Mutagenicities of 4-butylaniline and N-butylaniline determined by a bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay

Abstract

The organic compounds, 4-butylaniline and N-butylaniline, are frequently used in many industries, leading to concerns about the possibility of health hazards posed to workers. Although the potential genotoxicities of these chemicals are rare and controversial, these are subject to Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHAct) in Korea. We used five doses of each chemicals to assess the induction of mutagenicity with well-known Ames reverse mutation assay with and without metabolic activation. We obtained positive results under all tested conditions, indicating that these chemicals have mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic properties. Further preclinical and epidemiological investigations are necessary to confirm our findings and extend the results in to the real workplaces in order to assess potential hazards posed to workers following skin or eye contact, ingestion as well as inhalation. It is also desirable to prepare a local exhaust system and to wear personal protection equipment.