Some Laboratory and Epidemiological Aspects of Air Pollution Carcinogenesis

Abstract

Chemical, analytical and biological studies were completed on the organic matter of large air pollution samples from Detroit. The high tumor response observed on mouse skin when the organic matter was applied in 12.5 per cent concentration can be partially explained by the presence of poly nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as tumor initiators and certain acidic components as tumor promotors. Certain polaric neutral components of still unknown nature are indicated also to act as tumor promotors. The concentrations of PAH in various locations in Detroit and New York during different seasonal, meteorologic and traffic conditions are compared. The relative importance of carcinogenic air pollutants in man’s environment is discussed in line with epidemiological evidence.