Evaluation of the mutagenic effect of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine in Salmonella typhimurium TA 100

A recent approach suggested to suppress photosmog formation has been the addition of small quantities of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) to the polluted air. Thus knowledge of possible mutagenic properties of the compound became important. DEHA was investigated using the Ames Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test. Toxicity as well as a mutagenic effect were observed at concentrations much exceeding those proposed for practical application.It is well known that photochemical smog arises via the long chain free radical oxidation of NO to NO₂ in hydrocarbon containing atmospheres¹. Thus one recent approach suggested for alleviating smog formation has been the addition of small quantities of free radical scavengers (“photosmog inhibitors”) locally to the polluted air. Of the substances tested, mainly aromatic compounds and ammonia derivatives^2,3, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) has proven sufficiently active to be selected for field trials⁴. In this context the effect of DEHA exposure on living organisms is obviously of interest. Massie and Williams⁵ have recently reported an insignificant change in life-span of fruit flies after exposure to DEHA at concentrations of up to 89 ppm. In judging the safety of environmental chemicals, however, mutagenic testing is of great importance. We therefore under took the investigations described below employing the Salmonella/microsome test.