1-NITROPYRENE

CASRN: 5522-43-0 

For other data, click on the Table of Contents

Human Health Effects:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) no data available in humans; 2) evidence in animals: sufficient 

evidence. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic risk to humans is Group 2B: The agent is 

possibly carcinogenic to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 345 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Medical Surveillance: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Whenever medical surveillance is indicated, in particular 

when exposure to a carcinogen has occurred, ad hoc decisions should be taken 

concerning ... /cytogenetic and/or other/ tests that might become useful or mandatory. /Chemical 

Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 23]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure: 

Occupational exposure to 1-nitropyrene may occur through inhalation of dust particles contaminated 

with incomplete combustion products and dermal contact with incomplete combustion products 

containing 1-nitropyrene(SRC). 1-Nitropyrene was measured at greater than 100 times the typical 

ambient indoor air concn in a potroom where Soderberg electrodes were used for aluminum reduction

(1). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 1-nitropyrene via 

inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water(SRC). 

[(1) IARC; Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Diesel and 

Gasoline Engine Exhausts and Some Nitroarenes. 1-Nitropyrene. Lyon, France: IARC 

46: 321-58 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Emergency Medical Treatment:

Emergency Medical Treatment: 

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The following Overview, *** POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS ***, is relevant for 

this HSDB record chemical. 

Life Support:

 o This overview assumes that basic life support measures 

 have been instituted. 

Clinical Effects:

 0.2.1 SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE 

 0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) In general, PAHs have a low order of acute toxicity in 

 humans. 

 B) PAHs and other compounds found in COAL TAR can produce 

 a variety of non-cancer effects with chronic exposure. 

 Chronic effects include: 

 1) EYES - Photosensitivity and irritation. 

 2) RESPIRATORY - Irritation with cough and bronchitis. 

 3) MOUTH - Leukoplakia. 

 4) DERMAL - "Coal tar warts" (precancerous lesions 

 enhanced by UV light exposure), erythema, dermal 

 burns, photosensitivity, acneiform lesions, 

 irritation. 

 5) HEPATIC/RENAL - Mild hepatotoxicity or mild 

 nephrotoxicity (animals). 

 6) GENITOURINARY - Hematuria. 

 C) CANCER is the most significant PAH toxicity endpoint. 

 1) Increased incidences of cancers of the skin, bladder, 

 lung and gastrointestinal tract have been described in 

 PAH-exposed workers. 

 0.2.6 RESPIRATORY 

 0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Irritation, chronic cough, bronchitis, and bronchogenic 

 cancer can occur with chronic exposure. 

 0.2.8 GASTROINTESTINAL 

 0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Leukoplakia and cancers of the lip and oral cavity can 

 develop with chronic exposure. 

 0.2.9 HEPATIC 

 0.2.9.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Mild hepatotoxicity has been reported in PAH-exposed 

 rats. 

 0.2.10 GENITOURINARY 

 0.2.10.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Hematuria, kidney and bladder cancer are possible 

 effects of chronic exposure. Mild nephrotoxicity has 

 been documented in PAH-exposed rats. 

 0.2.13 HEMATOLOGIC 

 0.2.13.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Agranulocytosis, anemia, leukopenia, and pancytopenia 

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 developed in rats chronically fed PAHs. 

 0.2.14 DERMATOLOGIC 

 0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) PRECANCEROUS LESIONS - "Coal tar warts" (precancerous 

 lesions enhanced by UV light exposure), erythema, 

 dermal burns, acneiform lesions, photosensitization and 

 cancer may develop following chronic exposure. 

 0.2.19 IMMUNOLOGIC 

 0.2.19.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) An effect of PAHs on immune function might aid in the 

 development of neoplasms. A number of PAH compounds are 

 immunotoxic, and some suppress selective components of 

 the immune system. 

 0.2.20 REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS 

 A) In experimental animal studies, PAHs and metabolites 

 cross the placenta. Female offspring of experimental 

 animals exposed to PAHs during pregnancy have a decrease 

 in the number of functional oocytes, sometimes such that 

 they are infertile. 

 B) PAHs are lipophilic and are excreted in breast milk, 

 allowing for secondary exposure of nursing infants, 

 although the potential significance of such exposure has 

 not been determined. 

 0.2.21 CARCINOGENICITY 

 0.2.21.2 HUMAN OVERVIEW 

 A) Cancer is the most significant PAH toxicity endpoint. 

 Some, but not all, PAHs are carcinogens. Certain PAH 

 parent compounds are weak carcinogens, only becoming 

 potent carcinogens after undergoing metabolism. Chronic 

 or repeated exposure increases the likelihood of cancer 

 initiation, as well as the potential for metabolism of 

 a PAH procarcinogen to a carcinogen. 

 B) Increased incidences of skin, bladder, lung, and 

 possibly gastrointestinal tract cancers have been 

 described in PAH-exposed workers, particularly 

 associated with coal carbonization, coal gasification, 

 and coke oven work. 

 0.2.21.3 ANIMAL OVERVIEW 

 A) Lung tumors were induced in female mice from inhalation 

 of exhausts containing PAHs (Schulte et al, 1994). 

 0.2.22 GENOTOXICITY 

 A) CYTOGENETIC MARKERS OF HUMAN PAH EXPOSURE - Cells 

 containing high frequencies of chromosomal aberrations 

 were a sensitive marker for exposure to PAHs in coke 

 oven and graphic electrode plant workers, compared with 

 unexposed controls. There was no relation between 

 cytogenetic findings and levels of 

 benzo(a)pyrene-hemoglobin adducts (Buchet et al, 1995). 

 1) Arylamines derived from carcinogenic PAHs are 

 mutagenically activated through S9-mediated metabolism 

 of the related amine (Fu et al, 1982). 

 2) Nitro-PAH derivatives are potent bacterial mutagens. 

 The mutagenic activity is dependent on enzymatic 

 reduction of the nitro group and may require oxidative 

 metabolism (Grosovsky et al, 1999; Rosenkranz & 

 Mermelstein, 1985). 

 3) In cultured human cells, benzo(a)pyrene and 

 7,12-demethylbenz(a)anthracene only caused a 

 significant increase in T6 guanine-resistant mutations 

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 in the presence of cultured rat hepatocytes (Tong et 

 al, 1981). 

 4) Nitrated PAHs have caused dose-dependent cell 

 transformations in Syrian hamster embryo cells (DiPaolo 

 et al, 1983). Metabolic reduction of the nitro- group 

 on PAHs may be involved in their mutagenic effects. 

 5) Persons with a high degree of inducibility of the 

 enzyme, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, may be a 

 high-risk population (ATSDR, 1993). 

 B) A cross-sectional study evaluated the potential for 

 exposure to PAHs to induce oxidative DNA damage in 

 coke-oven workers (n=119), employed at an iron-steel 

 factory. This study could not find clear evidence that 

 PAH exposure induces oxidative DNA damage (Zhang et al, 

 2003). 

 C) MUTAGENIC INTERMEDIATES - 

 1) The PAH metabolic intermediates, diol-epoxides, are 

 presumably mutagenic and can react to form DNA adducts, 

 which may affect normal cellular replication (ATSDR, 

 1993; Ellenhorn & Barceloux, 1988; Pike, 1992; Amin et 

 al, 1993; Ronai et al, 1994). 

 D) LACK OF EFFECT 

 1) Amongst a small group of Swedish road pavers exposed to 

 asphalt fumes, there were no significant increases in 

 sister chromatic exchanges or micronuclei in peripheral 

 blood/lymphocytes as compared to unexposed controls 

 (Jarvholm et al, 1999). 

Laboratory:

 A) PAHs have been determined in the blood and tissues of 

 experimental animals. Direct biologic measurement of PAHs 

 currently is not clinically useful or cost-effective. 

 Indirect methods of determining exposure are available 

 but have not yet proven clinically useful (ATSDR, 1990). 

 B) Acute respiratory effects in persons at PAH-containing 

 workplaces are typically due to other toxic agents at the 

 worksite (ATSDR, 1990). Arterial blood gases, chest 

 x-ray, and other monitoring may be indicated, based on 

 the patient's presentation and the exposure 

 characteristics. 

 C) Chronic effects, particularly cancer, are more common 

 than acute toxicity. Routine monitoring and physical 

 assessments (e.g, complete blood count, hepatic and renal 

 function tests, chest xray and pulmonary function tests, 

 dermal assessments) of individuals with significant 

 exposure is recommended, even in the absence of symptoms 

 (ATSDR, 1990). 

Treatment Overview:

 0.4.2 ORAL EXPOSURE 

 A) Toxicity from these substances involves chronic 

 exposure, toxicity after acute ingestions is unlikely 

 and gastric decontamination is generally NOT indicated. 

 0.4.3 INHALATION EXPOSURE 

 A) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for 

 respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing 

 develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, 

 bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist 

 ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled 

 beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. 

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[Rumack BH POISINDEX(R) Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; 

CCIS Volume 141, edition expires Aug, 2009. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds): TOMES(R) 

Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; CCIS Volume 141, edition 

expires Aug, 2009., p. ]**PEER REVIEWED**

Antidote and Emergency Treatment: 

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory 

insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 

L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if 

necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes 

immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not 

use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the 

patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile 

dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B/ 

[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 

2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 139]**PEER REVIEWED**

 B) Inhalational exposure to PAHs may be complicated by 

 exposure to other substances which produce acute 

 respiratory and systemic effects. Treat according to 

 clinical presentation and exposure history. 

 1) If bronchospasm and wheezing occur, consider treatment 

 with inhaled sympathomimetic agents. 

 2) Carefully observe patients with inhalation exposure for 

 the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and 

 administer symptomatic treatment as necessary. 

 3) Monitor arterial blood gases and/or pulse oximetry, 

 pulmonary function tests, and chest x-ray in patients 

 with significant exposure. 

 0.4.4 EYE EXPOSURE 

 A) DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious 

 amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 

 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or 

 photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a 

 health care facility. 

 0.4.5 DERMAL EXPOSURE 

 A) OVERVIEW 

 1) DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and wash 

 exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A 

 physician may need to examine the area if irritation or 

 pain persists. 

 2) Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical 

 therapy. Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity 

 reactions may require treatment with systemic or 

 topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. 

 3) Some chemicals can produce systemic poisoning by 

 absorption through intact skin. Carefully observe 

 patients with dermal exposure for the development of 

 any systemic signs or symptoms and administer 

 symptomatic treatment as necessary. 

Range of Toxicity:

 A) The minimum lethal human dose to this agent has not been 

 delineated. 

 B) The maximum tolerated human exposure to this agent has 

 not been delineated. 

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/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the 

patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure 

ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat 

arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 

lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug 

therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid 

cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use 

proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/ 

[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 

2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 139]**PEER REVIEWED**

Animal Toxicity Studies:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) no data available in humans; 2) evidence in animals: sufficient 

evidence. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic risk to humans is Group 2B: The agent is 

possibly carcinogenic to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 345 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts: 

A group of 36 female weanling CD rats received oral intubations of 10 umol [2.5 mg]/kg bw 1-

nitropyrene (purity, >99.9%) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; 1.7 umol [0.5 mg]/ml DMSO) 3 times/wk 

for 4 wk (average total dose, 16 umol [4.7 mg]/rat) & were sacrificed after 76-78 wk or when moribund. 

A group of 36 females received DMSO only. The number of 1-nitropyrene treated rats with mammary 

tumor (16/35; five with adenocarcinomas, nine with fibroadenomas) was not different from controls 

(12/35). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 331 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Groups of 40, 40 & 46 female specific-pathogen-free Fischer 344/Jcl rats, 6 wk old, received intragastric 

instillations of 5, 10, & 20 mg/kg bw, respectively, of 1-nitropyrene (impurities: 0.11% 1,3-

dinitropyrene, 0.27% 1,6-dinitropyrene & 0.23% 1,8-dinitropyrene) in olive oil twice a wk for 55 wk. A 

group of 30 vehicle control rats received olive oil alone. Animals were killed when moribund or after 

104 wk, at which time the experiment was terminated; only rats surviving beyond experimental week 

46, when the first tumor was observed, were evaluated. Mammary adenocarcinomas were induced in a 

dose-dependent manner in the three treated groups (in 2/36; 12/39 - p<0.001; & 14/45- p<0.001, 

respectively); no adenocarcinoma was observed in vehicle controls. Clitoral gland tumors, most of 

which were diagnosed as squamous-cell carcinomas, developed in a dose-dependent manner in treated 

rats, & the numbers of rats with tumors in the high-dose (12/45; 11 with squamous-cell carcinomas) & 

intermediate-dose (11/39; nine with squamous-cell carcinomas) groups was significantly (p<0.001) 

greater than that in controls (1 adenoma). In addition, more animals in the treated groups had 

mononuclear-cell leukemia (high-dose, 27/45; mid-dose, 22/39; & low-dose, 23/36; p<0.05) than among 

vehicle controls (9/28). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 331 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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A group of 20 male Fischer 344/ DuCrj rats, 8 wks old, received subcutaneous injections of 2 mg 1-

nitropyrene (purity, >99%) dissolved in 0.2 ml DMSO twice/wk for 10 wk. A control group of 20 male 

rats received injections of 0.2 ml DMSO only. The animals were observed for life; the last rats died on 

day 377. The first tumor in the treated group was seen after 162 days; 8/17 of the animals surviving 

beyond this time developed tumors, described as 1 extraskeletal osteosarcoma & 7 malignant fibrous 

histiocytomas at the site of injection. Two of the malignant histiocytomas proved to be serially 

transplantable into the subcutis of the same strain over 14 generations. No tumor was observed in 

controls (p<0.003). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 333 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A group of 31 male & 32 female newborn Sprague Dawley derived CD rats received sc injections of 100 

Amol [25 mg]/ kg bw 1-nitropyrene (<0.02% dinitropyrenes) dissolved in DMSO once a wk for 8 wk. 

Another group of 29 males & 31 females received injections of 50 umol, (12.5 mg/kg) bw 1-

nitropyrene in DMSO. A further group of 28 male & 31 female rats receiving DMSO only served as 

controls. The experiment was terminated when animals were 62 wk old. In the group injected with the 

higher dose of 1-nitropyrene, 10/31 males & 9/32 females developed sarcomas, primarily malignant 

fibrous histiocytomas, at the site of injection. Of the females, 15/32 also had mammary tumors (10 

adenocarcinomas, 7 fibroadenomas). In the group given the lower dose, 2/29 males & 3/31 females 

developed tumors at the site of injection, & mammary tumors were found in 7/31 (3 adenocarcinomas, 5 

fibroadenomas) females. No tumor was detected at the site of injection in control animals, but mammary 

tumors were found in 2/31 females. There was a dose response relationship for the induction of tumors 

at the site of injection, & the incidence of tumors in males (p<0.001) & females (p<0.01) in the group 

given the higher dose of 1-nitropyrene was significantly different from that in controls. The average 

period of induction for tumors at the injection site was shorter in males given the high dose (262 days) 

than in males given the low dose (312 days); this response was not observed in females (288 & 285 

days). There was a dose related incr in the formation of mammary gland tumors in treated females, & 

the incidence of mammary tumors in the high dose group was significantly different from that in 

controls (p<0.001). The numbers of mammary tumors (29 & 9), especially adenocarcinomas (16 & 

four), were also dose related. Although some tumors were observed in other organs, the incidences were 

not different between treated & control animals. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 334 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Three groups of 15, 15 & 16 male & 14, 14 & 12 female A/ J mice, 6-8 wks old, received 17 ip 

injections of 1-nitropyrene (purity, >99%, with no dinitropyrenes; total doses, 175, 525 & 1575 mg/kg 

bw, respectively) in 0.1 ml trioctanoin over a period of 6 wk. A group of 16 males & 16 females 

received injections of trioctanoin only. Mice were sacrificed 18 wks after termination of the treatment at 

24 wks, & their lungs were examined. In the group given the highest dose of 1-nitropyrene, the number 

of male & female mice with lung tumors (22/28) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in controls 

(7/32); the mean number of lung tumors/mouse was also significantly increased (1.3 compared with 0.3 

lung tumors/ mouse; p<0.001). The combined tumor incidences in the other two groups were not 

statistically different from that in controls, but the tumor incidence in males receiving the lowest dose 

was significantly greater (4/10). In each dose group, the numbers of mice with lung tumors & mean 

numbers of lung tumors/ mouse were larger in males than in females. [The Working Group noted that 

studies conducted with strain A mice are usually considered to be of a screening nature & not definitive 

tests for carcinogenicity.] 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

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1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 335 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Groups of 90 or 100 male & female newborn CD-1 mice received 3 ip injections of 1-nitropyrene

(purity, >99%; total doses, 700 or 2800 nmol [173 or 692,ug]) in 10, 20 & 40 u1 DMSO on days 1, 8 & 

15 after birth; a total dose of 560 nmol [140 ug] benzo[a]pyrene (purity, >99%); or 3 injections of 

DMSO only. Treatment of a second vehicle control group was begun 10 wks after that of the other 

groups. At 25-27 days, when the mice were weaned, 34 males & 50 females given 700 nmol 1-

nitropyrene, 29 males & 26 females given 2800 nmol 1-nitropyrene, 37 males & 27 females in the 

positive control group, & 28 & 31 males & 45 & 34 females in the 2 vehicle control group were still 

alive. All remaining mice were killed after 1 yr. Liver cell tumors developed in 5/34 (2 adenomas, 3 

carcinomas) males treated with 700 nmol 1-nitropyrene & in 8/29 (3 adenomas, 5 carcinomas) treated 

with 2800 nmol; the latter incidence was significantly > that in DMSO controls (2/28 & 5/45; p<0.05). 

