Detection of the carcinogenic properties of synthetic and natural dyes using positron annihilation lifetime spectrometry

Abstract

Positron annihilation lifetime spectrometry was used to detect the carcinogenic properties of a range of synthetic and natural dyes used in the food and drug industries. This technique is based on the electrophilic character of carcinogens and the sensitivity of positron annihilation lifetime spectrometry, in which the lifetime of the exotic positronium atom is dependent on the electron density environment. Differences between the annihilation times of some synthetic and natural dyes were examined. The obtained data were compared with the boundary values for the lifetime of positronium, which has previously been shown to be able to divide substances into carcinogens and non-carcinogens.