Pitts J N, Van Cauwenberghe K A, Grosjean D, Schmid J P, Fitz D R, Belser W L, Knudson G P, Hynds P M
Science. 1978 Nov 3;202(4367):515-9. doi: 10.1126/science.705341.
Directly active mutagens are formed on exposure of the promutagen benzo[a]pyrene to gaseous pollutants in smog. In simulated atmospheres containing 1 part per million nitrogen dioxide and traces of nitric acid, directly mutagenic nitro derivatives are readily formed from both benzo[a]pyrene and perylene, a non-mutagen in the Ames reversion assay. Possible formation of direct mutagens by such reactions on sample collection filters, in exhaust effluents, and in the atmosphere should be recognized.
