LAUSR

Air pollutants include many compounds among them oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy‐PAHs). As they are suspected to generate DNA damage and mutagenicity, an understanding of their mode of action could highlight a carcinogenic potential risk in exposed population. In this article, a prospective study on seven oxy‐PAHs selected in terms of occurrence in the environment was conducted on mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity potentials using in vitro assays including Ames test on five strains, kinetic analysis of cytotoxicity and apoptosis, phosphorylation of histone H2AX, and p53 induction assays on human lung cell line BEAS‐2B. Ames test demonstrated that mutagenicity pattern depended on the oxy‐PAH tested. Except for BAQ, all oxy‐PAHs tested gave mutagenic effect, in the absence and/or in the presence of metabolic activation (S9 fraction). At 24 h of exposure, the majority of oxy‐PAHs induced γ‐H2AX in BEAS‐2B cells and/or phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15 and cell death at highest tested concentrations. Although 9,10‐AQ and B[b]FO were mutagenic in bacteria, they failed to induce any of the other genotoxicity biomarkers. In comparison with the benzo[a]pyrene, all oxy‐PAHs were less potent in terms of genotoxic potential at the same concentration. These results highlighted the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of these oxy‐PAHs and provide preliminary information concerning their possible mechanism of action for toxicity, contributing to a better evaluation of the real associated health risks for human and environment.