Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
5125602 
Journal Article 
Review 
Crude petroleum and selected fractions. Skin cancer bioassays 
Lewis, SC 
1983 
1 
Progress in Experimental Tumor Research
ISSN: 0079-6263 
26 
68-84 
English 
6302736 
WOS:A1983QF77800005 
The relationships between the physical properties or chemical compositions of various petroleum derived materials and their carcinogenic effects were examined. Data from a 1950s study which included bioassay procedures on about 40 different materials was discussed, along with results on about 30 samples which were analyzed in 1975. In the 1950s study, benzo(a)pyrene (50328) BaP was only analyzed quantitatively, while more detailedanalyses were performed during the study in 1975. Most of the samples which had been examined during the 1950s study were petroleum derived mixtures from cracking processes. Male C3H-mice were exposed to these petroleum mixtures on the interscapular region. The compounds were applied at 50 or 100 milligrams per exposure either one, two or three times a week for 18 months. Results demonstrated that the tumor yield or latency did not correlate with the level of BaP in the petroleum mixture. In particular, data from seven lower boiling petroleum oils did show a tumor yield correlation with the level of BaP, while a sample of 19 higher boiling petroleum mixtures showed a correlation with tumor latency. During the 1975 study, two natural petroleum crude oils, crude-C (CC) and crude-D (CD), were examined. C3H-mice were exposed to 50 milligrams per application, twice per week for a total of 18 months. These results demonstrated that twice as many mice developed tumors when exposed to CD; the average time for tumor development was less for the CD samples, as well. Analytical results showed that CD contained 12 times more sulfur than CC and twice the level of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Aside from the low boiling and asphalt fractions of these petroleum products, the samples exhibited a wide range of biological activity. The authors suggest that specific promotion and initiation bioassay procedures should result in a better understanding of these results.