BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE (ICSC)

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE	ICSC: 0385

Date of Peer Review: October 1995

1,2-Benzoanthracene
Benzo(a)anthracene
2,3-Benzphenanthrene
Naphthanthracene

CAS #	56-55-3	C₁₈H₁₂
RTECS #	CV9275000	Molecular mass: 228.3
UN #
EC Annex 1 Index #	601-033-00-9
EC/EINECS #	200-280-6

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible.		Water spray, powder. In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE	AVOID ALL CONTACT!
Inhalation	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest.
Skin	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes	Safety goggles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Well closed.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE

ICSC: 0385

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW- BROWN FLUORESCENT FLAKES OR POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: A2 (suspected human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 2 (as pyrolysis product of organic materials) (DFG 2005).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: 435°C
Melting point: 162°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.274
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 292

Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 5.61

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in seafood.

NOTES

This substance is one of many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - standards are usually established for them as mixtures, e.g., coal tar pitch volatiles. However, it may be encountered as a laboratory chemical in its pure form. Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken. Do NOT take working clothes home. Tetraphene is a common name.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005 and August 2006: see sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Benz(a)Anthracene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 3, 1973)