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International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

CHRYSENE

VOL.: 3 (1973) (p. 159)

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Animal carcinogenicity data

Chrysene has produced skin tumours in mice following repeated paintings in the only study in which a concentration as high as 1% in acetone was used. It is also an initiator of skin carcinogenesis in mice, whereas a single painting with 1 mg chrysene with no further treatment did not induce tumours.

High doses (2-20 mg) given by s.c. injection to mice produced a low incidence of tumours with a long induction time.

It has not been adequately tested by other routes or in other species.

5.2 Human carcinogenicity data

No case reports or epidemiological studies on the significance of chrysene exposure to man are available. However, coal-tar and other materials which are known to be carcinogenic to man may contain chrysene. The substance has also been detected in other environmental situations. The possible contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from some environmental sources to the overall carcinogenic risk to man is discussed in the General Remarks.

Subsequent evaluations: Vol. 32 (1983); Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 60: Group 3)

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.


Last updated: 16 March 1998




























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Chrysene (ICSC)
       Chrysene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 32, 1983)