1-Nitropyrene did not induce liver cell tumors in females. The numbers of mice with lung tumors & 

with malignant lymphomas (1/29, 6/34) were not different from those in control mice. Benzo[a]pyrene 

induced liver cell tumors in 18/37 males, but not in females. The numbers of benzo[a]pyrene treated 

mice with lung tumors (males, 13/37; females, 13/27) were significantly > that in vehicle controls 

(P<0.005). Of the vehicle controls, 2/28 & 5/45 males had liver tumors & 1/28 & 4/45 had lung tumors, 

& 0/31 & 0/34 females had liver tumors & 0/31 & 2/34 had lung tumors. [The Working Group noted the 

short observation period.] 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 335 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A group of 36 female weanling CD rats received ip injections of 10 umol[2.5 mg]/kg bw 1-nitropyrene

(purity, >99.9%) in DMSO (1.7 umol[0.4 mg]/ml DMSO) 3 times/wk for 4 wk (total dose, 16 umol (4 

mg)/rat); 36 control animals received injections of DMSO only. Animals were sacrificed when 

moribund or after 76-78 wks. Mammary tumors were found in 25/36 treated animals (14 

adenocarcinomas, 19 fibroadenomas) & in 7/31 vehicle controls (P<0.0001). In a second study in the 

same laboratory, 29 female weanling CD rats received 5 weekly ip injections of 100 umol[25 mg]/kg bw 

1-nitropyrene (purity, >99.9%) dissolved in DMSO (70 umol[17 mg]/ ml DMSO; total dose, 77 umol

[19 mg]/ rat); 30 rats received DMSO alone. Animals were observed until moribund or up to 88 wks. 

Mammary adenocarcinomas & fibroadenomas were observed in 17/29 treated rats & in 11/30 controls 

(p<0.08). [The Working Group noted the inconsistent findings & the variations in the incidences of 

mammary tumors in controls.] 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 336 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene induced DNA damage in Escherichia coli (at 0.5-2 ug/ml) & Salmonella typhimurium 

(lowest effective dose, 0.02 ug/ml). It preferentially inhibited the growth of DNA repair deficient 

Bacillus subtilis (at 0.2-1.0 ug/ disc). 1-Nitropyrene was mutagenic to E. coli WP2 uvrA pKM101 

((0.125-1 ug/plate); (0.3-33 ug/plate)) & to S. typhimurium TA96, TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102, 

TA104, TA1537, & TA1538. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 340 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Topical application & ip admin of 1-nitropyrene to rats induced cutaneous & hepatic drug & 

carcinogen metab & nitroreductase activity. Ip injection of 1-nitropyrene (105 umol[26 mg]/kg bw) 

into female Sprague Dawley rats induced an oncofetal protein. Superoxide radical was generated on 

incubation of rat lung microsomes with 1-nitropyrene. [IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

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1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 340 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The urine of male rats receiving 10 mg/kg bw 1-nitropyrene ip was mutagenic to S. typhimurium in the 

presence of beta-glucuronidase & an exogenous metabolic system from rat liver; the bile of treated rats 

was mutagenic in the presence & in the absence of an exogenous metabolic system. 1-Nitropyrene

induced single strand DNA breaks, as determined by alkaline elution, in primary mouse hepatocytes (at 

10-200 uM), in Chinese hamster DON lung fibroblasts (at 0.25-48 ug/ml) & V79 cells (tested at 15 & 30 

uM) & in cultured rat hepatoma cells (at 10-50 uM). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. 341]**PEER REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene induced unscheduled DNA synthesis in cultured hepatocytes from mice (3.5 X 10^-3 - 

3.5 X 10^-2 mg/ ml), rats ((3.5 X 10^-3 - 3.5 X 10^-1 mg/ml); (5 X 10^-1 - 10^-4 M, 97% pure)) & 

hamsters (5 X 10^-7 - 10^-4 M, 97% pure). It was reported in an abstract to induce unscheduled DNA 

synthesis in human hepatocytes. It also induced unscheduled DNA synthesis in human (10^-4 M) & rat 

(10-100 uM) tracheal epithelial cells, in human hepatoma derived HepG2 cells & in rabbit lung Clara, 

but not alveolar type II, cells. 1-Nitropyrene preferentially killed DNA repair deficient human 

xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts (20% survival at 25 uM). This compound induced the synthesis of 

viral DNA in polyoma virus transformed rat fibroblasts (at 10-30 ug/ml). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 341 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene (at 33-60 uM) induced mutations at the 6-thioguanine locus of human diploid fibroblasts 

& human hepatoma derived HepG2 cells (at 2-20 uM) & had a marginal mutagenic effect on cultured 

Chinese hamster CHO cells (at 2-20 ug/ml) & V79 cells ((2-40.5 uM); (only dose tested, 50 uM)), 

although no effect was observed in other studies with Chinese hamster CHO cells. The marginal effects 

were increased by the presence of an exogenous metabolic system from rat liver ((20 ug/ml tested); (50 

uM tested)). 1-Nitropyrene (purity, 95%) was reported to be mutagenic to mouse lymphoma L5178Y 

cells at the TK+/- locus in the presence of an exogenous metabolic system. It did not induce mutation to 

diphtheria toxin resistance (at up to 20 ug/) or to ouabain resistance (at 1-10 ug/ml) in cultured Chinese 

hamster lung fibroblasts. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 341 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene (1-30 uM) induced sister chromatid exchange in cultured Chinese hamster CHO cells in 

the presence & absence of an exogenous metabolic system & was reported in an abstract to induce sister 

chromatid exchange in V79 cells & in CHO cells in the absence of an exogenous metabolic system 

(purity, 95%). It induced chromosomal aberrations, including chromosome & chromatid deletions & 

asymmetrical exchanges, in Chinese hamster DON lung fibroblasts (at 3.8 60 Agl ml) &, as reported in 

an abstract, in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 342 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene (at 4-41 uM) induced morphological transformation in Syrian hamster embryo cells & 

transformation (induction of growth in soft agar & invasiveness in chicken embryo skin cultures) in 

normal human fibroblasts (at 3-33 uM) under anaerobic conditions. In mice, intratracheal instillation of 

1-nitropyrene (at 10-100 mg/kg bw) induced damage in lung DNA as determined by alkaline elution. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

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1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 342 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Oral admin of 1-nitropyrene (at 0.5-5 g/kg bw) to rats induced a slight incr in the incidence of sister 

chromatid exchange in bone marrow cells. It was reported in an abstract that increases in sister 

chromatid exchange & micronuclei frequency occurred in Chinese hamsters receiving 125 & 1000 

mg/kg bw 1-nitropyrene respectively. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 342 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ongoing Test Status: 

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search 

Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", 

"Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the 

"Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, 

completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical. [http://ntpapps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=5522-43-0 [Available from: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?

fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=5522-43-0]**QC REVIEWED**

Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

Metabolism/Metabolites: 

Several strains of bacterial & gut microflora from animals & humans have been shown to reduce 1-

nitropyrene. In some instances, this metab was accompanied by the formation of a DNA adduct 

identified as N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-l-aminopyrene. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 340 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Newborn mice metabolized 1-nitropyrene more efficiently than older mice; the predominant 

metabolites were phenols & dihydrodiols. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 339 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

In isolated perfused & ventilated rat lungs, the major metabolites of [14C]1-nitropyrene were 3-, 6-, & 

8- hydroxy l-nitropyrene; smaller quantities of 1-hydroxy-l-nitropyrene, 1-aminopyrene & N-acetyl-laminopyrene were also detected. Pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene increased the rate of metab 

ten fold & the extent of radioactivity associated with tissue macromolecules 20 fold. Pretreatment of rats 

with diesel exhaust (particles, 7.4 Mg/ M3) for 4 wk increased the rate of metab in perfused lung & in 

nasal tissue two fold & the extent of radioactivity associated with tissue macromolecules in the perfused 

lung four fold. In isolated perfused rat livers, N-acetyl-l-aminopyrene was the major metabolite of (14)C 

1-nitropyrene; smaller quantities of 1-aminopyrene & hydroxy-l-nitropyrenes were detected. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 339 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chinese hamster ovary cells, Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts, calf thymus cells, rabbit alveolar 

macrophages, rabbit epithelial cells & human diploid fibroblasts catalysed the reduction of 1-

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nitropyrene to an intermediate which bound to DNA, giving an adduct identified as N-(deoxyguanosin8-yl)-l-aminopyrene. Incubation of rabbit lung & tracheal tissues with [14C]1-nitropyrene resulted in 

association of the radioactivity with cellular DNA. Primary rat hepatocytes, Chinese hamster V79 cells 

& human hepatoma HepG2 cells catalysed the conversion of 1-nitropyrene into 1-aminopyrene. 

Oxidized metabolites were also detected with the latter cell line. Cytosolic preparations from the livers 

of rats, rabbits, & dogs catalysed the reduction of 1-nitropyrene to 1-aminopyrene. Postmitochondrial 

supernatants of rat liver, lung & nasal tissue & of rabbit & hamster lung & liver catalysed both the 

oxidation & reduction of 1-nitropyrene. Guinea-pig liver microsomes also catalysed the oxidation of 1-

nitropyrene. In some instances, this metab was accompanied by binding to exogenous DNA. Following 

incubation of [3H]1-nitropyrene with calf thymus DNA, bovine xanthine oxidase & hypoxanthine at 37 

deg C, covalent binding to DNA was shown to be proportional to the amount of reducing enzyme 

present. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 339 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DNA binding occurs in rat liver & in mouse lung after the admin of 1-nitropyrene. Less radioactivity 

was associated with lung macromolecules in antibiotic treated rats than in controls. N-(Deoxyguanosin8-yl)-l-aminopyrene has been identified in rat kidney, liver & mammary gland & mouse lung; other 

unidentified adducts have been reported. However, in another study, DNA was not bound in tissues of 

rats given 1-nitropyrene ip. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 338 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The kinetics & metabolism of 1-nitropyrene have been reviewed in recent articles on nitropyrenes. The 

major phase I metabolites identified are /6-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, 3-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, 1-

hydroxypyrene, 8-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene, 1-nitropyrene, 1-aminopyrene, 1-nitropyrene-4,5-oxide, 1-

nitropyrene-9,10-oxide, N-acetyl-1-aminopyrene, 1-nitropyrene-trans-4,5-odihydrodiol, 10-hydroxy1-nitropyrene, & 1-nitropyrene-trans-9,10-dihydrodiol/. /From table/ The principal metabolic 

pathways & metabolites in urine, feces & bile have been identified in rats following oral, iv or ip admin 

of radiolabelled 1-nitropyrene. Most administered 1-nitropyrene is accounted for by biliary excretion. 

For example, in one study on bile duct cannulated rats, over 60% of the dose was excreted in bile over 

24 hr. Most of this material is eventually excreted in the feces, e.g., over 80% within 96 hr. Biliary 

metabolites have been characterized mainly as glucuronide & glutathione conjugates of oxidized 

nitropyrene metabolites. Urinary metabolites are excreted in conjugated form, mainly with glucuronic 

acid. In only one study in rats was excretion greater in urine than in feces. The significance of gut 

microflora in the metab of 1-nitropyrene in vivo was demonstrated in several studies employing 

conventional & germ free or antibiotic treated rats. Conventional but not germ free or antibiotic treated 

rats metabolized 1-nitropyrene to 1-aminopyrene. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 336 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Absorption, Distribution & Excretion: 

Groups of Fischer 344 rats were exposed to [3H]1-nitropyrene by nose only inhalation, either as a 

coating (about 6% by mass) on relatively insoluble, ultrafine 67gallium oxide particles (6.2 mg/cu m) or 

as a homogeneous ultrafine aerosol (43 ug/cu m). Rats exposed to 1-nitropyrene on particles excreted 

the majority of the deposited radioactivity in the feces (75 + or -18%), whereas animals exposed to 1-

nitropyrene aerosol excreted a major portion of the radiolabel in the urine (76 + or - 18%). There was 

no difference in the rates of lung clearance of 1-nitropyrene between the two groups. Most of the 

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aerosol was cleared from the respiratory tract by direct absorption into the blood, while particle 

associated nitropyrene was cleared by both blood absorption & mucociliary clearance followed by 

ingestion & fecal excretion. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 338 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Male Fischer 344 rats were exposed by nose only inhalation to various concns of [14C]1-nitropyrene & 

[14C]1-nitropyrene coated on diesel exhaust particles (50-1100 ug/cu m 1-nitropyrene; particulate 

concn, 70-7200 ug/cu m). Over the range of concns tested, the pathways for excretion of [14C]1-

nitropyrene in urine & feces were independent of the concn of nitropyrene, whether given alone or 

associated with diesel exhaust particles. In all cases, fecal excretion was the major route of elimination, 

about twice as much being excreted by this route as in the urine. The fractional deposition of [14C]1-

nitropyrene in the respiratory tract did not appear to be dependent on the concn. Half times for 

elimination of (14)C in urine & feces were about 15-20 hr. Lungs of rats exposed to [14C]1-

nitropyrene coated on diesel exhaust particles contained nearly 5 times more (14)C than lungs from rats 

exposed to (14C)-1-nitropyrene alone within 1 hr after exposure. This difference was increased to 80 

fold at 94 hr after exposure. The long term half time for clearance of (14)C in the lungs of rats exposed 

to coated diesel particles was 36 days, in contrast to two days after exposure to 1-nitropyrene alone. 

The GI absorption of the same 1-nitropyrene preparations was studied after an oral dose of 10 ug/kg 

bw. Within 1 hr, >90% of (14)C was found in nitropyrene metabolites. The overall excretion pattern of 

14C was similar after intratracheal instillation of male Sprague Dawley rats with [14C]1-nitropyrene (8 

nmol [2 ug]) either coated onto diesel particles (dose, 20 mg/kg bw), instilled along with unlabelled 

diesel particles, or administered alone, & was also similar to that seen after ip injection of (14)C-1-

nitropyrene alone. Lung retention was also similar to that following inhalation ... . Protein associated 

radioactivity has been observed in particle treated lungs, with no detectable level of DNA adducts found 

up to 24 hr after admin. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 338 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pharmacology:

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary: 

1-Nitropyrene's production and use as a research chemical may result in its limited release to the 

environment through various waste streams. 1-Nitropyrene is predominantly released to the 

environment as a combustion product, from stationary combustion sources and in vehicle exhausts. If 

released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 8.3X10-8 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates 1-nitropyrene

will exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase 1-nitropyrene will 

be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. 1-Nitropyrene is susceptible to direct 

photolysis in the atmosphere although the rate of photolysis is much lower when 1-nitropyrene is 

adsorbed onto particulates, as would be expected in the air. If released to soil, 1-nitropyrene is expected 

to be immobile based upon an estimated Koc of 13,500. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not 

expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.5X10-8 

atm-cu m/mole. 1-Nitropyrene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its 

estimated vapor pressure. If released into water, 1-nitropyrene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids 

and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an 

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important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. The mineralization 

of 1-nitropyrene in aerobic sediment/water microcosms is slow with only 0.24 to 0.76% mineralization 

reported after 8 weeks. The microbial reduction of the nitro group, giving 1-aminopyrene, is expected to 

occur much more rapidly under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. An estimated BCF of 4,100 

suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high. 1-Nitropyrene is not 

expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. 

Occupational exposure to 1-nitropyrene may occur through the inhalation of dust particles 

contaminated with incomplete combustion products and dermal contact with incomplete combustion 

products containing 1-nitropyrene. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be 

exposed to 1-nitropyrene via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water, and 

dermal contact with this compound and other products containing 1-nitropyrene. (SRC) 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure: 

Occupational exposure to 1-nitropyrene may occur through inhalation of dust particles contaminated 

with incomplete combustion products and dermal contact with incomplete combustion products 

containing 1-nitropyrene(SRC). 1-Nitropyrene was measured at greater than 100 times the typical 

ambient indoor air concn in a potroom where Soderberg electrodes were used for aluminum reduction

(1). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 1-nitropyrene via 

inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water(SRC). 

[(1) IARC; Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Diesel and 

Gasoline Engine Exhausts and Some Nitroarenes. 1-Nitropyrene. Lyon, France: IARC 

46: 321-58 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Artificial Pollution Sources: 

1-Nitropyrene's production and use as a research chemical(1) may result in limited release to the 

environment through various waste streams(SRC). 1-Nitropyrene is predominantly released to the 

environment as a combustion product from stationary combustion sources and in vehicle exhausts(2). 

[(1) IARC; Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Diesel and 

Gasoline Engine Exhausts and Some Nitroarenes. 1-Nitropyrene. Lyon, France: IARC 

46: 321-58 (1989) (2) Verschueren K; Hdbk of Environ Data on Organic Chemicals. 4th 

ed., NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc p. 1643 (2001)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate: 

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 13,500(SRC), 

determined from a measured log Kow of 5.06(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 1-

nitropyrene is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1-nitropyrene from moist soil 

surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant 

of 2.5X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(4). 1-Nitropyrene is 

not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 

8.3X10-8 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(5). Data on the biodegradation of 

1-nitropyrene in soil environments are not available. However, in aerobic sediment/water microcosms, 

1-nitropyrene was slowly degraded with only 0.24 to 0.76% mineralization reported after 8 weeks(6). 

The microbial reduction of the nitro group, giving 1-aminopyrene, is expected to occur much more 

rapidly under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions(6). 

[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983) (2) BioByte; ClogP for Windows 

Program (v1.0) BioByte Corp, Claremont, CA (1995) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of 

Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) 

(4) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991) (5) Lyman WJ; p. 

31 in Environmental Exposure From Chemicals Vol I, Neely WB, Blau GE, eds, Boca 

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Raton, FL: CRC Press (1985) (6) Heitkamp MA et al; Arch Microbiol 156: 223-30 

(1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 13,500(SRC), 

determined from a measured log Kow of 5.06(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 1-

nitropyrene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water 

surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.5X10-8 atm-cu m/mole

(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme

(5), an estimated BCF of 4,100(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), 

suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). The mineralization 

of 1-nitropyrene in aerobic sediment/water microcosms is slow with only 0.24 to 0.76% mineralization 

reported after 8 weeks(7). The microbial reduction of the nitro group, giving 1-aminopyrene, is expected 

to occur much more rapidly under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions(7). 

