[Mutagenic activity of the condensates from thermal decomposition of different polyamides]

The mutagenic activity of the condensates from oxydative pyrolysis of various polyamides at 500, 800 and 1,000 degrees C has been searched for by AMES preincubation test in strains TA 98 and TA 100 with or without metabolic activation by an Aroclor 1254 induced rat liver microsomal S9mix fraction. All condensates are mutagenic in the presence of this fraction and most of them are far less or not mutagenic in the absence of S9mix. Strain TA 98 is more sensitive than strain TA 100 for detecting the mutagenic activity of these condensates. So, they mainly contain indirect mutagenic substances responsible for frameshift mutation. In all cases, mutagenic activity is maximum at 800 degrees C. This observation should draw the attention upon the genotoxic (carcinogenic) long term risk induced by thermal decomposition of plastics and then upon the necessary protection of firemen and others in charge of domestic or hospital solid waste incineration.