International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
1-METHYLPHENANTHRENE
VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 405)
CAS No.: 832-69-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: Phenanthrene, 1-methyl-
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
1-Methylphenanthrene was tested in the mouse-skin
initiation-promotion assay in one study and was inactive as an
initiator.
No data on the teratogenicity of this chemical were available.
1-Methylphenanthrene was mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium in
the presence of an exogenous metabolic system. It induced unscheduled
DNA synthesis in cultured primary hepatocytes from rats and was
mutagenic to human lymphoblasts in vitro in the presence of an
exogenous metabolic system.
There is sufficient evidence that 1-methylphenanthrene is active
in short-term tests.
5.2 Human data
1-Methylphenanthrene is present as a major component of the total
content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. Human
exposure to 1-methylphenanthrene occurs primarily through the smoking
of tobacco, inhalation of polluted air and by ingestion of food and
water contaminated by combustion effluents.
5.3 Evaluation
The available data are inadequate to permit an evaluation of the
carcinogenicity of 1-methylphenanthrene to experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 66: Group 3)
Last updated: 17 April 1998