Mutagenic substances in pyrolysate obtained by burning polyvinylchloride-product at 1000 degrees C

In order to detect possible mutagenic substances in pyrolysate obtained by burning polyvinyl chloride product (PVC-P) at approximately 1000 degrees C, mutagenicity of rough extracts obtained by extraction with various solvents for the products was investigated by means of reversion mutation assay using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 with or without microsomal metabolic activation (S9 mix). Strong mutagenicity in TA98 without S9 mix was observed in acetone-extract of PVC-P. The extract was fractionated into acidic, neutral and basic by liquid-liquid distribution and the mutagenicity in TA98 without S9 mix was found in the neutral fraction. Identification of mutagenic substances in the neutral fraction from acetone extract, which showed the strongest mutagenicity, was attempted by means of thin layer chromatography and capillary gas chromatography. The results suggest that mutagenic substances from pyrolysate of PVC-P are benzanthrone and an isomer of benzo(c)cinnoline. The results also suggest that burning wastes containing plastic products is not always safe even if at 1000 degrees C and further research on the problem is necessary.