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

DIBENZO[a,i]PYRENE

VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 337)

CAS No.: 189-55-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: Benzo(rst)pentaphene

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Experimental data

Dibenzo[a,i]pyrene has been shown to be carcinogenic to experimental animals.

No data on the teratogenicity of this compound were available.

Dibenzo[a,i]pyrene was mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium in the presence of an exogenous metabolic system. It was positive in assays for differential killing in strains of DNA-repair-proficient/-deficient bacteria. It did not induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes.

There is inadequate evidence that dibenzo[a,i]pyrene is active in short-term tests.

5.2 Human data

Dibenzo[a,i]pyrene is present as a minor component of the total content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. Human exposure to dibenzo[a,i]pyrene occurs primarily through the smoking of tobacco, inhalation of polluted air and by ingestion of food and water contaminated with combustion products.

N.B. - Studies on occupational exposure to polynuclear aromatic compounds will be considered in future IARC Monographs.

5.3 Evaluation

There is sufficient evidence that dibenzo[a,i]pyrene is carcinogenic to experimental animals.

N.B. - In the absence of adequate data on humans,it is reasonable, for practical purposes, to consider chemicals for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals as if they presented a carcinogenic risk to humans.

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluation: Vol. 3 (1973)

Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 62: Group 2B)

Synonyms


Last updated: 17 April 1998




























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