Adduct levels from benzo[a]pyrenediol epoxide: Relative formation to histidine in serum albumin and to deoxyguanosine in DNA in vitro and in vivo in mice measured by LC/MS-MS methods.

•Both (+)-anti-BPDE and (−)-anti-BPDE form adducts to His in SA from mice.•BPDE-His in SA from BP-exposed mice was quantified by LC/MS–MS for the first time.•Adduct formation in vivo to SA was low compared to DNA (SA:DNA, 1:400).•The reactivity of BPDE towards His in SA is much lower than towards dG in DNA.•The method is robust but requires improved sensitivity to be applicable to humans.