Exposure to mutagenic aromatic hydrocarbons of workers creosoting wood

Creosote P1 is mutagenic in the Salmonella microsome assay towards strains TA1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100 in the presence of S9 mix. The mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons benzo[a]pyrene and benz[a]anthracene in this mixture are detected in concentrations of 0.18 and 1.1%, respectively. Spot samples taken from contaminated surfaces in several areas of a wood-preserving industry were tested for mutagenicity. The positive results suggest that a wipe test can give a first indication of occupational exposure to mutagenic substances, particularly when greater exposure occurs via skin contact than via inhalation. In urine of rats, mutagens appeared after treatment with creosote. However, no increase in mutagenicity could be detected in urine of creosote workers in relation to their work.