Cocarcinogenic Effects of n-Alkanes and Ultraviolet Light on Mice 1, 2

ABSTRACT-A comparison was made of the effects of repeated topical applications to mice of three n-paraffins (n-decane, n-dodecane, and n-tetradecane) on the carcinogenic potential of UV light at three wavelength regions: 254 nm, 290-320 nm, and greater than 350 nm. All three n-alkanes had a cocarcinogenic effect at 254 nm, whereas onlyn-dodecane was effective from 290 to 320 nm. Radiation at wavelengths longer than 350 nm, gener-ally considered noncarcinogenic, produced tumors on the backs of mice treated with n-decane or n-tetradecane.-J Natl Cancer Inst 58: 1099-1101, 1977. It has long been recognized that men engaged in occupations associated with excessive exposure to sun-light are at a greater risk of developing skin tumors (l, 2). Many workers are additionally exposed to work-related chemicals, including long-chain hydrocarbons