US EPA

79580 

Journal Article 

Comparative carcinogenic and mutagenic activity of coal tar and petroleum asphalt paints used in potable water supply systems 

Robinson, M; Bull, RJ; Munch, J; Meier, J 

1984 

Yes 

Journal of Applied Toxicology
ISSN: 0260-437X
EISSN: 1099-1263 

4 

1 

49-56 

English 

6201525 

10.1002/jat.2550040110 

WOS:A1984SQ34100009 

Coal tar and petroleum asphalt coatings used in potable water systems were examined for carcinogenic and mutagenic activity. Four different formulations of each coating were assayed with Salmonella-typhimurium strains TA-1535, TA-1537, TA-1538, TA-98, and TA-100, and in the presence or absence of a rat liver microsomal activation system. Paint concentrations were 0.005, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 microliters (microl) per plate. Negative and positive controls were assayed concurrently with samples. Single or multiple doses of 0.2 to 200microl were applied to the shaved dorsal area of female SENCAR-mice. Applications of 1.0 microgram 12-o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (16561298) were made 3 times weekly for 20 weeks. Animals were examined weekly for tumors and sacrificed at 52 weeks for histological examination. Paints were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. All coal tar paints showed mutagenic activity after metabolic activation with S9. The highest mutagenic responses were seen with strains TA-98 and TA-100. No petroleum asphalt paint gave mutagenic responses. Both coal tar paint and petroleum asphalt paint initiated tumor development in mouse skin. Coal tar paint had the greater activity. Histopathological examination showed that coal tar paint treatments produced a significantly greater carcinoma yield than controls. Naphthalene was the only PAH detected above the quantification limit of 0.01 milligram per gram. The authors conclude that PAH concentrations from these coatings in drinking water are not representative of the hazards posed by the coatings themselves. 

DCN-142209; Drinking water; Protective coatings; Materials storage; Petroleum products; Carcinogenicity; Mutagenicity; Medical research; Bioassays; Dose response; Laboratory animals; Skin tumors