[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983) (2) BioByte; ClogP for Windows 

Program (v1.0) BioByte Corp, Claremont, CA (1995) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of 

Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 15-1 

to 15-29 (1990) (4) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991) 

(5) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (6) Meylan WM et al; Environ 

Toxicol Chem 18: 664-72 (1999) (7) Heitkamp MA et al; Arch Microbiol 156: 223-30 

(1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic 

compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1-nitropyrene, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 8.3X10-8 

mm Hg at 25 deg C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely in 

the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase 1-nitropyrene may be removed from 

the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). 1-Nitropyrene is susceptible to direct photolysis in the 

atmosphere although the rate of photolysis is much lower when 1-nitropyrene is adsorbed onto 

particulates, as would be expected in the air; a half-life of approximately 40 to 50 days was reported for 

adsorbed 1-nitropyrene exposed to sunlight(3). 

[(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2) Lyman WJ; p. 31 in 

Environmental Exposure From Chemicals Vol I, Neely WB, Blau GE, eds, Boca Raton, 

FL: CRC Press (1985) (3) Koizumi A et al; Arch Environ Hlth 49: 87-92 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Environmental Biodegradation: 

Mineralization of 1-nitropyrene in aerobic sediment/water microcosms was slow; only 0.24, 0.61, and 

0.76% mineralization was reported after 8 weeks incubation in microcosms constructed with sediment 

and water collected from an oil-contaminated drainage pond, a saltwater pool, and from Redfish Bay, 

respectively, sites proximal to the Harbor Island oil tank farm near Port Aransas, TX(1). Under 

anaerobic conditions, no carbon dioxide was evolved from any of the microcosms over an 8-week 

period; however, 1-aminopyrene was reported as a metabolite in this experiment(1). 

[(1) Heitkamp MA et al; Arch Microbiol 156: 223-30 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Abiotic Degradation: 

1-Nitropyrene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable 

functional groups(1). A dark rate constant of 0.002 ppm/min was reported for the decay of particleassociated 1-nitropyrene(from diesel emissions) with ozone (0.6 to 0.9 ppm ozone)(2). 1-Nitropyrene

was deposited on glass and Teflon filters, and on glass and Teflon filters loaded with fly ash, diesel 

exhaust and ambient particles and then exposed in the dark to pure humid air, to air containing 100 ppb 

each of ozone, SO2, and nitric acid-free NO2 and to particle-free ambient air for 3 hours; no evidence 

for chemical transformation under any of these conditions was observed(3). 

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[(1) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, 

DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990) (2) Fan Z et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 

2821-7 (1996) (3) Grosjean D et al; Environ Sci Technol 17: 673-9 (1983)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene is susceptible to photolysis. 1-Nitropyrene in cyclohexene was degraded 28% (60-

minute exposure in a photoreactor using a mercury lamp, filtered with Pyrex); 1-hydroxypyrene was 

reported as a degradation product(1). In the presence of cosolutes hydroquinone and phenol, 24 and 66% 

1-nitropyrene remained, respectively, following 60 minutes of irradiation(1). Glass plates coated with 

1-nitropyrene were exposed to sunlight; 72% of the parent compound remained after 4 weeks while no 

loss of parent was reported in dark controls(2). Loss of the nitro group was reported in the 1-

nitropyrene-coated glass plate exposed to sunlight(2). However, 1-nitropyrene sorbed to particulate 

material is more resistant to photochemical transformation(3,4). 1-Nitropyrene, deposited from the 

vapor phase onto 45 to 74 um size fraction of a coal fly ash and onto fractions of that ash was exposed to 

24 hours of light using a xenon lamp source and rotary quartz cell(3). Loss 1-nitropyrene deposited on 

various coal ash fractions were as follows: silica gel - 41 to 33%; unfractionated fly ash - 0%; 

ferromagnetic fraction of fly ash - 10 to 12%; mineral fraction of fly ash - 20 to 21%, and the 

carbonaceous fraction of fly ash - 0%(3). When 1-nitropyrene in benzene was exposed to sunlight, 

52.8% was degraded within 4 hours; when adsorbed onto washed diesel engine soot and exposed to 

sunlight only 42% of the original 1-nitropyrene was degraded in 40 days (17% in 20 days)(4). In this 

experiment, the major product of photodegradation, accounting for more than 90% of the degradates, 

was 9-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene(4). 

[(1) Feilberg A, Nielsen T; Environ Sci Technol 34: 789-97 (2000) (2) Benson JM et 

al; Atmos Environ 19: 1169-74 (1985) (3) Holder PS et al; Polycycl Arom Compds 4: 

135-9 (1994) (4) Koizumi A et al; Arch Environ Hlth 49: 87-92 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Environmental Bioconcentration: 

An estimated BCF of 4,100 was calculated for 1-nitropyrene(SRC), using a measured log Kow of 5.06

(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the 

potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). 

[(1) BioByte; ClogP for Windows Program (v1.0) BioByte Corp, Claremont, CA (1995) 

(2) Meylan WM et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 18: 664-72 (1999) (3) Franke C et al; 

Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Soil Adsorption/Mobility: 

The Koc of 1-nitropyrene is estimated as 13,500(SRC), using a log Kow of 5.06(1) and a regressionderived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1-

nitropyrene is expected to be immobile in soil. 

[(1) BioByte; ClogP for Windows Program (v1.0) BioByte Corp, Claremont, CA (1995) 

(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, 

DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) (3) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Volatilization from Water/Soil: 

The Henry's Law constant for 1-nitropyrene is estimated as 2.5X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a 

fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 1-nitropyrene is 

expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). 1-Nitropyrene is not expected to 

volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 8.3X10-8 mm Hg

(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3). 

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[(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991) (2) Lyman WJ et 

al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc 

pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) Lyman WJ; p. 31 in Environmental Exposure From 

Chemicals Vol I, Neely WB, Blau GE, eds, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press (1985)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Effluent Concentrations: 

Emission particulates from diesel (1986 model, 1L) and gasoline (1989 model 2L) engines contained 1-

nitropyrene at concns of 170 and 0.73 pmol/mg, respectively(1). The emission rate of 1-nitropyrene

from a light-duty (2-L displacement) diesel vehicle with new and used(9000 km) engine oil was 10 and 

16 mg/km, respectively(2). The mean emission rate of particulate-associated 1-nitropyrene from a 

heavy-duty diesel vehicle, (Scania 143 H with a turbo-charged Scania DSC 1403 diesel engine, swept 

volume of 14.19 L), during transient driving conditions, was 1.6 ug/km(4). 1-Nitropyrene is emitted 

from light duty gasoline fueled vehicles (without exhaust after-treatment) at a rate of 0.08 and 0.8 ug/kg 

at cruising speeds of 70 and 90 km/hr, respectively; vehicles containing a catalyst had emission rates of 

0.01 and 0.5, respectively(5). Exhaust emissions of 1-nitropyrene from a heavy-duty diesel passenger 

bus and a heavy-duty diesel truck were measured for a commercial, standard diesel fuel and a 

commercial diesel fuel for city buses. 1-Nitropyrene concns from the passenger bus were 1.1 and 0.2 

ug/km, respectively, and 1.8 and 0.4 ug/kg, respectively, for the heavy-duty truck(5). Emissions of 1-

nitropyrene from well-tuned radiant and maltuned convective kerosene space heaters were 0.0006 to 

0.001 ng/kJ and below detection (detection limit not reported), respectively(3). 

[(1) Hayakawa K et al; Anal Chem Acta 266: 251-6 (1992) (2) Jensen TE et al; J Air 

Pollut Control Assoc 11: 1255-6 (1986) (3) Traynor GW et al; Environ Sci Technol 

24: 1265-70 (1990) (4) Westerholm RN et al; Environ Sci Technol 25: 332-8 (1991) 

(5) Westerholm R, Egeback KE; Environ Health Perspect 102: 13-23 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

1-Nitropyrene has been detected in coal fly-ash and in flue gases of several coal-fired energy 

conversion plants, in particles emitted from a wood fireplace (at 0.11 mg/kg) and from a coal-fired 

boiler(1). Waste-water from gasoline service stations contained detectable levels of 1-nitropyrene

(detection limit not reported)(1). 

[(1) IARC; Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Diesel and 

Gasoline Engine Exhausts and Some Nitroarenes. 1-Nitropyrene. Lyon, France: IARC 

46: 321-58 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Sediment/Soil Concentrations: 

SEDIMENT: Sediment samples collected from the Suimon River (Ogaki City, Japan) contained 1-

nitropyrene at 25.2 ug/kg sediment(1). 

[(1) Sato T et al; Mutat Res 157: 135-43 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Atmospheric Concentrations: 

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Air samples collected from central Stockholm from December 1986 to August 

1987 contained 1-nitropyrene at average concns of 8.6 and 3.8 pg/cu m in central and non-central 

locations, 20 and 12 pg/cu m in high-diesel and low diesel locations, 14 and 6.8 pg/cu m in high-traffic 

and low-traffic flow locations, respectively(1). Concns of 1-nitropyrene collected in the day and night 

were 0.04 and 0.03 ng/cu m, respectively, during a high NOx smog episode in Torrance, CA (Feb 1986)

(2). 1-Nitropyrene was measured in air samples from St. Louis, MO, Washington, DC, Aurskog, 

Norway, Claremont, CA, and Torrance, CA at concns of 0.16, 0.20, 0.15, 0.36, and 0.60 ug/g particles, 

respectively(3). Air samples collected from Barcelona city in 1989 contained 1-nitropyrene at 42, 20, 

25, and 15 pg/cu m for samples obtained in the spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively(4). Air 

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samples collected from downtown Kanazawa, Japan contained 1-nitropyrene at mean concns of 598, 

476, 932, 871 fmol/cu m in spring, summer, autumn, and winter samples, respectively(5). Maximum and 

minimum concns of 1-nitropyrene from this location were 4650 (measured from 9 to 11 AM) and 90 

(measured from 3 to 5 AM) fmol/cu m, respectively(5). Concns of 1-nitropyrene in air samples 

collected from Morioka City, Japan, were 0.89 (Oct. 1991), 1.15 (Dec. 1991), and 1.01 (Feb. 1992) ug/g

(7). Urban air particulates collected roadside in Leeds, England contained 1-nitropyrene at concns of 50 

to 100 pg/cu m(6). 

[(1) Bostrom CE et al; Environ Health Perspect 102: 39-47 (1994) (2) Arey J et al; 

Atmos Environ 21: 1437-44 (1987) (3) Atkinson R et al; Environ Sci Res 36: 291-309 

(1987) (4) Bayona JM et al; Chemosphere 29: 441-50 (1994) (5) Hayakawa K et al; 

Environ Sci Technol 29: 928-32 (1995) (6) Lewis AC et al; Environ Sci Technol 29: 

1977-81 (1995) (7) Koizumi A et al; Arch Environ Hlth 49: 87-92 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Mean concns of 1-nitropyrene in air samples collected in Augusta city, Italy in 

spring, summer, autumn, and winter in 1991/1992 were 3.89, 0.27, 4.2, and 7.92 ng/cu m, respectively

(1). 1-Nitropyrene was measured in air samples collected in downtown Athens, Greece, in 1996 at 

concns of 0.18, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.03 ng/cu m in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively(2). 

Air samples from Riverside, CA collected in September 1984, contained 1-nitropyrene at concns from 

0.008 to 0.03 ng/cu m(3). 1-Nitropyrene was detected in air samples collected from Deer Park, TX at 

average concns of 20.2 and 3.94 pg/cu m, sampled on Sept 30, 1990 and Oct 14, 1990, respectively(4). 

In summer, fall, winter, and spring, average concns of 6.3, 11, 11, and 9.7 pg/cu m were reported for 1-

nitropyrene at the Deer Park, TX location, respectively(4). Twenty-four hour samples collected from 

the Airborne Toxic Elements and Organic Substances (ATEOS), Newark, NJ site from January 1985 to 

February 1986 contained 1-nitropyrene at concns ranging from below detection (detection limit not 

reported) to 4600 pg/cu m(5). 

[(1) Librando V, Fazzino SD; Chemosphere 27: 1649-56 (1993) (2) Marino F et al; 

Chemosphere 40: 533-7 (2000) (3) Pitts JN Jr et al; Atmos Environ 19: 1601-8 (1985) 

(4) Wilson NK et al; Atmos Environ 19: 2575-84 (1995) (5) Greenberg A et al; Fate 

of airborne PAH and nitro-PAH. APCA 80th Annual Mtg, NY, NY, June 21 (1987)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

INDOOR: Mean indoor air concns of 1-nitropyrene were 0.04 and 0.004 ng/cu m for homes with gas 

heating/appliances (n=8) versus electric heating/appliances (n=2), respectively(1). Indoor air for two 

homes with only electric heat and electric appliances (Columbus, OH; sampled March 1987) contained 

1-nitropyrene at concns of 0.019 to 0.83 ng/cu m(2). 

[(1) Chuang CC et al; Identification and Quantification of Nitropolynuclear 

Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient and Indoor Air Particulate Samples. Columbus, OH: 

Battelle Columbus Labs USEPA-600/D-85-050. NTIS PB85-176790 (1985) (2) Wilson NK, 

Chuang JC; pp. 1053-64 in Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons: Meas, Means, Metab. Int 

Symp 11th. Cooke M et al, eds. Columbus, OH: Battelle Press (1991)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

RURAL/REMOTE: The mean concns of 1-nitropyrene in air samples collected in 1982 from a remote, 

marine site in Bermuda with different wind trajectories ranged from 7.9 to 76 pg/cu m(1). Air samples 

from a site in Delaware close to the Cape Henlopen State Park were collected in August 1982; a mean 

concn of 10.6 pg/cu m was reported(1). Airborne particulate samples collected from a rural location 30 

km west of Copenhagen, Denmark in 1982 contained 1-nitropyrene at a mean concn of 0.009 ng/cu m 

(n=30)(2). 

[(1) Gibson TL et al; Atmos Environ 20: 1575-78 (1986) (2) Nielsen T et al; Atmos 

Environ 18: 2159-65 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Food Survey Values: 

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1-Nitropyrene was detected in Japanese grilled chicken at concns of 3.8 to 43 ug/kg, depending on the 

grilling time(1). 

[(1) IARC; Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Diesel and 

Gasoline Engine Exhausts and Some Nitroarenes. 1-Nitropyrene. Lyon, France: IARC 

46: 321-58 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Plant Concentrations: 

1-Nitropyrene was measured in azalea leaves growing under various traffic conditions; concns of 0.14 

to 2.50 ng/g leaves were reported for different locations(1). 

[(1) Nakajima D et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 53: 888-94 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Environmental Standards & Regulations:

Chemical/Physical Properties:

Molecular Formula: 

C16-H9-N-O2 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Molecular Weight: 

247.3 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Color/Form: 

Yellow needles or prisms from ethanol 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Melting Point: 

155 deg C 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient: 

log Kow= 5.06 

[BioByte; ClogP for Windows Program (v1.0) BioByte Corp, Claremont, CA (1995)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Solubilities: 

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Very soluble in diethyl ether; soluble in ethanol and benzene at 15 deg C; soluble in toluene and 

tetrahydrofluorenone. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 321 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

In water, 0.0118 mg/l @ 25 deg C 

[Gang Y, Xiaobai X; Chemosphere 24: 1699-705 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Spectral Properties: 

Lambda max values were measured at 233, 285, 313, 372-373, 392, and 408 nm in an unspecified 

solvent. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Safety & Handling:

Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities: 

Reacts with ethanolic potassium hydroxide to form 1,1'-azoxypyrene; also reacts with zinc powder in 

ethanol in the presence of catalytic amounts of ammonium chloride or ammonia to form 1,1'-

azoxypyrene or, without air, 1-aminopyrene & 1-hydroxylaminopyrene. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 322 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Hazardous Decomposition: 

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides/. 

[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-

3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 2461]**PEER REVIEWED**

Protective Equipment & Clothing: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... 

Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear 

protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair 

covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, 

gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be 

necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl 

protection. ... Gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they are not to be worn 

outside the laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Preventive Measures: 

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PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & 

beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. 

All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have 

been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... 

thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on 

nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents 

should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor 

clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), 

gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... Clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if 

obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, 

gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full 

protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or 

gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this 

is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Operations connected with synth & purification ... should 

be carried out under well-ventilated hood. Analytical procedures ... should be carried out with care & 

vapors evolved during ... procedures should be removed. ... Expert advice should be obtained before 

existing fume cupboards are used ... & when new fume cupboards are installed. It is desirable that there 

be means for decreasing the rate of air extraction, so that carcinogenic powders can be handled 

without ... powder being blown around the hood. Glove boxes should be kept under negative air 

pressure. Air changes should be adequate, so that concn of vapors of volatile carcinogens will not 

occur. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Vertical laminar-flow biological safety cabinets may be 

used for containment of in vitro procedures ... provided that the exhaust air flow is sufficient to provide 

an inward air flow at the face opening of the cabinet, & contaminated air plenums that are under positive 

pressure are leak-tight. Horizontal laminar-flow hoods or safety cabinets, where filtered air is blown 

across the working area towards the operator, should never be used ... Each cabinet or fume cupboard to 

be used ... should be tested before work is begun (eg, with fume bomb) & label fixed to it, giving date of 

test & avg air-flow measured. This test should be repeated periodically & after any structural 

changes. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 9]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

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PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Principles that apply to chem or biochem lab also apply to 

microbiological & cell-culture labs ... Special consideration should be given to route of admin. ... Safest 

method of administering volatile carcinogen is by injection of a soln. Admin by topical application, 

gavage, or intratracheal instillation should be performed under hood. If chem will be exhaled, animals 

should be kept under hood during this period. Inhalation exposure requires special equipment. ... Unless 

specifically required, routes of admin other than in the diet should be used. Mixing of carcinogen in diet 

should be carried out in sealed mixers under fume hood, from which the exhaust is fitted with an 

efficient particulate filter. Techniques for cleaning mixer & hood should be devised before expt begun. 

