Epoxides,Hydroperoxides and Peroxides in Air Pollution

A major source of air pollutants in urban areas is automobile exhaust. Olefins constitute a substantial proportion of the chemicals emitted by this source. Olefins undergo autoxidation and photochemical oxidation in air to hydroperoxides, peroxides, epoxides and other oxygenated aliphatics, frequently of low molecular weight. Long-term carcinogenicity assays of these compounds in mice and rats by various routes of administration have shown that some of these compounds are carcinogenic. Hence, their detection and elimination as air pollutants should be vigorously pursued. This report describes the current status of air pollution research on these compounds, their carcinogenicity, structure-activity relationships and areas which deserve attention in future research. Oxidation products of aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants are also important and will be described.