Short-term in vitro bioassays: applicability to air monitoring in the coal conversion and shale oil industries.

Short-termbioassays such as that of Ames and co-workers may be a practical method of monitoring industrial environments for the presence of biologically active and potentially hazardous materials. In general, these assays detect agents that cause damage to DNA which may lead to mutations, cancer, birth defects and to other diseases. Used to monitor industrial environments, such tests can indicate the presence of biologically active materials and can detect changes in the levels of these materials in the air. This paper reviews the types of bioassays which are presently available and considers their applicability to evaluation of occupational exposures in the coal conversion and oil shale industries. As no direct assessment of the degree of human health hazard can be made from the results of such tests, the choice of appropriate comparisons, such as ambient air, are discussed. The advantages and limitations of such systems are considered. Some research needs for the application of bioassays to industrial monitoring are also discussed.