International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
DIBENZ[a,j]ANTHRACENE
VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 309)
CAS No.: 224-41-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: Dibenz(a,j)anthracene
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
Dibenz[a,j]anthracene was tested for carcinogenicity in female
mice by skin application and produced skin tumours. It was also
tested in mice by subcutaneous injection and produced a few tumours at
the site of injection.
No data were available on the teratogenicity of this compound.
In the one available study, dibenz[a,j]anthracene was mutagenic
to Salmonella typhimurium in the presence of an exogenous metabolic
system.
There is inadequate evidence that dibenz[a,j]anthracene is active
in short-term tests.
5.2 Human data
Dibenz[a,j]anthracene is present as a minor component of the
total content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment.
Human exposure to dibenz[a,j]anthracene occurs primarily through the
smoking of tobacco, inhalation of polluted air and by ingestion of
food and water contaminated by combustion effluents.
N.B. - Studies on occupational exposure to polynuclear aromatic compounds
will be considered in future IARC Monographs.
5.3 Evaluation
There is limited evidence that dibenz[a,j]anthracene is
carcinogenic to experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 61: Group 3)
Synonyms
- 1,2:7,8-Dibenzanthracene
- 3,4,5,6-Dibenzanthracene
- Dibenzo-1,2,7,8-anthracene
- Dibenzo[a,j]anthracene
Last updated: 17 April 1998