Induction of diphtheria toxin-resistant mutants in human cells by halogenated compounds

The mutagenic power of 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,2-diiodoethane was tested in the human cell line, EUE. In our mutagenic system, based on selection against diphtheria toxin, the halogenated compounds, 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,2-dibromoethane revealed a strong mutagenic effect, whereas 1,2-diiodoethane was not mutagenic at a concentration allowing survival of 41%.