When mixing diets, special protective clothing &, possibly, respirators may be required. /Chemical 

Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 9]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": When ... admin in diet or applied to skin, animals should be 

kept in cages with solid bottoms & sides & fitted with a filter top. When volatile carcinogens are given, 

filter tops should not be used. Cages which have been used to house animals that received carcinogens 

should be decontaminated. Cage-cleaning facilities should be installed in area in which carcinogens are 

being used, to avoid moving of ... contaminated /cages/. It is difficult to ensure that cages are 

decontaminated, & monitoring methods are necessary. Situations may exist in which the use of 

disposable cages should be recommended, depending on type & amt of carcinogen & efficiency with 

which it can be removed. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 10]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": To eliminate risk that ... contamination in lab could build up 

during conduct of expt, periodic checks should be carried out on lab atmospheres, surfaces, such as 

walls, floors & benches, & ... interior of fume hoods & airducts. As well as regular monitoring, check 

must be carried out after cleaning-up of spillage. Sensitive methods are required when testing lab 

atmospheres. ... Methods ... should ... where possible, be simple & sensitive. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 10]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Rooms in which obvious contamination has occurred, such 

as spillage, should be decontaminated by lab personnel engaged in expt. Design of expt should ... avoid 

contamination of permanent equipment. ... Procedures should ensure that maintenance workers are not 

exposed to carcinogens. ... Particular care should be taken to avoid contamination of drains or 

ventilation ducts. In cleaning labs, procedures should be used which do not produce aerosols or dispersal 

of dust, ie, wet mop or vacuum cleaner equipped with high-efficiency particulate filter on exhaust, 

which are avail commercially, should be used. Sweeping, brushing & use of dry dusters or mops should 

be prohibited. Grossly contaminated cleaning materials should not be re-used ... If gowns or towels are 

contaminated, they should not be sent to laundry, but ... decontaminated or burnt, to avoid any hazard to 

laundry personnel. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

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Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 10]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Doors leading into areas where carcinogens are used ... 

should be marked distinctively with appropriate labels. Access ... limited to persons involved in expt. ... 

A prominently displayed notice should give the name of the Scientific Investigator or other person who 

can advise in an emergency & who can inform others (such as firemen) on the handling of carcinogenic 

substances. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 11]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Stability/Shelf Life: 

Photodecomposition to 2-propanol is readily induced by ultra-violet/ visible light. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 322 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Shipment Methods and Regulations: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Procurement ... of unduly large amt ... should be avoided. 

To avoid spilling, carcinogens should be transported in securely sealed glass bottles or ampoules, which 

should themselves be placed inside strong screw-cap or snap-top container that will not open when 

dropped & will resist attack from the carcinogen. Both bottle & the outside container should be 

appropriately labelled. ... National post offices, railway companies, road haulage companies & airlines 

have regulations governing transport of hazardous materials. These authorities should be consulted 

before ... material is shipped. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 13]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": When no regulations exist, the following procedure must be 

adopted. The carcinogen should be enclosed in a securely sealed, watertight container (primary 

container), which should be enclosed in a second, unbreakable, leakproof container that will withstand 

chem attack from the carcinogen (secondary container). The space between primary & secondary 

container should be filled with absorbent material, which would withstand chem attack from the 

carcinogen & is sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary container in the event of breakage 

or leakage. Each secondary container should then be enclosed in a strong outer box. The space between 

the secondary container & the outer box should be filled with an appropriate quantity of shock-absorbent 

material. Sender should use fastest & most secure form of transport & notify recipient of its departure. If 

parcel is not received when expected, carrier should be informed so that immediate effort can be made to 

find it. Traffic schedules should be consulted to avoid ... arrival on weekend or holiday ... /Chemical 

Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 13]**PEER 

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REVIEWED**

Cleanup Methods: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal 

filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, 

glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into 

plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in 

plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed 

bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for 

disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed 

in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & 

labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical 

destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Disposal Methods: 

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are 

subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste 

sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. 

**PEER REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been 

proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published 

have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & 

recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 14]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of 

contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this 

purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with 

a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are 

designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln 

onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp 

when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be 

disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high 

temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... 

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LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete 

combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be 

disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their 

metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Small quantities of ... some carcinogens can be destroyed 

using chem reactions ... but no general rules can be given. ... As a general technique ... treatment with 

sodium dichromate in strong sulfuric acid can be used. The time necessary for destruction ... is seldom 

known ... but 1-2 days is generally considered sufficient when freshly prepd reagent is used. ... 

Carcinogens that are easily oxidizable can be destroyed with milder oxidative agents, such as saturated 

soln of potassium permanganate in acetone, which appears to be a suitable agent for destruction of 

hydrazines or of compounds containing isolated carbon-carbon double bonds. Concn or 50% aqueous 

sodium hypochlorite can also be used as an oxidizing agent. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 16]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Carcinogens that are alkylating, arylating or acylating 

agents per se can be destroyed by reaction with appropriate nucleophiles, such as water, hydroxyl ions, 

ammonia, thiols & thiosulfate. The reactivity of various alkylating agents varies greatly ... & is also 

influenced by sol of agent in the reaction medium. To facilitate the complete reaction, it is suggested 

that the agents be dissolved in ethanol or similar solvents. ... No method should be applied ... until it has 

been thoroughly tested for its effectiveness & safety on material to be inactivated. For example, in case 

of destruction of alkylating agents, it is possible to detect residual compounds by reaction with 4(4-

nitrobenzyl)-pyridine. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 17]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Occupational Exposure Standards:

Manufacturing/Use Information:

Major Uses: 

Research chemical 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

One Japanese company has been reported to use 1-nitropyrene as an intermediate in the production of 

1-azidopyrene, which is used in photosensitive printing. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Page 24 of 26

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Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methods of Manufacturing: 

This compound has been synthesized by heating pyrene with nitric acid in acetic acid at 50 deg C (Boit, 

1965). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

General Manufacturing Information: 

No evidence was found that 1-nitropyrene has been produced in commercial quantities in the USA. 

One US company is reported to have processed an unspecified amount of 1-nitropyrene in 1977. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Impurities: 

1-Nitropyrene is available for research purposes at 97% (Aldrich Chemical Co., 1988) or greater than 

or equal to 95% purity with less than or equal to 0.1% total dinitropyrenes and pyrene (Chemsyn 

Science Laboratories, 1988). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321]**PEER REVIEWED**

Laboratory Methods:

Analytic Laboratory Methods: 

Nitroarenes have been analysed by HPLC, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; some thin-layer 

chromatography methods have also been described... /Nitroarenes/ 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V46 (1989) 321-58]**PEER REVIEWED**

Special References:

Special Reports: 

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/National Toxicology Program; Tenth Report on 

Carcinogens. National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences. The Report on Carcinogens is an 

informational scientific and public health document that identifies and discusses substances (including 

agents, mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health. 1-

Nitropyrene (5522-43-0) was first listed in the Eighth Report on Carcinogens (1998) as reasonably 

anticipated to be a human carcinogen. 

Synonyms and Identifiers:

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Synonyms: 

3-NITROPYRENE **PEER REVIEWED**

Administrative Information:

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 6980 

Last Revision Date: 20030829 

Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 5/11/2002 

Update History: 

Complete Update on 2003-08-29, 0 fields added/edited/deleted 

Complete Update on 08/29/2002, 43 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Created 20011121 by GCF

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CHRYSENE

CASRN: 218-01-9 

For other data, click on the Table of Contents

Human Health Effects:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

CLASSIFICATION: B2; probable human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data 

and sufficient data from animal bioasays. Chrysene produced carcinomas and malignant lymphoma in 

mice after intraperitoneal injection and skin carcinomas in mice following dermal exposure. Chrysene

produced chromosomal abnormalities in hamsters and mouse germ cells after gavage exposure, positive 

responses in bacterial gene mutation assays and transformed mammalian cells exposed in culture. 

HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Sufficient. 

[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

on Chrysene (218-01-9) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the 

Substance File List as of March 15, 2000]**PEER REVIEWED**

A3: Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold 

Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure 

Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 21]**QC REVIEWED**

No data are available in humans. Limited evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. OVERALL 

EVALUATION: Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. S7 60 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Human Toxicity Excerpts: 

CHRYSENE HAS BEEN IMPLICATED AS AN ETIOLOGIC DETERMINANT OF CHEMICAL 

CARCINOGENESIS. THE ABILITY OF CHRYSENE TO INDUCE ARYL HYDROCARBON 

HYDROXYLASE IN CULTURED HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES WAS DESCRIBED. A 

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN ENZYME INDUCTION OCCURRED IN THE CHRYSENEINDUCED CULTURES COMPARED WITH CONTROLS. 

[SNODGRASS DR ET AL; CANCER LETT 7 (6): 313 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN MITOGEN-ACTIVATED CULTURED LYMPHOCYTES FROM HEALTHY DONORS, 

CHRYSENE DID NOT INDUCE HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE ARYL HYDROCARBON 

HYDROXYLASE, SUGGESTING THEREBY SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN THE ENZYME 

INDUCTION. 

[GURTOO HL ET AL; CANCER RES 39 (11): 4620 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Medical Surveillance: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... in relation specifically to cancer hazards, there are at 

present no health monitoring methods that may ensure the early detection of preneoplastic lesions or 

lesions which may prelude them. Whenever medical surveillance is indicated, in particular when 

exposure to a carcinogen has occurred, ad hoc decisions should be taken concerning additional tests that 

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might become useful or manditory. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 23]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Populations at Special Risk: 

Pregnant women may be especially susceptible to exposure effects associated with coal tar pitch 

volatiles. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Persons with existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of /coal tar pitch 

volatiles/. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure: 

ANALYSIS OF 9 CUTTING OILS, 5 QUENCHING OILS, AND 5 OIL MISTS FOR POLYCYCLIC 

AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) WHICH ARE POTENTIAL CARCINOGENS, INDICATED 

THAT INCREASES IN PAH CONCENTRATIONS DURING USE CAN OCCUR, ESPECIALLY 

WITH QUENCHING OILS. CHRYSENE IS OF UNCERTAIN CARCINOGENICITY. THE 

SIGNIFICANCE OF ANY INCREASES IS THEREFORE UNCERTAIN, PARTICULARLY AS IN 

MANY CASES IT AND BENZO(A)ANTHRACENE CONTRIBUTE A LARGE PORTION OF THE 

TOTAL PAH CONTENT. 

[EYRES AR; INST PET (TECH PAP) IP (IP 81-002): (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON CONTENT IN THE AIR OF 10 FERROUS 

AND NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES WAS STUDIED. RESULTS INDICATED A SIGNIFICANT 

ASSOCIATION OF HIGH PAH LEVELS WITH POOR GENERAL VENTILATION AND THE 

WINTER SEASON. MAXIMUM LEVELS OF BENZO(A)ANTHRACENE/CHRYSENE FOUND 

WERE 9.39 UMOL/CU M (PERSONAL) AND 22.10 UMOL/CU M (AREA). 

[VERMA DK ET AL; ANN OCCUP HYG 25 (1): 17 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) CONTENT IN AIR OF 10 FERROUS & 

NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES WAS STUDIED. CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS REPORTED TO HAVE 

A HIGH RISK OF LUNG CANCER, SUCH AS MOLDERS, CASTERS & CRANE MEN, WERE 

ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF PAH EXPRESSED AS PERCENTAGE OF 

TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE. THIS RESULT WAS NOT STATISTICALLY 

SIGNIFICANT. 

[VERMA DK ET AL; ANN OCCUP HYG 25 (1): 17-26 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GLASS CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY SHOWED THAT WORKERS IN COKE PLANT 

WERE EXPOSED TO 5 TO 1000 MG POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH)/CU M 

AIR (INCL ACENAPHTHYLENE). PARTICULATE MATTER CONTAINS 98% RESPIRABLE 

PAH. 

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[BJOERSETH A ET AL; SCAND J WORK, ENVIRON HEALTH 4 (3): 224 (1978)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Workers ... exposed to coal tar, mineral oil, and petroleum waxes. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-37 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 7,117 workers are potentially exposed 

to chrysene in the US(1). Occupational exposure to chrysene may occur through inhalation of air 

contaminated with products of incomplete combustion and dermal contact with soot, motor oil and coal 

tar(SRC). Human exposure to chrysene may occur through the smoking of tobacco, inhalation of 

polluted air and by ingestion of food and water contaminated by combustion effluents(2). 

[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983) (2) IARC; 

Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, Chemical, Environmental and Experimental 

Data 32: 247-61 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene was quantitated in typical personal samples from the coke oven battery top of a coke plant 

(sampling time 2 hours) at 72 ug/cu m total; in typical personal samples from the pot-room of a 

Soderberg aluminum plant (sampling time 2 hours) the total chrysene concn was 7.4 ug/cu m; in typical 

personal samples from the handling of creosote-impregnated railroad ties (sampling time 60 minutes) 

the total concn was 0.8 ug/cu m(1). Stationary air samples collected near the ovens of two silicon 

carbide process plants contained chrysene concns ranging from 131 to 1978 ng/cu m in one plant and 

1225 to 2624 ng/cu m in the second plant(2). Chrysene was detected in air samples (taken at breathing 

height using personal sampling pumps) collected in the furnace area of two silicon carbide process 

plants at concns (ng/cu m) ranging from (Plant A and B): 83 to 303 and 1,206 to 3,040 for the foreman; 

37 to 192 and 199 to 10,395 for the crane operator; 364 to 680 and 1,334 to 2,861 for oven workers 

whose tasks were in close proximity to the oven; and 89 to 259 and 466 to 14,044 for oven workers 

whose tasks did not involve direct work at the oven site(2). Chrysene has been detected in occupational 

environments at the following airborne concns (geometric mean), ug/cu m: coke plant, 14.49; carbon 

anode plant, 1.403; graphite plant, 2.512; silicon carbide plant, 0.221; metal recycling plant, 0.071; and a 

bitumen paving plant, 0.109(3). Chrysene was detected in air samples (taken at breathing height using 

personal sampling pumps) of 6 workers in a plant producing carbon anodes for aluminum electrolysis, 

worksite - concn of chrysene (ug/cu m): forming section - 0.79 to 2.08; paste plant - 2.06 to 5.45; store 

section (broken green anodes and burned anodes) - 0.26 to 0.65; forming section - 1.79 to 3.90; store 

section (coke) paste plant - 0.18 to 3.16; and all worksites - 0.36 to 10.02(4). Air samples collected 

above the doors of smoking kilns used in Danish smokehouses contained chrysene in the particulate 

phase(5). Average exposure of workers to chrysene in the aluminum refinery, silicon carbide, and 

refractory brick industries is approx 25 ug/cu m(6). Air sampled from the breathing zone of chimney 

sweeps during "dirty work" contained chrysene at unreported concns(7). 

[(1) Andersson K et Al; Chemosphere 12 (2): 197 (1983) (2) Petry T et al; Ann Occup 

Hyg 38: 741-52 (1994) (3) Petry T et al; Chemosphere 32: 639-48 (1996) (4) Petry T 

et al; Ann Occup Hygiene 40: 345-57 (1996) (5) Nordholm L et al; Scand J Work 

Environ Health 12: 614-18 (1986) (6) Lesage J et al; Am Indust Hyg Assoc J 48: 753-

60 (1987) (7) Knecht U et al; Br J Ind Med 46: 479-82 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Average Daily Intake: 

WATER INTAKE: Insufficient data. AIR INTAKE: (Assume typical concn of 0.60 to 27.9 ng/cu m, the 

range of urban/suburban concn for some US cities)(1,2) 12 to 558 ng. FOOD INTAKE: (Assume typical 

concn of 1.4 to 395 ug/kg)(3) 2.24 to 632 ug. In 1979 UK total diets, total chrysene dietary load was 

0.50 ug/person/day (based on total daily consumption of 1.46 kg food and beverages)(4). 

[(1) Santodonato J et al; Health and Ecological Assessment of Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons Lee SD, Grant L eds. Park Forest South,IL: Pathotox Publ(1981) (2) 

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Bjorseth A, Olufsen BS; pp. 507-24 in Handbook of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(1983) (3) IARC; Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, Chemical, Environmental and 

Experimental Data 32: 247-61 (1983) (4) Dennis MJ et al; Food Chem Toxicol 21: 569-

74 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Emergency Medical Treatment:

Emergency Medical Treatment: 

EMT Copyright Disclaimer:

Portions of the POISINDEX(R) and MEDITEXT(R) database have been provided here for general 

reference. THE COMPLETE POISINDEX(R) DATABASE OR MEDITEXT(R) DATABASE 

SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF 

SPECIFIC CASES. The use of the POISINDEX(R) and MEDITEXT(R) databases is at your sole risk. 

The POISINDEX(R) and MEDITEXT(R) databases are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, 

without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Micromedex makes no representation or 

warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information 

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MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY 

EXCLUDED. Micromedex does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the POISINDEX

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Reserved. Any duplication, replication, "downloading," sale, redistribution or other use for commercial 

purposes is a violation of Micromedex' rights and is strictly prohibited. 

The following Overview, *** POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS ***, is relevant for 

this HSDB record chemical. 

Life Support:

 o This overview assumes that basic life support measures 

 have been instituted. 

Clinical Effects:

 0.2.1 SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE 

 0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) In general, PAHs have a low order of acute toxicity in 

 humans. 

 B) PAHs and other compounds found in COAL TAR can produce 

 a variety of non-cancer effects with chronic exposure. 

 Chronic effects include: 

 1) EYES - Photosensitivity and irritation. 

 2) RESPIRATORY - Irritation with cough and bronchitis. 

 3) MOUTH - Leukoplakia. 

 4) DERMAL - "Coal tar warts" (precancerous lesions 

 enhanced by UV light exposure), erythema, dermal 

 burns, photosensitivity, acneiform lesions, 

 irritation. 

 5) HEPATIC/RENAL - Mild hepatotoxicity or mild 

 nephrotoxicity (animals). 

 6) GENITOURINARY - Hematuria. 

 C) CANCER is the most significant PAH toxicity endpoint. 

 1) Increased incidences of cancers of the skin, bladder, 

 lung and gastrointestinal tract have been described in 

 PAH-exposed workers. 

 0.2.6 RESPIRATORY 

 0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

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 A) Irritation, chronic cough, bronchitis, and bronchogenic 

 cancer can occur with chronic exposure. 

 0.2.8 GASTROINTESTINAL 

 0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Leukoplakia and cancers of the lip and oral cavity can 

 develop with chronic exposure. 

 0.2.9 HEPATIC 

 0.2.9.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Mild hepatotoxicity has been reported in PAH-exposed 

 rats. 

 0.2.10 GENITOURINARY 

 0.2.10.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Hematuria, kidney and bladder cancer are possible 

 effects of chronic exposure. Mild nephrotoxicity has 

 been documented in PAH-exposed rats. 

