Genotoxicity of the fungicide dichlofluanid in seven assays.

Seven different endpoints for detection of genotoxicity have been used to demonstrate the DNA-altering properties of Dichlofluanid, a fungicide commonly used in viticulture pest control. Each endpoint (DNA synthesis inhibition test, alkaline viscosimetry, umu-test, alkaline filter elution, FADU-test, 32P-postlabeling, and electron microscopy) shows clear evidence of genotoxicity. These data indicate that application of the fungicide dichlofluanid may be mutagenic and/or carcinogenic for exposed humans.