ABSTRACT
A mutagenicity test is also referred to as the "Ames Test" and the "Salmonella/Mammalian Microsome Liver Test for Detecting Chemical Mutagens". When the Ames Mutagenicity Test was first presented in 1975, it was intended as a rapid, inexpensive screening process for carcinogenic substances. In a chemical fire, relative mutagenicity of the components downwind, particle/gas laden air verses the upwind, uncontaminated air may provide information sufficient to confirm or deny the need for increased levels of carcinogen exposure concerns. Laboratories have attempted to promote the use of the Mutagenicity Test, but awareness has been limited. Until Mutagenic Testing is commonly accepted by environmental professionals, confirmation analyses are recommended for both negative and positive mutagenic results. There have since been various attempts to correlate mutagenic findings of specific chemicals with that of animal exposure studies and carcinogenicity.