 0.2.13 HEMATOLOGIC 

 0.2.13.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Agranulocytosis, anemia, leukopenia, and pancytopenia 

 developed in rats chronically fed PAHs. 

 0.2.14 DERMATOLOGIC 

 0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) PRECANCEROUS LESIONS - "Coal tar warts" (precancerous 

 lesions enhanced by UV light exposure), erythema, 

 dermal burns, acneiform lesions, photosensitization and 

 cancer may develop following chronic exposure. 

 0.2.19 IMMUNOLOGIC 

 0.2.19.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) An effect of PAHs on immune function might aid in the 

 development of neoplasms. A number of PAH compounds are 

 immunotoxic, and some suppress selective components of 

 the immune system. 

 0.2.20 REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS 

 A) In experimental animal studies, PAHs and metabolites 

 cross the placenta. Female offspring of experimental 

 animals exposed to PAHs during pregnancy have a decrease 

 in the number of functional oocytes, sometimes such that 

 they are infertile. 

 B) PAHs are lipophilic and are excreted in breast milk, 

 allowing for secondary exposure of nursing infants, 

 although the potential significance of such exposure has 

 not been determined. 

 0.2.21 CARCINOGENICITY 

 0.2.21.2 HUMAN OVERVIEW 

 A) Cancer is the most significant PAH toxicity endpoint. 

 Some, but not all, PAHs are carcinogens. Certain PAH 

 parent compounds are weak carcinogens, only becoming 

 potent carcinogens after undergoing metabolism. Chronic 

 or repeated exposure increases the likelihood of cancer 

 initiation, as well as the potential for metabolism of 

 a PAH procarcinogen to a carcinogen. 

 B) Increased incidences of skin, bladder, lung, and 

 possibly gastrointestinal tract cancers have been 

 described in PAH-exposed workers, particularly 

 associated with coal carbonization, coal gasification, 

 and coke oven work. 

 0.2.21.3 ANIMAL OVERVIEW 

 A) Lung tumors were induced in female mice from inhalation 

 of exhausts containing PAHs (Schulte et al, 1994). 

 0.2.22 GENOTOXICITY 

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 A) CYTOGENETIC MARKERS OF HUMAN PAH EXPOSURE - Cells 

 containing high frequencies of chromosomal aberrations 

 were a sensitive marker for exposure to PAHs in coke 

 oven and graphic electrode plant workers, compared with 

 unexposed controls. There was no relation between 

 cytogenetic findings and levels of 

 benzo(a)pyrene-hemoglobin adducts (Buchet et al, 1995). 

 1) Arylamines derived from carcinogenic PAHs are 

 mutagenically activated through S9-mediated metabolism 

 of the related amine (Fu et al, 1982). 

 2) Nitro-PAH derivatives are potent bacterial mutagens. 

 The mutagenic activity is dependent on enzymatic 

 reduction of the nitro group and may require oxidative 

 metabolism (Grosovsky et al, 1999; Rosenkranz & 

 Mermelstein, 1985). 

 3) In cultured human cells, benzo(a)pyrene and 

 7,12-demethylbenz(a)anthracene only caused a 

 significant increase in T6 guanine-resistant mutations 

 in the presence of cultured rat hepatocytes (Tong et 

 al, 1981). 

 4) Nitrated PAHs have caused dose-dependent cell 

 transformations in Syrian hamster embryo cells (DiPaolo 

 et al, 1983). Metabolic reduction of the nitro- group 

 on PAHs may be involved in their mutagenic effects. 

 5) Persons with a high degree of inducibility of the 

 enzyme, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, may be a 

 high-risk population (ATSDR, 1993). 

 B) A cross-sectional study evaluated the potential for 

 exposure to PAHs to induce oxidative DNA damage in 

 coke-oven workers (n=119), employed at an iron-steel 

 factory. This study could not find clear evidence that 

 PAH exposure induces oxidative DNA damage (Zhang et al, 

 2003). 

 C) MUTAGENIC INTERMEDIATES - 

 1) The PAH metabolic intermediates, diol-epoxides, are 

 presumably mutagenic and can react to form DNA adducts, 

 which may affect normal cellular replication (ATSDR, 

 1993; Ellenhorn & Barceloux, 1988; Pike, 1992; Amin et 

 al, 1993; Ronai et al, 1994). 

 D) LACK OF EFFECT 

 1) Amongst a small group of Swedish road pavers exposed to 

 asphalt fumes, there were no significant increases in 

 sister chromatic exchanges or micronuclei in peripheral 

 blood/lymphocytes as compared to unexposed controls 

 (Jarvholm et al, 1999). 

Laboratory:

 A) PAHs have been determined in the blood and tissues of 

 experimental animals. Direct biologic measurement of PAHs 

 currently is not clinically useful or cost-effective. 

 Indirect methods of determining exposure are available 

 but have not yet proven clinically useful (ATSDR, 1990). 

 B) Acute respiratory effects in persons at PAH-containing 

 workplaces are typically due to other toxic agents at the 

 worksite (ATSDR, 1990). Arterial blood gases, chest 

 x-ray, and other monitoring may be indicated, based on 

 the patient's presentation and the exposure 

 characteristics. 

 C) Chronic effects, particularly cancer, are more common 

 than acute toxicity. Routine monitoring and physical 

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[Rumack BH POISINDEX(R) Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; 

CCIS Volume 141, edition expires Aug, 2009. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds): TOMES(R) 

 assessments (e.g, complete blood count, hepatic and renal 

 function tests, chest xray and pulmonary function tests, 

 dermal assessments) of individuals with significant 

 exposure is recommended, even in the absence of symptoms 

 (ATSDR, 1990). 

Treatment Overview:

 0.4.2 ORAL EXPOSURE 

 A) Toxicity from these substances involves chronic 

 exposure, toxicity after acute ingestions is unlikely 

 and gastric decontamination is generally NOT indicated. 

 0.4.3 INHALATION EXPOSURE 

 A) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for 

 respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing 

 develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, 

 bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist 

 ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled 

 beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. 

 B) Inhalational exposure to PAHs may be complicated by 

 exposure to other substances which produce acute 

 respiratory and systemic effects. Treat according to 

 clinical presentation and exposure history. 

 1) If bronchospasm and wheezing occur, consider treatment 

 with inhaled sympathomimetic agents. 

 2) Carefully observe patients with inhalation exposure for 

 the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and 

 administer symptomatic treatment as necessary. 

 3) Monitor arterial blood gases and/or pulse oximetry, 

 pulmonary function tests, and chest x-ray in patients 

 with significant exposure. 

 0.4.4 EYE EXPOSURE 

 A) DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious 

 amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 

 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or 

 photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a 

 health care facility. 

 0.4.5 DERMAL EXPOSURE 

 A) OVERVIEW 

 1) DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and wash 

 exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A 

 physician may need to examine the area if irritation or 

 pain persists. 

 2) Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical 

 therapy. Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity 

 reactions may require treatment with systemic or 

 topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. 

 3) Some chemicals can produce systemic poisoning by 

 absorption through intact skin. Carefully observe 

 patients with dermal exposure for the development of 

 any systemic signs or symptoms and administer 

 symptomatic treatment as necessary. 

Range of Toxicity:

 A) The minimum lethal human dose to this agent has not been 

 delineated. 

 B) The maximum tolerated human exposure to this agent has 

 not been delineated. 

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Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; CCIS Volume 141, edition 

expires Aug, 2009., p. ]**PEER REVIEWED**

Antidote and Emergency Treatment: 

For immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. ... Immediately 

flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean 

patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and 

prevent aspiration. ... /Naphthalene and related compounds/ 

[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 

2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 240]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Administer activated charcoal ... . /Naphthalene and related compounds/ 

[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 

2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 240]**PEER REVIEWED**

Animal Toxicity Studies:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

CLASSIFICATION: B2; probable human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data 

and sufficient data from animal bioasays. Chrysene produced carcinomas and malignant lymphoma in 

mice after intraperitoneal injection and skin carcinomas in mice following dermal exposure. Chrysene

produced chromosomal abnormalities in hamsters and mouse germ cells after gavage exposure, positive 

responses in bacterial gene mutation assays and transformed mammalian cells exposed in culture. 

HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Sufficient. 

[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

on Chrysene (218-01-9) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the 

Substance File List as of March 15, 2000]**PEER REVIEWED**

A3: Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold 

Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure 

Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 21]**QC REVIEWED**

No data are available in humans. Limited evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. OVERALL 

EVALUATION: Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. S7 60 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts: 

Groups of 20, 50 and 100 mice were painted twice weekly with different samples of a 0.3% solution of 

chrysene in benzene for over 440 days. A sample of chrysene of doubtful purity produced two 

papillomas in 50 mice (30 of which were still alive at six months); another sample produced one 

papilloma and one epithelioma (squamous cell carcinoma) in 100 mice (74 of which were still alive at 

six months); and a sample of synthetic chrysene (not dissolved in benzene) did not induce tumors in 20 

mice (11 of which were still alive at six months). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 249 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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... AMONG 20 FEMALE SWISS MICE PAINTED THRICE WEEKLY WITH 1% SOLN OF 

CHRYSENE IN ACETONE, PAPILLOMAS APPEARED IN 9 ANIMALS & CARCINOMAS IN 8, 

THE 1ST TUMOR BEING OBSERVED AFTER 8 MO. THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS SHORTENING 

OF THE LIFESPAN. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 166 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ONE SC INJECTION OF 2 MG PURIFIED CHRYSENE DID NOT PRODUCE SARCOMAS 

AMONG 50 MICE OBSERVED FOR 45 WK ... SIMILARLY, TWO SC IMPLANTATIONS OF 10 

MG EACH TO 30 MICE GAVE NEGATIVE RESULTS ... . 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 167 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... /IN AN EXPERIMENT ON C57BL MICE/ 2/20 ANIMALS DEVELOPED TUMORS 60-80 

WEEKS AFTER 10 INJECTIONS OF 1 MG CHRYSENE IN ARACHIS OIL (NO TUMORS 

APPEARED IN CONTROLS GIVEN THE SOLVENT ALONE). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 167 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Groups of 10 rats received repeated injections of 2-6 mg chrysene (purity unspecified) in lard, or the 

solvent only; four tumors were observed in treated animals, and sarcomas were found in two solvent 

controls. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 251 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

MUTAGENICITY TESTS WERE PERFORMED WITH CHRYSENE IN THE SALMONELLA (TA 

98 & 1535) MICROSOME TEST, NMRI-MICE OOCYTES, BONE-MARROW CELLS & 

SPERMATOGONIA OF CHINESE HAMSTERS. USING THE SALMONELLA MICROSOME 

TEST, NO MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY WAS FOUND WHEN CHRYSENE ALONE WAS TESTED. 

CHRYSENE, 450 MG/KG, SUSPENDED IN GUM ARABIC WAS GIVEN TO CHINESE 

HAMSTERS BY ORAL, GAVAGE, OR INTRAPERITONEAL ADMINISTRATION SHOWED NO 

MUTAGENIC EFFECTS. IN OOCYTES OF NMRI-MICE, 8-12 WEEKS OF AGE, A SINGLE 

APPLICATION OF 450 MG/KG CHRYSENE (SUSPENDED IN GUM ARABIC & GIVEN 

ORALLY IN THE PREOVULATORY STAGE) RESULTED IN A WEAK BUT SIGNIFICANT 

CHROMOSOME ABERRATION. IN SPERMATOGONIA OF CHINESE HAMSTERS A LOW BUT 

NOT SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS, EXCLUDING GAPS, 

WAS FOUND. 

[BASLER A ET AL; MUT RES 48: 249 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EVALUATION OF CHRYSENE TOXICITY TO EARLY PASSAGE MIXED CULTURES OF 

FETAL SYRIAN GOLDEN HAMSTER LUNG CELLS WAS ATTEMPTED BY APPLYING A 

LINEAR REGRESSION TO THE RELATIVE NUMBER OF SURVIVING COLONIES. 

CHRYSENE WAS NEITHER STIMULATORY NOR INHIBITORY TO COLONY FORMATION. 

[EMURA M ET AL; J APPL TOXICOL 2 (3): 167 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

POSITIVE RESULTS FOR CHRYSENE WERE ONLY FOUND IN THE SALMONELLA 

TYPHIMURIUM ASSAY. THE CHEMICAL WAS POSITIVE IN THE AMES TEST WITH 

AROCLOR-INDUCED RAT LIVER S-9 MIX USING STRAINS TA100 AND TA98. 

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[BROWN MM ET AL; J NATL CANCER INST 62 (4): 841 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

COMPONENTS OF TOBACCO SMOKE WERE ASSAYED FOR MUTAGENICITY IN HISTIDINEREQUIRING MUTANTS OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM TA98, TA100, TA1535 AND TA 

1537. ALL WERE TESTED WITH AND WITHOUT METABOLIC ACTIVATION USING S-9 

LIVER FRACTION FROM AROCLOR 1254 OR METHYLCHOLANTHRENE INDUCED RATS. 

CHRYSENE WAS MUTAGENIC TOWARD TA100, WITH 196 REVERTANTS/PLATE VERSUS 0 

IN TA98, ALL AFTER S-9 ACTIVATION. 

[FLORIN I ET AL; TOXICOLOGY 15 (3): 219 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A SINGLE TOPICAL APPLICATION OF COAL TAR SOLUTION (USP) TO NEONATAL RATS 

CAUSED INDUCTION OF ARYL HYDROCARBON HYDROXYLASE (AHH) AND 7-

ETHOXYCOUMARIN O-DEETHYLASE IN SKIN, LIVER, LUNG, KIDNEY AND INTESTINE. A 

SINGLE TOPICAL APPLICATION OF CHRYSENE, A CONSTITUENT OF COAL TAR 

SOLUTION, TO NEONATAL RATS AT 1 MG/10 G BODY WEIGHT RESULTED IN 

STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT INDUCTION OF SKIN AND LIVER ACTIVITY OF BOTH 

ENZYMES. AHH ACTIVITY WAS INCREASED 251% IN SKIN AND 339% IN LIVER; 7-

ETHOXYCOUMARIN DEETHYLASE 133 AND 208%, RESPECTIVELY. 

[MUKHTAR H ET AL; TOXICOL APPL PHARMACOL 64 (3): 541 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE MAJOR DEOXYRIBONUCLEOSIDE-HYDROCARBON ADDUCTS PRESENT IN 

HYDROLYSATES OF DNA ISOLATED FROM HAMSTER EMBRYO CELLS TREATED WITH 

CHRYSENE WERE EXAMINED BY CHROMATOGRAPHY. BOTH MAJOR ADDUCTS HAVE 

CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES IDENTICAL TO THOSE OF ADDUCTS FORMED WHEN 

R-1,T-2-DIHYDROXY-TERT-3,4-OXY-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE REACTS WITH DNA 

AND PROVIDE EVIDENCE THAT METABOLIC ACTIVATION OF CHRYSENE OCCURS VIA 

THE FORMATION OF THIS BAY-REGION DIOL-EPOXIDE. ... 

[HODGSON RM ET AL; CARCINOGENESIS 3 (9): 1051 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Buffalo river sediment extracts contained polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which caused skin 

darkening, hyperplasia, skin papillomas, mild coarsening and local pigmentations in the brown bullhead 

(Ictalurus nebulosus). Sixteen PAH were identified in the sediment extract: fluorene, phenanthrene, 

anthracene, fluoranthene, 2-methylphenanthrene, pyrene, 2-methylanthracene, benzanthracene, 

chrysene, perylene, benzo(f)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)

anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene. 

[Black JJ; Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons Int Symp 7th 99-11 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The tumor-initiating activities of Chrysene & the 3 metabolically possible trans-dihydrodiols at the 1,2-, 

3,4-, & 5,6- positions of chrysene were determined on the skin of female CD-1 mice. A single topical 

application of 0, 0.4, 1.25, or 4.0 umol of each compound was followed 7 days later by twice-weekly 

applications of the tumor promoter 12-0- tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate for 25 wk. The most potent 

tumor initiator was chrysene 1,2-dihydrodiol, which had approximately twice the tumorigenic activity 

of the parent hydrocarbon chrysene at all doses tested. Chrysene 3,4- dihydrodiol and chrysene 5,6-

dihydrodiol had no significant tumorigenic activity. 

[Levin W et al; Cancer Res 38 (6): 1831 (1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The process gas stream of an experimental pressurized McDowell-Wellman stirred-bed low-BTU coal 

gasifier, and combustion products of the clean gas were characterized as to their mutagenic properties 

and chemical composition. Samples of aerosol droplets condensed from the gas were obtained at 

selected positions along the process stream using a condenser train. Mutagenicity was assessed using the 

Ames Salmonella mammalian microsome mutagenicity assay (TA98, with and without rat liver S9). All 

materials required metabolic activation to be mutagenic. Droplets condensed from gas had a specific 

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mutagenicity of 6.7 revertants/mug (50,000 revertants/l raw gas). ... chrysene and ... /was/ positively 

identified in a highly mutagenic fraction of raw gas condensate. 

[Benson JM et al; Environ Res 33 (2): 396-412 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The structure-activity relation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced immunosuppression was 

investigated using the antibody-forming cell response to sheep erythrocytes. Ten polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons were evaluated following 14 days of subchronic exposure in female B6C3F1 mice. ... 

Chrysene did not suppress the antibody-forming cell response compared to the corn oil vehicle controls. 

... 

