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The mutagenic activity of sodium perborate
1Swiss Federal Research Station, Waedenswil.
Mutation Research
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Sodium perborate, a common laundry bleach, demonstrates mutagenic activity in laboratory tests. This bleaching agent can damage DNA and cause mutations, indicating a direct-acting in vitro mutagenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sodium perborate is widely used as a bleaching agent in laundry detergents.
- Its mechanism involves the release of active oxygen species at higher temperatures.
- Despite widespread use, no prior mutagenicity data were available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mutagenicity of sodium perborate.
- To assess its potential for DNA damage and mutagenic effects in various in vitro systems.
Main Methods:
- Oxidative damage assay using thymidine.
- Bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100, TA102, and TA98.
- In vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells.
- Assessment of mutagenicity with and without rat liver S9 metabolic activation.
Main Results:
- Sodium perborate oxidized thymidine at temperatures as low as 40°C.
- It induced point mutations in S. typhimurium strains TA100 and TA102, but not TA98.
- Mutagenic activity was abolished by rat liver S9, suggesting metabolic inactivation.
- Extensive chromosomal damage, including rearrangements, was observed in CHO-K1 cells.
Conclusions:
- Sodium perborate is a direct-acting in vitro mutagen.
- It possesses the potential to cause DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations.
- Further safety assessments may be warranted given its common use.