Genotoxic evaluation of tert-butyl methacrylate for workers’ health with bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) and in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay

Chemical hazard evaluations are important for work-ers’ health and working environments. tert-Butyl methacrylate (CAS No. 585-07-9) is used in many in-dustries, leading to concerns about the possibility of threats to the health of workers. Since only insufficient or controversial information is available about potential related hazards, Ames assay and in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration (CA) assay were conducted in order to gain additional information concerning any such hazards. Moreover, toxicologi- cal information from this study could be applied for workers’ rights as background knowledge, and for the preparation or update of the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for a number of industries. In this Ames reverse mutation study, treatment of 1,250, 625, 312.5, 156.25, 78.125 pg/plate did not induce mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, or in Escherichia coli WP2uvrA with and without metabolic activation. In vitro chromosomal aberration assay was performed using the Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell (ATCC, CRL-1935) by the direct method (− S9) and by the metabolic activated method (+S9 mix) at a dose of 0.039, 0.078, 0.156, 0.312, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 mg/mL. Using the direct method, the seven dosages in the 48-hour treatment group did not show that the frequency of CA was proportional to the dosage. The frequency of CA is not proportional to the dosage addition for a six-hour treatment using the metabolic activated method. From these findings, the chemical does not have mutagenic potential under the conditions of the Ames assay, but also does not induce chromosomal aberrations under the tested conditions. However, further investigations are necessary because it may be harmful to workers after ingestion, inhalation, skin or eye contact. It is also desirable to prepare a local exhaust system and to wear personal protection equipment. © 2016, Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science and Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.