[White KL et al; Immunopharmacology 9 (3): 155-64 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... A 7.5% solution of chrysene in liquid paraffin or oleic acid was painted on the skin of mice for 50-85 

weeks and induced a few malignant tumors. However, skin application of a 1% solution of chrysene in 

90% benzene induced no tumor after nine months. A 0.3% solution in mouse fat or a 7.5% solution in 

oleic acid produced no tumor in 120 mice. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 249 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A group of 30 female Sencar mice, seven to nine weeks old, received a single application of 2 umol 

chrysene (purity, >95%) in acetone, followed one week later by applications of 2 ug 12-Otetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate twice weekly. Papillomas were observed in 21/29 (73%) mice in the 

experimental group, whereas only 3/30 (10%) promoter-control animals receiving 12-Otetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate alone developed such tumors. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 251 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A group of 80 male and female newborn Swiss Webster BLU:Ha (ICR) mice received three ip injections 

of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 umol chrysene (repurified; melting point, 256 degree C) in dimethyl sulfoxide on 

days 1, 8 and 15 after birth. A total of 56 mice survived until weaning, and 27 males and 11 females 

were killed at weeks 39-41. Hepatic tumors (not further specified) developed in 6/27 (22%) male mice 

compared with 0/52 in controls given dimethyl sulfoxide. No increase in the incidence of pulmonary 

tumors was observed. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 252 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Application of small amounts of chrysene (about 0.1% in 10 ul of petroleum hydrocarbon mixture of 

relatively low embryotoxicity) to the egg shell of Mallard ducks resulted in embryotoxic and teratogenic 

effects in the ducklings. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 252 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene, in dose of 60 mg/kg bw given orally to pregnant rats on day 19 of gestation, can induce 

cytochrome p450 enzymes, such as benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, in fetal liver. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 252 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... A group of 30 female Charles River CD-1 mice, eight weeks of age, received single topical 

applications of 2.5 umol chrysene (purity 98%) in 200 ul acetone. A group of 30 controls received 

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acetone alone. One week later, the mice receive twice weekly skin applications of 16 nmol TPA in 200 

ul acetone for 26 weeks. In this experiment, 80% of mice developed skin papillomas (2.16 

tumors/mouse) compared with 4% in controls (0.04 tumors/mouse). 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 251 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A single, topical application of chrysene to neonatal rats at 1 mg/10 g body weight resulted in 

significantly increased aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in the liver (339%) and skin (251%) 

compared with control of 7-ethoxycoumarin 0-deethylase (208% and 133%). 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 319]**PEER REVIEWED**

The growth rate of mouse ascites sarcoma cells in culture was slightly (9%) inhibited when chrysene

was added at a concentration of 1 umol/ml dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 525 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Non-Human Toxicity Values: 

TDLo Mouse sc 200 mg/kg 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 319]**PEER REVIEWED**

TDLo Mouse dermal 3600 mg/kg 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 319]**PEER REVIEWED**

LD50 Mouse ip >320 mg/kg bw 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 252 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ecotoxicity Values: 

LC50 Daphnia magna 1.9 mg/l/2 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 531]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Aedes aegypti (insect) = 1.7 mg/L/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 531]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Rana pipiens (amphibian) >6.7 mg/L/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 531]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Neanthes arenaceodentata (fish) >1 mg/L96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 531]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

Metabolism/Metabolites: 

... FOUR PHENOLS WERE FORMED BY RAT LIVER HOMOGENATES: THE MAIN PHENOL IS 

PROBABLY 1-HYDROXY-CHRYSENE, & TWO OF THE DIHYDRO-DIHYDROXY 

COMPOUNDS ARE PROBABLY 1,2-DIHYDRO-1,2-DIHYDROXYCHRYSENE & 3,4-DIHYDRO3,4-DIHYDROXYCHRYSENE. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 168 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

MICROSOMAL OXIDATION OF CHRYSENE IN RAT LIVER OCCURS AT VARIOUS 

POSITIONS (1,2-; 3,4-; 5,6-). AFTER VARIOUS RAT PRETREATMENTS WITH INDUCERS OF 

THE MONOOXYGENASE SYSTEM, THE OXIDATION AT THE 3,4-POSITION 

PREDOMINATED IN ISOLATED MICROSOMES. 1,2,3-TRIHYDROXY-1,2,3,4-

TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE-TRIMETHYLSILYL-ETHER WAS FORMED UNDER WORKUP 

AND DERIVATIZATION CONDITIONS AFTER PRETREATING RATS WITH 

PHENOBARBITAL, PCB, 5,6-BENZOFLAVONE, OR OTHER POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS. PCB AND BENZOFLAVONE WERE THE MOST POTENT INDUCERS FOR 

THE FORMATION OF THIS METABOLITE. 

[JACOB J ET AL; ARCH TOXICOL 51 (3): 255 1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE MAJOR DEOXYRIBONUCLEOSIDE-HYDROCARBON ADDUCTS PRESENT IN 

HYDROLYSATES OF DNA ISOLATED FROM HAMSTER EMBRYO CELLS TREATED WITH 

CHRYSENE WERE EXAMINED BY CHROMATOGRAPHY. BOTH MAJOR ADDUCTS HAVE 

CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES IDENTICAL TO THOSE OF ADDUCTS FORMED WHEN 

R-1,T-2-DIHYDROXY-TERT-3,4-OXY-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE REACTS WITH DNA 

AND PROVIDE EVIDENCE THAT METABOLIC ACTIVATION OF CHRYSENE OCCURS VIA 

THE FORMATION OF THIS BAY-REGION DIOL-EPOXIDE. (THIS STUDY MAY BE 

APPLICABLE TO CARCINOGENESIS). 

[HODGSON RM ET AL; CARCINOGENESIS 3 (9): 1051 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE FLUORESCENCE SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF THE MAJOR HYDROCARBONDEOXYRIBONUCLEOSIDE ADDUCT THAT IS FORMED IN HAMSTER EMBRYO CELLS 

TREATED WITH CHRYSENE ARE PHENANTHRENE-LIKE. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH 

METABOLIC ACTIVATION OCCURRING IN THIS SYSTEM THROUGH A VICINAL DIOLEPOXIDE OF THE BAY-REGION TYPE. THE SPECTRAL RESULTS ARE ALSO CONSISTENT 

WITH THE IDEA THAT THE METABOLIC ACTIVATION OF CHRYSENE INVOLVES THE 

'BAY REGION' 1,2-DIOL 3,4-OXIDE. 

[VIGNY P ET AL; CARCINOGENESIS 3 (12): 1491 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE HYDROXYL GROUPS OF (+ OR -)-CHRYSENE-TRANS-3,4-DIHYDRODIOL WERE 

METABOLIZED BY LIVER MICROSOMES FROM 3-METHYLCHOLANTHRENE-PRETREATED 

RATS TO FORM 1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROTETROLS AS MAJOR PRODUCTS. IT APPEARS THAT 

THE DIHYDRODIOL EPOXIDES DERIVED FROM DIHYDRODIOLS CAN BE HYDROLYZED 

OR HYDRATED ENZYMATICALLY BY THE EPOXIDE HYDROLASE TO FORM THE 

TETRAHYDROTETROL DERIVATIVES. CHRYSENE TRANS-3,4-DIHYDRODIOL IS A MAJOR 

METABOLITE OF THE PARENT COMPOUND. IT REMAINS TO BE ESTABLISHED WHETHER 

VICINAL DIHYDRODIOL EPOXIDES THAT CAN BE DERIVED METABOLICALLY FROM 

DIHYDRODIOLS ARE INVOLVED IN COVALENT BINDING TO CELLULAR 

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MACROMOLECULES IN CULTURED CELLS OR IN ANIMALS THAT HAD BEEN EXPOSED 

TO THE RESPECTIVE PARENT HYDROCARBONS. AXIAL HYDROXYL GROUPS OF 

CHRYSENE-TRANS-3,4-DIHYDRODIOL DO NOT SHIFT METABOLISM AWAY FROM THEIR 

VICINAL DOUBLE BOND. 

[CHOU MW ET AL; PROC NATL ACAD SCI USA 78 (7): 4270 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene is converted by specific cellular enzymes to dihydrodiols and then further metabolized to diol 

epoxides (including trans dihydrodiols, phenols, bay-region diol epoxides, and triol epoxides) which can 

bind to DNA and form DNA adducts. The bay-region diol epoxides (especially the methylene-bridged 

bay-region derivatives) are believed to be responsible for the carcinogenic and mutagenic activity of 

chrysene. [American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 320]**PEER REVIEWED**

In rats, regardless of the route of administration, oxidation of chrysene predominated in the 1,2- or 3,4-

position. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 320]**PEER REVIEWED**

Absorption, Distribution & Excretion: 

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are highly soluble in adipose tissue and lipids. /Polynuclear aromatic 

hydrocarbons/ 

[Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic And Hazardous Chemicals. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data 

Corporation, 1981., p. 564]**PEER REVIEWED**

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), some of which are potent carcinogens, are common 

environmental pollutants. The transport processes for these hydrophobic compounds into cells and 

between intracellular membranes are diverse and are not well understood. A common mechanism of 

transport is by spontaneous desorption and transfer through the aqueous phase. From the partitioning 

parameters, ... the rate limiting step involves solvation of the transfer species in the interfacial water at 

the phospholipid surface. Transfer of 10 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons ... out of 

phosphatidylcholine vesicles has been examined. ... Results show that the molecular volume of the 

polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons is a rate-determining factor. Morever, high performance liquid 

chromatography (HPLC) data confirm the hypothesis that the rate of transfer is correlated with the size 

of the molecule and with the partitioning of the molecule between a polar and hydrocarbon phase. The 

kinetics and characteristics of the spontaneous transfer of carcinogens are likely to have a major impact 

on the competitive processes of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons metabolism within cell. 

[Plant AL et al; Chem-biol Interact 44 (3): 237-46 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene is absorbed via the oral and dermal routes; there is no direct evidence available for absorption 

via the lungs. Absorption through the lungs is inferred by the measurement of chrysene and its 

metabolites in groups exposed occupationally to PAHs and in cigarette smokers. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 318]**PEER REVIEWED**

After oral administration in rats, chrysene was measured in peak concentrations within the hour in 

blood and liver. Chrysene has been found to concentrate in the adipose and mammary tissues after oral 

administration in rats; after oral administration, the majority of the chrysene is eliminated 

predominantly via the feces with up to 41%-79% intact and with complete recovery within 2 days. 

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[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 320]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene does appear to be absorbed and metabolized in both human and animal skin. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of 

the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, 

III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 320]**PEER REVIEWED**

Mechanism of Action: 

THE MUTAGENIC ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUR OPTICALLY PURE (+)- AND (-)-

ENANTIOMERS OF THE TWO DIASTEREOMERIC BAY-REGION CHRYSENE 1,2-DIOL-3,4-

EPOXIDES WERE EVALUATED IN HISTIDINE-DEPENDENT STRAINS OF SALMONELLA 

TYPHIMURIUM AND IN CULTURED CHINESE HAMSTER V79 CELLS. IN S TYPHIMURIUM 

TA98, (-)-1 ALPHA, 2 BETA-DIHYDROXY-3-BETA, 4 BETA-EPOXY-1,2,3,4-

TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE WAS 5 TO 10 TIMES MORE ACTIVE THAN THE OTHER THREE 

OPTICAL ISOMERS. HOWEVER, IN TA100 AND IN CHINESE HAMSTER V79 CELLS, (+)-1 

BETA, 2 ALPHA-DIHYDROXY-3 ALPHA, 4 ALPHA-EPOXY-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE 

WAS THE MOST MUTAGENIC DIOL-EPOXIDE AND WAS FROM 5 TO 40 TIMES MORE 

ACTIVE THAN THE OTHER THREE OPTICAL ISOMERS. THE BAY-REGION (+)- AND (-)-3,4-

EPOXY-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE ISOMERS HAD IDENTICAL MUTAGENIC 

ACTIVITIES IN ALL THREE SYSTEMS. 

[WOOD AW ET AL; CANCER RES 42 (8): 2972 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE ABILITIES OF DIHYDRODIOLS AND DIOL-EPOXIDES OF CHRYSENE TO INITIATE 

SKIN TUMORS IN MICE WERE DETERMINED USING A 2-STAGE SYSTEM OF 

TUMORIGENESIS. (+/-)-TRANS-1,2-DIHYDROXY-1,2-DIHYDROCHRYSENE WAS MORE 

ACTIVE THAN THE PARENT HYDROCARBON WHEN APPLIED TOPICALLY TO SENCAR 

MICE, FOLLOWED BY TWICE-WEEKLY APPLICATIONS OF 12-OTETRADECANOYLPHORBOL-13-ACETATE. TRANS-1,2-DIHYDROXY-ANTI-3,4-EPOXY1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE HAD 25% OF THE ACTIVITY OF CHRYSENE. THE 

DIHYDRODIOLS OF CHRYSENE, THE IMMEDIATE PRECURSORS OF BAY-REGION DIOLEPOXIDES, HAVE A MODERATE-TO-HIGH INITIATING ACTIVITY. THE BAY-REGION DIOLEPOXIDE OF CHRYSENE WAS THE ONLY DIOL-EPOXIDE TESTED THAT HAD 

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY WHEN COMPARED TO THE CORRESPONDING PARENT 

HYDROCARBON. 

[SLAGA TJ ET AL; CANCER RES 40 (6): 1981 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

FOLLOWING SINGLE TOPICAL APPLICATIONS OF 0.4 OR 1.2 UMOL ON MOUSE SKIN PLUS 

25 WEEKS OF PROMOTION WITH 12-O-TETRADECANOYLPHORBOL 13-ACETATE, (-)-

TRANS-1,2-DIHYDROXY-1,2-DIHYDROCHRYSENE (I) HAD APPROXIMATELY TWICE THE 

TUMOR-INITIATING ACTIVITY OF CHRYSENE WHILE THE (+)-ENANTIOMER HAD NO 

SIGNIFICANT TUMORIGENIC ACTIVITY. OF THE 4 ISOMERS OF CHRYSENE 1,2-DIOL-3,4-

EPOXIDE, ONLY (+)-1BETA,2ALPHA-DIHYDROXY-3ALPHA,4ALPHA-EPOXY-1,2,3,4-

TETRAHYDROCHRYSENE (II) HAD SIGNIFICANT TUMORIGENIC ACTIVITY, EQUIVALENT 

TO THAT OF THE PARENT COMPOUND. IN NEWBORN MICE TREATED WITH IP 

INJECTIONS, ANIMALS TREATED WITH II, (-)-I, OR RACEMIC I HAD INCREASED 

INSTANCES OF TUMORS; THE PARENT COMPOUND AND ALL OTHER DERIVATIVES 

TESTED WERE ESSENTIALLY INACTIVE. THE HIGH TUMORIGENIC ACTIVITY OF (-)-I AND 

II INDICATE THAT THESE COMPOUNDS ARE, RESPECTIVELY, PROXIMATE AND 

ULTIMATE CARCINOGENIC METABOLITES OF CHRYSENE. II HAS ABSOLUTE 

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CONFIGURATION SUCH THAT IT IS SUPERIMPOSABLE ON THE (+)-DIOL-EPOXIDE 2 

ISOMER OF BENZO(A)PYRENE, THE ULTIMATE CARCINOGENIC METABOLITE OF BENZO

(A)PYRENE. 

[CHANG RL ET AL; CANCER RES 43 (1): 192 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE CAPACITY OF COMPOUNDS TO DISPLACE 1,6-(3)H-LABELED TCDD (2,3,7,8-

TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN) FROM THE MOUSE LIVER CYTOSOLIC AH RECEPTOR 

WAS EXAMINED. CHRYSENE GAVE 82% DISPLACEMENT OF (3)H-TCDD. AN EXCELLENT 

CORRELATION IS SEEN BETWEEN THE CAPACITY TO DISPLACE THE RADIOLIGAND 

FROM THE AH RECEPTOR AND THE CAPACITY TO INDUCE MONOOXYGENASE 

ACTIVITIES. 

[BIGELOW SW, NEBERT DW; TOXICOL LETT 10 (1): 109 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) consists of an oxidation of the rings of 

unsubstituted polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. ... These oxidations are carried out by "mixed 

function" oxidases of the liver, which contain cytochromes p450 and p448, and require reduced 

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and oxygen. In this oxidation, an epoxide intermediate is formed 

which has been shown to have the requisite chemical reactivity to form covalent complexes with DNA 

and histones and to serve as the ultimate carcinogenic form of PAH. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and 

Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-

1982., p. 2900]**PEER REVIEWED**

Interactions: 

ELLAGIC ACID IS A HIGHLY POTENT INHIBITOR OF THE MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF BAYREGION DIOL EPOXIDES OF SOME BENZOPYRENES, BUT HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS OF 

ELLAGIC ACID ARE NEEDED TO INHIBIT THE MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF THE 

CHEMICALLY LESS REACTIVE BAY-REGION DIOL EPOXIDES OF CHRYSENE. [WOOD AW ET AL; PROC NATL ACAD SCI USA 79 (18): 5513 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE ADDITION OF CHRYSENE TO A SYNTHETIC PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON MIXTURE 

OF KNOWN COMPOSITION AND RELATIVELY LOW EMBRYOTOXICITY RESULTED IN 

EMBRYOTOXICITY THAT WAS ENHANCED OR EQUAL TO THAT OF CRUDE OIL WHEN 10 

UL WAS APPLIED EXTERNALLY TO MALLARD DUCK EGGS AT 72 HOURS OF 

DEVELOPMENT. MASS FRAGMENTOGRAPHY SHOWED THE PASSAGE OF AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS INCLUDING CHRYSENE THROUGH THE SHELL AND SHELL 

MEMBRANES TO THE DEVELOPING EMBRYOS. 

[HOFFMAN DJ, GAY ML; J TOXICOL ENVIRON HEALTH 7 (5): 775 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The influence of some compounds belonging to the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, ... 

chrysene, ... on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in rats is described. ... /Chrysene/ significantly 

accelerated the elimination of the drug. ... 

[Brandys J, Piekoszewski W; Pharmazie 40 Iss: 566-68 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The potencies of various xenobiotics for induction of monooxygenases and their influence on the rat 

liver microsomal metabolite profile of the environmentally relevant weak carcinogen, chrysene, was 

determined. Among the widely distributed chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and 

preferentially 3,3,'4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl as well as PAHs and their heterocyclic analogues such as 

benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]- and -[j]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]acridine, benzo[b]

naphtho-[2,1-d]thiophene, and 5,6-benzoflavone were found to be potent inducers stimulating the 

formation of the proximate, and some of them also the ultimate carcinogen of chrysene. Lindane, 

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carbaryl, DDT, and pentachlorophenol were found to be inefficient or weak inducers. With the 

exception of phenobarbital no inducers were found among the pharmaceuticals investigated. Sexdependent metabolism was found for Wistar-rats. No 1,2-oxidation was observed in females, and 

turnover rates were lower than in males. ...in most cases the same effective xenobiotic induces the bayregion diolepoxide in both chrysene and benz[a]anthracene. 

