Researchers have found "novel compounds" created from chemical reactions such grilling meat that are hundreds of times more mutagenic than their parent compounds.
The parent compounds in question are known carcinogens, an Oregon State University news release reported.
These findings raise concerns about pollution (the phenomenon is also present in vehicle exhaust) and "dietary exposures," but further research is needed in order to determine the levels of compounds present and the health risks they impose.
Mutagens can damage DNA, which can lead to cancer.
"Some of the compounds that we've discovered are far more mutagenic than we previously understood, and may exist in the environment as a result of heavy air pollution from vehicles or some types of food preparation," Staci Simonich, a professor of chemistry and toxicology in the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences, said. "We don't know at this point what levels may be present, and will explore that in continued research."
The compounds that parent these super-mutagenic substances are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Researchers have recently been suspicious that PAHs, which are found in combustion scenarios such as a burning wood stove or cigarette, are more harmful than was previously believed.
When PAHs react with nitrogen they become "nitrated" (NPAH). The team found the mutagenicity of the NPAHs when paired with a certain nitrogen group is six to "432 times more than the parent compound. NPAHs based on two nitrogen groups can be 272 to 467 times more mutagenic," the news release reported. There is also a chance these numbers could be an "understatement."
Simonich conducted studies on air quality and PAHs during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Urban areas of Asia could be between 10 and 50 times more polluted than similar regions of the U.S.
World Health Organization made an announcement last fall saying "it now considers outdoor air pollution, especially particulate matter, to be carcinogenic, and cause other health problems as well," the news release reported. PAHs are considered to be particulate matter.
