Study on Mutagenecity of Indoor Decoration Materials / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

ve To study the mutagenecity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from decoration materials to experimental animals and human subjects so as to provide some technical basis for the management of safety and hygienic quality of indoor decoration materials. Methods The micronucleus test was carried out in mice exposed to the tested toxicants in an experimental cabinet, in which the tested VOCs were prepared at the various concentrations which were 5, 10, 20 and 40 times as high as the concentrations of VOCs in decorated rooms monitored on site respectively. The frequencies of micronucleus of peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined among waitress working in decorated indoor environment. Results The concentrations of formaldehyde, benzene, methylbenzene, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate in decorated rooms were significantly higher than those in un-decorated rooms and the related national standards within half a year after decoration. The frequencies of micronucleus of mice exposed to tested VOCs with concentration being 40 times as high as those in decorated rooms were significantly higher than those of negative control group at the 15 th day after exposure. There were no significant differences in frequencies of mi-cronucleus in peripheral blood lymphocytes between waitress working in decorated rooms and un-decorated rooms. Conclusion VOCs emitted from decoration materials were uneasily diffused in air-conditioned airtight environment. The higher concentrations of VOCs simulated based on their levels in decorated rooms revealed mutagenecity to ex-perimental animals.