Evaluation of some formaldehyde-release compounds and other biocides in the mouse micronucleus test

A number of biocidal chemicals were tested for clastogenic activity in the micronucleus test using C57Bl/6J mice. The materials tested were: 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (I), N-methyl-isothiazolone hydrochloride (II), Glokill 77 and Parmetol A23. Two of the biocides (Glokill and Parmetol) depend on the release of formaldehyde for their activity while the other two compounds are the active chemicals in the biocide Kathon. Hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) was tested as the positive control for the series and N,N-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine (DNPT) as the negative control. HMPA produced significant dose-related increases in the incidence of micronuclei whereas DNPT, I, II, Glokill and Parmetol A23 were without effect.