Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of ethylvinyl ketone in bacterial tests.

The mutagenic and genotoxic effects of ethylvinyl ketone were investigated. This alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compound is widely distributed in the environment, in particular in food. Whereas ethylvinyl ketone shows only weak genotoxicity in the SOS Chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37, it was distinctly mutagenic per se in the Salmonella preincubation assay with TA100. Using SKF 525 (an inhibitor of microsomal monooxygenase) and trichloropropene oxide (an inhibitor of epoxide hydrolase) we found indication for additional activation via epoxidation by S9 mix. The need for further investigation of the genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of this compound is strongly indicated.