International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
BENZO[c]PHENANTHRENE
VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 205)
CAS No.: 195-19-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: Benzo(c)phenanthrene
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
Benzo[c]phenanthrene was tested in a mouse-skin
initiation-promotion assay and was active as an initiator. Other
experiments in mice by skin application and in mice and rats by
subcutaneous injection were considered inadequate for evaluation.
No data on the teratogenicity of this chemical were available.
In the one study evaluated, benzo[c]phenanthrene was mutagenic to
Salmonella typhimurium in the presence of an exogenous metabolic
system.
There is inadequate evidence that benzo[c]phenanthrene is active
in short-term tests.
5.2 Human data
Benzo[c]phenanthrene is present as a minor component of the total
content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. Human
exposure to benzo[c]phenanthene 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 benzo[c]phenanthrene to experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 58: Group 3)
Synonyms
- 3,4-Benzophenanthrene
- 3,4-Benzphenanthrene
- Tetrahelicene
Last updated: 17 April 1998