites in the culture of human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro and in the bone marrow cells of mice in vivo has revealed that trifluralin itself does not induce chromosome aberrations both in vitro and in vivo, but some of its derivatives possess moderate (metabolites III and VII) or weak (metabolites II and XI) clastogenic activity. The results obtained should be taken into account for the hygienic regulation of trifluralin use allowing for the reality of entrance of its mutagenic derivatives into the human organism and for the degree of its genetic danger.