[Jacob J et al; Cancer Letter 34 (1): 91-102 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pharmacology:

Interactions: 

ELLAGIC ACID IS A HIGHLY POTENT INHIBITOR OF THE MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF BAYREGION DIOL EPOXIDES OF SOME BENZOPYRENES, BUT HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS OF 

ELLAGIC ACID ARE NEEDED TO INHIBIT THE MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF THE 

CHEMICALLY LESS REACTIVE BAY-REGION DIOL EPOXIDES OF CHRYSENE. [WOOD AW ET AL; PROC NATL ACAD SCI USA 79 (18): 5513 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE ADDITION OF CHRYSENE TO A SYNTHETIC PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON MIXTURE 

OF KNOWN COMPOSITION AND RELATIVELY LOW EMBRYOTOXICITY RESULTED IN 

EMBRYOTOXICITY THAT WAS ENHANCED OR EQUAL TO THAT OF CRUDE OIL WHEN 10 

UL WAS APPLIED EXTERNALLY TO MALLARD DUCK EGGS AT 72 HOURS OF 

DEVELOPMENT. MASS FRAGMENTOGRAPHY SHOWED THE PASSAGE OF AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS INCLUDING CHRYSENE THROUGH THE SHELL AND SHELL 

MEMBRANES TO THE DEVELOPING EMBRYOS. 

[HOFFMAN DJ, GAY ML; J TOXICOL ENVIRON HEALTH 7 (5): 775 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The influence of some compounds belonging to the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, ... 

chrysene, ... on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in rats is described. ... /Chrysene/ significantly 

accelerated the elimination of the drug. ... 

[Brandys J, Piekoszewski W; Pharmazie 40 Iss: 566-68 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The potencies of various xenobiotics for induction of monooxygenases and their influence on the rat 

liver microsomal metabolite profile of the environmentally relevant weak carcinogen, chrysene, was 

determined. Among the widely distributed chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and 

preferentially 3,3,'4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl as well as PAHs and their heterocyclic analogues such as 

benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]- and -[j]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]acridine, benzo[b]

naphtho-[2,1-d]thiophene, and 5,6-benzoflavone were found to be potent inducers stimulating the 

formation of the proximate, and some of them also the ultimate carcinogen of chrysene. Lindane, 

carbaryl, DDT, and pentachlorophenol were found to be inefficient or weak inducers. With the 

exception of phenobarbital no inducers were found among the pharmaceuticals investigated. Sexdependent metabolism was found for Wistar-rats. No 1,2-oxidation was observed in females, and 

turnover rates were lower than in males. ...in most cases the same effective xenobiotic induces the bayregion diolepoxide in both chrysene and benz[a]anthracene. 

[Jacob J et al; Cancer Letter 34 (1): 91-102 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:

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Chrysene occurs in fossil fuels and is released to the environment as a constituent of complex mixtures 

of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are formed by the incomplete combustion of organic matter. If 

released to air, chrysene's measured vapor pressure of 6.23X10-9 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates this 

compound is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulatephase chrysene will be physically removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. If released 

to soil, an estimated Koc value of 3.1X10+4 indicates chrysene is expected to be immobile. 

Volatilization of chrysene from wet and dry soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process 

based on its estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.9X10-7 atm-cu m/mole and its measured vapor 

pressure, respectively. Biodegradation in soil is expected to be a slow fate process based upon half-lives 

in soil ranging from 77 to 387 days. Adsorption to soil is expected to inhibit biodegradation. If released 

into water, chrysene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column based 

upon Koc values ranging from 2.8X10+5 to 5.8X10+5. Volatilization from water surfaces is not 

expected to occur given this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Measured BCFs ranging from 

8.2 to 1X10+5 indicate bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to very high. Marine organisms 

which lack a metabolic detoxification enzyme system, tend to accumulate polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important process due to the lack of hydrolyzable 

functional groups. Biodegradation is expected to be a slow fate process in aquatic systems. 9 and 90% 

biodegradation of chrysene was observed in a wastewater treatment plant and an activated sludge pilot 

reactor, respectively. Occupational exposure to chrysene may occur through inhalation of air 

contaminated with products of incomplete combustion and dermal contact with soot, motor oil and coal 

tar. The general population may be exposed to chrysene through the smoking of tobacco, inhalation of 

polluted air and by ingestion of food and water contaminated by combustion effluents. (SRC) 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure: 

ANALYSIS OF 9 CUTTING OILS, 5 QUENCHING OILS, AND 5 OIL MISTS FOR POLYCYCLIC 

AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) WHICH ARE POTENTIAL CARCINOGENS, INDICATED 

THAT INCREASES IN PAH CONCENTRATIONS DURING USE CAN OCCUR, ESPECIALLY 

WITH QUENCHING OILS. CHRYSENE IS OF UNCERTAIN CARCINOGENICITY. THE 

SIGNIFICANCE OF ANY INCREASES IS THEREFORE UNCERTAIN, PARTICULARLY AS IN 

MANY CASES IT AND BENZO(A)ANTHRACENE CONTRIBUTE A LARGE PORTION OF THE 

TOTAL PAH CONTENT. 

[EYRES AR; INST PET (TECH PAP) IP (IP 81-002): (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON CONTENT IN THE AIR OF 10 FERROUS 

AND NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES WAS STUDIED. RESULTS INDICATED A SIGNIFICANT 

ASSOCIATION OF HIGH PAH LEVELS WITH POOR GENERAL VENTILATION AND THE 

WINTER SEASON. MAXIMUM LEVELS OF BENZO(A)ANTHRACENE/CHRYSENE FOUND 

WERE 9.39 UMOL/CU M (PERSONAL) AND 22.10 UMOL/CU M (AREA). 

[VERMA DK ET AL; ANN OCCUP HYG 25 (1): 17 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) CONTENT IN AIR OF 10 FERROUS & 

NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES WAS STUDIED. CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS REPORTED TO HAVE 

A HIGH RISK OF LUNG CANCER, SUCH AS MOLDERS, CASTERS & CRANE MEN, WERE 

ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF PAH EXPRESSED AS PERCENTAGE OF 

TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE. THIS RESULT WAS NOT STATISTICALLY 

SIGNIFICANT. 

[VERMA DK ET AL; ANN OCCUP HYG 25 (1): 17-26 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GLASS CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY SHOWED THAT WORKERS IN COKE PLANT 

WERE EXPOSED TO 5 TO 1000 MG POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH)/CU M 

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AIR (INCL ACENAPHTHYLENE). PARTICULATE MATTER CONTAINS 98% RESPIRABLE 

PAH. 

[BJOERSETH A ET AL; SCAND J WORK, ENVIRON HEALTH 4 (3): 224 (1978)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Workers ... exposed to coal tar, mineral oil, and petroleum waxes. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-37 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 7,117 workers are potentially exposed 

to chrysene in the US(1). Occupational exposure to chrysene may occur through inhalation of air 

contaminated with products of incomplete combustion and dermal contact with soot, motor oil and coal 

tar(SRC). Human exposure to chrysene may occur through the smoking of tobacco, inhalation of 

polluted air and by ingestion of food and water contaminated by combustion effluents(2). 

[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983) (2) IARC; 

Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, Chemical, Environmental and Experimental 

Data 32: 247-61 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene was quantitated in typical personal samples from the coke oven battery top of a coke plant 

(sampling time 2 hours) at 72 ug/cu m total; in typical personal samples from the pot-room of a 

Soderberg aluminum plant (sampling time 2 hours) the total chrysene concn was 7.4 ug/cu m; in typical 

personal samples from the handling of creosote-impregnated railroad ties (sampling time 60 minutes) 

the total concn was 0.8 ug/cu m(1). Stationary air samples collected near the ovens of two silicon 

carbide process plants contained chrysene concns ranging from 131 to 1978 ng/cu m in one plant and 

1225 to 2624 ng/cu m in the second plant(2). Chrysene was detected in air samples (taken at breathing 

height using personal sampling pumps) collected in the furnace area of two silicon carbide process 

plants at concns (ng/cu m) ranging from (Plant A and B): 83 to 303 and 1,206 to 3,040 for the foreman; 

37 to 192 and 199 to 10,395 for the crane operator; 364 to 680 and 1,334 to 2,861 for oven workers 

whose tasks were in close proximity to the oven; and 89 to 259 and 466 to 14,044 for oven workers 

whose tasks did not involve direct work at the oven site(2). Chrysene has been detected in occupational 

environments at the following airborne concns (geometric mean), ug/cu m: coke plant, 14.49; carbon 

anode plant, 1.403; graphite plant, 2.512; silicon carbide plant, 0.221; metal recycling plant, 0.071; and a 

bitumen paving plant, 0.109(3). Chrysene was detected in air samples (taken at breathing height using 

personal sampling pumps) of 6 workers in a plant producing carbon anodes for aluminum electrolysis, 

worksite - concn of chrysene (ug/cu m): forming section - 0.79 to 2.08; paste plant - 2.06 to 5.45; store 

section (broken green anodes and burned anodes) - 0.26 to 0.65; forming section - 1.79 to 3.90; store 

section (coke) paste plant - 0.18 to 3.16; and all worksites - 0.36 to 10.02(4). Air samples collected 

above the doors of smoking kilns used in Danish smokehouses contained chrysene in the particulate 

phase(5). Average exposure of workers to chrysene in the aluminum refinery, silicon carbide, and 

refractory brick industries is approx 25 ug/cu m(6). Air sampled from the breathing zone of chimney 

sweeps during "dirty work" contained chrysene at unreported concns(7). 

[(1) Andersson K et Al; Chemosphere 12 (2): 197 (1983) (2) Petry T et al; Ann Occup 

Hyg 38: 741-52 (1994) (3) Petry T et al; Chemosphere 32: 639-48 (1996) (4) Petry T 

et al; Ann Occup Hygiene 40: 345-57 (1996) (5) Nordholm L et al; Scand J Work 

Environ Health 12: 614-18 (1986) (6) Lesage J et al; Am Indust Hyg Assoc J 48: 753-

60 (1987) (7) Knecht U et al; Br J Ind Med 46: 479-82 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Average Daily Intake: 

WATER INTAKE: Insufficient data. AIR INTAKE: (Assume typical concn of 0.60 to 27.9 ng/cu m, the 

range of urban/suburban concn for some US cities)(1,2) 12 to 558 ng. FOOD INTAKE: (Assume typical 

concn of 1.4 to 395 ug/kg)(3) 2.24 to 632 ug. In 1979 UK total diets, total chrysene dietary load was 

0.50 ug/person/day (based on total daily consumption of 1.46 kg food and beverages)(4). 

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[(1) Santodonato J et al; Health and Ecological Assessment of Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons Lee SD, Grant L eds. Park Forest South,IL: Pathotox Publ(1981) (2) 

Bjorseth A, Olufsen BS; pp. 507-24 in Handbook of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(1983) (3) IARC; Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, Chemical, Environmental and 

Experimental Data 32: 247-61 (1983) (4) Dennis MJ et al; Food Chem Toxicol 21: 569-

74 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Natural Pollution Sources: 

Chrysene occurs in higher concns than most other polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in fossil fuels 

such as crude oil and lignite(1). 

[(1) IARC; Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, Chemical, Environmental and 

Experimental Data 32: 247-61 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Artificial Pollution Sources: 

/IT/ OCCURS IN COAL TAR. IS FORMED DURING DISTILLATION OF COAL, IN VERY 

SMALL AMT DURING DISTILLATION OR PYROLYSIS OF MANY FATS & OILS. 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 378]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Chrysene's use in organic syntheses(1) may result in its release to the environment through various 

waste streams(SRC). Chrysene occurs ubiquitously in products of incomplete combustion(2). It has 

been identified in mainstream cigarette smoke; mainstream smoke of marijuana cigarettes; exhaust 

emissions from gasoline engines; with triphenylene in exhaust of burnt coals; gasolines; crude oils; 

charcoal-broiled steaks; broiled and smoked meat; smoked fish; vegetables; edible oils and fats; and 

roasted and soluble coffee(2). 

[(1) Lewis RJ Jr; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 12th ed NY,NY: Van 

Nostrand Reinhold Co p. 283 (1993) (2) IARC; Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, 

Chemical, Environmental and Experimental Data 32: 247-61 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate: 

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 

3.1X10+4(SRC), determined from a measured log Kow of 5.73(2) and a recommended regressionderived equation(3), indicates that chrysene is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 

chrysene from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be important(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law 

constant of 9.9X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its experimental values for vapor pressure, 6.23X10-9 

mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 1.89X10-3 mg/l(4). Chrysene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil 

surfaces based on its measured vapor pressure(3). Adsorption to soil is expected to inhibit 

biodegradation(5). Biodegradation half-lives of 371 and 387 days were observed for chrysene in 

Kidman and McLaurin sandy loam soils, respectively(6). A biodegradation half-life of 77 days was 

measured in a mixture of oil refinery wastes applied to Kidman sandy loam(7). In a 170 day soil column 

study containing creosote contaminated sandy soil samples, an initial chrysene concn of approximately 

225 mg/kg was reduced to about 150 mg/kg(8). 

[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. 

Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR 

(consult ed) Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 154 (1995) (3) Hoyer H, Peperle W; Z 

Elektrochem 62: 61-6 (1958) (4) Yalkowsky SH, Dannenfelser RM; Aquasol Database of 

Aqueous Solubility. Ver 5. College of Pharmacy, Univ of Ariz - Tucson, AZ. PC Ver 

(1992) (5) Weissenfels WD et al; Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 36: 689-96 (1992) (6) 

Park KS et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 9: 187-95 (1990) (7) Keck J et al; Water Res 

23: 1467-76 (1989) (8) Breedveld GD, Briseid T; Appl Biotechnol Site Remed, Hinchee 

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RE at al eds. Ann Arbor, MI: Lewis Publ (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), sediment Koc values ranging 

from 2.8X10+5 to 5.8X10+5(2,SRC) indicate that chrysene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids 

and sediment in water(SRC). Chrysene is not expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC) based 

on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.9X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its experimental values 

for vapor pressure, 6.23X10-9 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 1.89X10-3 mg/l(4). According to a 

classification scheme(5), measured BCFs ranging from 8.2 to 1X10+5(6,7), suggest that 

bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to very high(SRC). Elimination half-lives of 14.2 and 5.0, 

3.3, 15.1, and 4.3 days were measured in Mytilus edilus, Macoma balthica, Crassotrea virginica, and 

Mercenaria mercenaria, respectively(7). Marine organisms which lack a metabolic detoxification 

enzyme system, tend to accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(8). Chrysene is not expected to 

undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(9). 

Biodegradation is expected to be a slow fate process in aquatic systems(SRC). In shake flask studies, an 

initial chrysene concn of 2.7 ug/ml was reduced to 1.2 ug/ml following 2 weeks incubation in 

contaminated groundwater from the American Creosote Works Superfund site, Pensacola, FL(10). 9% 

chrysene loss due to biodegradation was observed in a wastewater treatment plant(11); 90% chrysene

removal over 36 days in an activated sludge pilot reactor was attributed to biodegradation(12). Halflives for the direct photochemical decomposition of chrysene in freshwater were computed to be: 4.4 

hours near the surface of freshwater (simulated latitude, 40 deg N, mid-day, mid-summer), 13 hours at a 

depth of 5 m, and 68 hours at a depth of 5 m and partitioned to bottom sediment(13). 

[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Gert-Jandemaagd P et al; Polycyclic 

Aromat Compd 5: 219-24 (1994) (3) Hoyer H, Peperle W; Z Elektrochem 62: 61-6 (1958) 

(4) Yalkowsky SH, Dannenfelser RM; Aquasol Database of Aqueous Solubility. Ver 5. 

College of Pharmacy, Univ of Ariz - Tucson, AZ. PC Ver (1992) (5) Franke C et al; 

Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (6) Anderson JW et al; Sources, Fates, and Effects 

of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Alaskan Marine Environment with Recommendations for 

Monitoring Strategies. NTIS PB86-168-291/AS. Washington,DC: USEPA (1986) (7) Meador 

JP et al; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol, Vol 143, Springer-Verlag: NY,NY (1995) (8) 

Malins DC; Ann NY Acad Sci 298: 482-496 (1977) as cited in: Health and Welfare 

Canada; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons p.37 Report No. 80-EHD-50 (1979) (9) Lyman 

WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer 

Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-4, 5-10, 7-4, 7-5, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (10) Mueller JG et al; 

Appl Environ Microbiol 57: 1277-85 (1991) (11) Petrasek AC et al; J Water Pollut 

Control Fed 55: 1286-96 (1983) (12) Smith JR et al; Water Environ Res 65: 804-18 

(1993) (13) Anderson JW et al; Sources, Fates, and Effects of Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

in the Alaskan Marine Environment with Recommendations for Monitoring Strategies. 

NTIS PB86-168-291/AS. Washington,DC: USEPA (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic 

compounds in the atmosphere(1), chrysene, which has a measured vapor pressure of 6.23X10-9 mm Hg 

at 25 deg C(2), is expected to exist almost entirely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. 

Particulate-phase chrysene may be physically removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). 

