Significance of mutagenicity testing on pesticides

Our mutagenicity screening studies on pesticides totalling 165 have newly revealed microbial mutagenic activity in the following four compounds: 2,4-dinitrophenyl thiocyanate (NBT), sodium p-dimethylamino-azobenzene diazosulfonate (DAPA), 5-nitro-1-napthonitrile (NNN) and N-(1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylthio)-4-cyclohexene-1, 2-dicarboximide (Captafol). Significance of mutagenicity testing on pesticides is discussed from the toxicological point of view. No definite relationship has been proven among mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of pesticides although there are some correlations in these activities of several pesticides. Further studies are needed to clarify the significance of mutagenicity testing in toxicological areas.