[(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2) Hoyer H, Peperle W; Z 

Elektrochem 62: 61-6 (1958)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Biodegradation: 

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with 4 or less aromatic rings are degraded by microbes and are 

readily metabolized by multicellular organisms; biodegradation may be the ultimate fate 

process. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Callahan, M.A., M.W. Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate 

of 129 Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979., p. 97-17]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Biodegradation is probably slower in the aquatic system than in the soil, and biodegradation may be 

much more important in those aquatic systems which are chronically affected by 

contamination. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Callahan, M.A., M.W. Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate 

of 129 Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979., p. 95-11]**PEER REVIEWED**

Biodegradation half-lives of 371 and 387 days were observed for chrysene in Kidman and McLaurin 

sandy loam soils, respectively(1). No significant degradation of chrysene was observed in soil obtained 

from a former tar-oil refinery following 8 weeks of incubation in a percolator(2). However, when sand 

was contaminated with soil extracts containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including chrysene, 

and inoculated with a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrading mixed culture, the chrysene concn 

was reduced from approx. 50 mg/kg soil to approx. 19 mg/kg soil(2). The inhibition of chrysene

biodegradation was attributed to binding of chrysene with the soil(2). In a 240 day soil microcosm 

study, half-lives of 980, 1000, and 730 days at 10, 20, and 30 deg C, respectively, were estimated for 

chrysene(3). Chrysene at a concn of 5 ppm (values for 10 ppm) was degraded 6% (0%) after 7 days by 

microbes in wastewater with gradual adaptation, 65%, 53%, and 59%, (30%, 34%, and 38%) degraded 7 

days after addition of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th subculture, respectively(4). Chrysene was not degraded after 

4 weeks incubation in a suspension containing polluted water from a stream and either naphthalene or 

phenanthrene as growth substrates(5). 9% chrysene loss due to biodegradation was observed in a 

wastewater treatment plant(6). Chrysene, concn 150 ppm, was degraded approx 38 and 50% after 2 and 

5 days, respectively, when incubated in liquid resting-cell experiments with a pre-grown polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbon degrading culture(7). 90% chrysene removal over 36 days in an activated sludge 

pilot reactor was attributed to biodegradation(8). Mineralization of (14)C-chrysene was 20.46 and 

0.15% following 90 days incubation with microbial mats (consisting of a freshwater consortium of 

bacteria and cyanobacteria) in a series of dark and light flasks, respectively(9). In shake flask studies, an 

initial chrysene concn of 2.7 ug/ml was reduced to 1.2 ug/ml following 2 weeks incubation in 

contaminated groundwater from the American Creosote Works Superfund site, Pensacola, FL(10). 

[(1) Park KS et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 9: 187-95 (1990) (2) Weissenfels WD et al; 

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 36: 689-96 (1992) (3) Coover MP, Sims RC; Haz Waste Haz 

Mat 4: 69-82 (1987) (4) Tabak HH et al; Proc Symp AOAC 94: 267-328 (1981) (5) 

McKenna AJ; Water Resour Cent 113: 1025 (1976) (6) Petrasek AC et al; J Water 

Pollut Control Fed 55: 1286-96 (1983) (7) Srivastava VJ et al; Proc Ind Waste Conf 

44: 49-60 (1990) (8) Smith JR et al; Water Environ Res 65: 804-18 (1993) (9) 

Phillips R et al; Appl Biotechnol Site Remed, Hinchee RE et al eds., Ann Arbor,MI: 

Lewis Publ (1994) (10) Mueller JG et al; Appl Environ Microbiol 57: 1277-85 (1991)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

In bench-scale biotreatability studies using a solid-phase bioremediation process (landfarming chambers 

containing sediment and soil collected from the American Creosote Works Superfund site, Pensacola, 

FL), the chrysene concn was reduced from 114.0 to 53.4 mg/landfarming chamber in unamended 

surface soil; 114.0 to 46.2 mg/landfarming chamber in nutrient-amended surface soil; 1443.6 to 1146.6 

mg/landfarming chamber in unamended sediment; and 1443.6 to 992.4 mg/landfarming chamber in 

nutrient-amended sediment following 12 weeks incubation(1). After 16 months incubation in 

biologically active soils containing 1-phenyldecane as a primary substrate, 84% of chrysene was 

recovered; 95% of chrysene was recovered from a poisoned control after 16 months incubation(2). 

Half-lives of 39.2 and 173.7 days were observed for chrysene in wood preserving sludge at an initial 

chrysene concn of 2000 mg/kg and loading values of 86 and 172 g/kg, respectively(3). Half-lives for 

chrysene ranged from 1000 days, using a synthetic mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons applied

and incubated together in Kidman sandy loam soil, to 77 days in a mixture of oil refinery wastes applied 

to Kidman sandy loam soil(4). A half-life of 371 days was observed for chrysene when applied and 

incubated as a single constituent in Kidman sandy loam soil(4). (14)C-Chrysene added to sediment 

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from the Upper Gulf of Thailand and Chao Phraya River to give a concn of 2.5 ug chrysene/g sediment 

had half-lives of 189 and 153 days, respectively, as determined by (14)CO2 evolution(5). After 60 days 

of batch slurry bioremediation, the initial solid-phase chrysene concn of 81 ug/g was reduced to 32.4 

ug/g, a 60% removal(6). In a soil column study containing sandy soil samples from a site contaminated 

with creosote, an initial chrysene concn of approximately 225 mg/kg was reduced to about 150 mg/kg 

following 170 days incubation(7). Following application of sludge to field plots at a rate of 448,144 

kg/ha, the chrysene concn after 5 days was 229 ug/kg at a soil depth of 0 to 15.2 cm and 24 ug/kg at a 

depth of 22.9 to 38.1 cm; after 241 days the chrysene concn was 147 ug/kg at a depth of 0 to 15.2 cm 

and 0 ug/kg at a depth of 22.9 to 38.1 cm(8). Chrysene was not detected in soil 241 days after sludge 

application to field plots at a rate of 156,018 kg/ha(8). 

[(1) Mueller JG et al; Environ Sci Technol 25: 1045-55 (1991) (2) Bossert ID, 

Bartha R; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 37: 490-5 (1986) (3) Kincannon DF, Lin YS; 

Proc Ind Waste Conf 40: 607-19 (1985) (4) Keck J et al; Water Res 23: 1467-76 

(1989) (5) Hungspreugs M et al; Mar Pollut Bull 15: 213-8 (1984) (6) Castaldi FJ; 

Appl Biotechnol Site Remed, Hinchee RE et al eds, Lewis Publishers: Ann Arbor, MI 

(1994) (7) Breedveld GD, Briseid T; Appl Biotechnol Site Remed, Hinchee RE at al 

eds, Lewis Publ: Ann Arbor, MI (1994) (8) Demirjian YA et al; J Water Pollut 

Control Fed 59: 211-9 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ANAEROBIC: Anaerobic sludge digestion over a period of 32 days was found to have no statistically 

significant effect on the concn of chrysene(1). 

[(1) Kirk PWW, Lester JN; Environ Technol 12: 13-20 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Abiotic Degradation: 

Chrysene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable 

functional groups(1). Chrysene deposited on glass-fiber filters has been shown to be inert to nitrogen 

pentoxide(2). No change in the appearance of chrysene adsorbed onto silica gel, aluminum oxide, 

cellulose powder, and 21% acetylated cellulose thin layer chromatography plates was observed 

following exposure to ultraviolet light(3). Irradiation of chrysene adsorbed onto silica gel, alumina, fly 

ash, and carbon black, with a mercury vapor lamp yielded photolysis half-lives of 100, 78, 38, and 690 

hours, respectively(4); indicating adsorption may affect photodegradation(4,SRC). Dark-corrected 

photolysis half-lives for chrysene adsorbed onto fly ash and irradiated with a mercury vapor lamp 

ranged from 152 to 1000 hours(5). Following 240 minutes irradiation with a mercury vapor lamp, 

approx. 33 and 81% of chrysene in a liquid mixture of methoxyphenols (commonly found in wood 

smoke) and hexadecane (representative of aliphatic hydrocarbons found in diesel soot and automobile 

exhaust) remained, respectively(6). Half-lives of >24 and 0.45 hours were determined for chrysene in 

chlorinated water at a chlorine concns of 0.6 and 10 mg/l, respectively(7). Half-lives for the direct 

photochemical decomposition of chrysene in freshwater were computed to be: 4.4 hours near the 

surface of freshwater (simulated latitude, 40 deg N, mid-day, mid-summer), 13 hours at a depth of 5 m, 

and 68 hours at a depth of 5 m and partitioned to bottom sediment(8). Half-lives of 200 and 407 days for 

chrysene in a light loam and a loamy sand soil, respectively, at 10 deg C decreased to 111 and 230 days, 

respectively, with an increase in temperature to 20 deg C(9). Chrysene absorbs light in the 

environmental spectrum(10) indicating a potential for direct photolysis(SRC). 

[(1) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington 

DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990) (2) Pitts JN et al; Environ Sci Technol 19: 

1115-21 (1985) (3) Inscoe MN; Anal Chem 36: 2505-6 (1964) (4) Behmyer TD, Hites RA; 

Environ Sci Technol 19: 1004-6 (1985) (5) Behmyer TD, Hites RA; Environ Sci Technol 

22: 1311-9 (1988) (6) McDow SR et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 2147-53 (1994) (7) 

Mori Y et al; Chemosphere 22: 495-501 (1991) (8) Anderson JW et al; Sources, Fates, 

and Effects of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Alaskan Marine Environment with 

Recommendations for Monitoring Strategies. NTIS PB86-168-291/AS. Washington,DC: 

USEPA (1986) (9) Maliszewska-Kordybach B; Environ Pollut 79: 15-20 (1993) (10) 

Mabey WR et al; Aquatic Fate Process Data for Organic Priority Pollutants, USEPAPage 23 of 55

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440/4-81-014, Washington,DC: USEPA (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Bioconcentration: 

MACOMA INQUINATA, A DETRITUS FEEDING CLAM, WAS EXPOSED FOR 60 DAYS TO 

COARSE-GRAINED, AND ABARENICOLA PACIFICA, A BURROWING POLYCHAETE, TO 

FINE-GRAINED SEDIMENT. EACH SEDIMENT CONTAINED CHRYSENE. OVER 70% OF THE 

CHRYSENE REMAINED IN THE COARSE SEDIMENT DURING THE EXPOSURE. 

ESSENTIALLY ALL REMAINED IN THE FINE SEDIMENT. THE CONCENTRATION OF 

CHRYSENE IN THE CLAMS ROSE STEADILY, REACHING LEVELS 11.6 TIMES AS HIGH AS 

THOSE IN SEDIMENT. THE CONCENTRATIONS IN ABARENICOLA TISSUE INCREASED 

FOR 2 WEEKS TO 4-6 TIMES THE SEDIMENT LEVELS. THE TISSUE CONCENTRATION OF 

CHRYSENE REMAINED CONSTANT THEREAFTER. 

[AUGENFELD JM ET AL; MAR ENVIRON RES 7 (1): 31 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

MUSSELS WERE TAKEN FROM TWO SITES, THE FIRST RELATIVELY ISOLATED FROM 

HUMAN ONSHORE ACTIVITIES AND THE SECOND ALONG THE NEWPORT BAYFRONT OF 

YAQUINA BAY, WITH POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION FROM CREOSOTED PILINGS, 

MARINAS, FISHING VESSELS, FISH PROCESSING PLANTS AND OTHER LIGHT 

INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS. THE FIRST SITE SHOWED NO CHRYSENE IN MUSSELS, 

WHILE THE SECOND SHOWED AN AVERAGE OF 86.2 UG/KG, WET WEIGHT. 

[MIX MC, SCHAFFER RL; MAR ENVIRON RES 9 (4): 193 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) WERE ANALYZED IN SURFICIAL 

SEDIMENTS AND BENTHIC ORGANISMS IN SOUTHWESTERN LAKE ERIE NEAR A LARGE 

COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT. SEDIMENTS FROM STATIONS 5 AND 10 KM TO THE NORTH 

CONTAINED SEVERAL TIMES THE LEVEL OF PAH AS DID THOSE FROM STATIONS 

DIRECTLY OFFSHORE OR TO THE SOUTH. MIDGES COLLECTED AT 1 KM OFFSHORE 

EXHIBITED BIOCONCENTRATION OF CHRYSENE. FURTHER OFFSHORE, THE APPARENT 

BIOCONCENTRATION DISAPPEARED, WITH THE MIDGES AT NEAR EQUILIBRIUM WITH 

THE SEDIMENTS. A SIMILAR RESULT WAS REPORTED FOR THE MARINE MOLLUSK 

MYTILUS EDULIS. 

[EADIE BJ ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (2): 185 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Some marine organisms have no detectable aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase enzyme systems, namely: 

phytoplankton, certain zooplankton, mussels (Mytilus edulis), scallops (Placopecten sp), and snails 

(Litternia littorea). ... Those organisms which lack a metabolic detoxification enzyme system, tend to 

accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Malins DC; Ann NY Acad Sci 298: 482-496 (1977) as cited in: Health and Welfare 

Canada; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons p.37 (1979) Report No. 80-EHD-50]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

BCFs in the clam Macoma inquinata were 694 from 7 days exposure to 0.0004 ppm chrysene via the 

overlying water column and 0.04 from exposure to oil-contaminated sediments, 8.37 ppm chrysene, for 

7 days(1). A BCF of 8.2 was measured in the bivalve Rangia cuneata over a period of 1 day using a 

chrysene water concn of 0.066 ppm(1). The mean chrysene concn in the amphipod Diporeia following 

2 days exposure to sediment-sorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was 136, 53, and 61 nmol/g for 

sediments aged 3, 60, and 150 days, respectively(2). Uptake clearance, ks, values were 0.180, 0.051, and 

0.126 g dry sediment/g h for sediments aged 3, 60, and 150 days, respectively(2). Chrysene was 

detected in the soft-body tissue of the oyster Crassostrea virginica after 43 days incubation in the water 

of Pensacola Bay, FL at concns of 4 and 11 ug/kg(3). Mercenaria mercenaria, exposed to nine 

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (including chrysene) for 48 hours did not significantly eliminate 

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them over a 45-day depuration period(4). Bioaccumulation factors (concentration in 

muscle/concentration in sediments) ranging from 0.03 to 0.06 were measured in flounder, 

Pseudopleuronectes americanus, following 4 months exposure to Hibernia crude oil in sediments(5). A 

mean BCF of 20,280 was measured in Pontoporeia hoyi(6). Bioconcentration factors (ratio between 

tissue and sediment concns) of 14.7 and 6.2 were measured in Polychaete sp. and Capitella capitata(7). 

Clams, Macoma nasuta, exposed to field-contaminated sediments for 28 days contained chrysene at 

mean concns ranging from 8.1 to 88 ng/g dry weight(8). A BCF of approx 2000 was measured in 

Daphnia magna, elimination of chrysene was rapid(9). According to a classification scheme(10), these 

BCFs suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to very high(SRC). 

[(1) Anderson JW et al; Sources, Fates, and Effects of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the 

Alaskan Marine Environment with Recommendations for Monitoring Strategies. NTIS 

PB86-168-291/AS. Washington, DC: USEPA (1986) (2) Landrum PF et al; Environ Toxicol 

Chem 11: 1197-1208 (1992) (3) Elder JF, Dresler PV; Environ Pollut 49: 117-32 

(1988) (4) Tanacredl JT, Cardenas RR; Environ Sci Technol 25: 1453-61 (1991) (5) 

Hellou J et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 27: 477-85 (1994) (6) Eadie BJ et al; 

Chemosphere 11: 847-58 (1982) (7) Bayona JM et al; Chemosphere 23: 313-26 (1991) 

(8) Ferraro SP et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 19: 386-94 (1990) (9) Eastmond DA 

et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 13: 105-11 (1984) (10) Franke C et al; 

Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Soil Adsorption/Mobility: 

Sorption coefficients for chrysene obtained during 48 hour batch experiments using two lake sediments 

with an organic carbon of 1.87 and 2.07%, and a high chemical concn were 5,200 and 12,000, 

respectively(1). Sorption coefficients obtained from 48 hour batch experiments using a low chrysene

concn were 6,300 and 9,500 using lake sediments with 1.87% and 2.07% organic carbon, respectively

(1). These values correspond to estimated Koc values of 2.8X10+5, 5.8X10+5, 3.4X10+5, and 

4.6X10+5(2,SRC). The Koc of chrysene is estimated as approximately 3.1X10+4(SRC), using a 

measured log Kow of 5.73(3) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a recommended 

classification scheme(4), these estimated and measured Koc values suggest that chrysene is expected to 

be immobile in soil(SRC). Sorption removal accounted for >6.2% and >8.5% of the chrysene present in 

the influent of a high-loaded laboratory scale activated sludge reactor and a biological aerated filter 

reactor, respectively(5). Chrysene was identified as a leachate in laboratory leaching experiments 

conducted using coal from PA and MD during several leaching events occurring at 10 and 14-day 

intervals(6). 

[(1) Gert-Jandemaagd P et al; Polycyclic Aromat Compd 5: 219-24 (1994) (2) Lyman WJ 

et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem 

Soc pp. 4-2, 4-9 (1990) (3) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, 

Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR (consult ed) 

Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc p 154 (1995) (4) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) 

(5) Clapp LW et al; Water Environ Res 66: 153-60 (1994) (6) Fendinger NA et al; 

Environ Sci Technol 23: 170-7 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Volatilization from Water/Soil: 

The Henry's Law constant for chrysene is estimated as 9.9X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its 

experimental values for vapor pressure, 6.23X10-9 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 1.89X10-3 mg/l(2). 

This value indicates that chrysene is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3,SRC). 

Chrysene's Henry's Law constant(1,2,SRC) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not 

expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Chrysene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil 

surfaces(SRC) based on a measured vapor pressure of 6.23X10-9 mm Hg(1). 

[(1) Hoyer H, Peperle W; Z Elektrochem 62: 61-6 (1958) (2) Yalkowsky SH, 

Dannenfelser RM; Aquasol Database of Aqueous Solubility. Version 5. College of 

Pharmacy, Univ of Ariz - Tucson, AZ. PC Version (1992) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook 

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of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 

15-29 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Water Concentrations: 

GROUNDWATER: Groundwater samples from a well depth of 21 m at a location adjacent to the 

American Creosote Works in Pensacola, FL in March 1990 were found to contain chrysene at a concn 

of 2.7 mg/l(1). Chrysene was detected in 13% of groundwater samples from 4 wood treatment sites at 

an average concn of 249 ppb(2). Chrysene was identified, but not quantified in groundwater from St. 

Louis Park, a contaminated aquifer(3). 

[(1) Middaugh DP et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 21: 233-44 (1991) (2) Rosenfeld 

JK, Plumb RHJR; Ground Water Monit Rev 11: 133-40 (1991) (3) Rostad CE et al; 

Chemosphere 14: 1023-36 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DRINKING WATER: Chrysene was detected in samples of Nordic tap water at concns up to 6.7 ng/l

(1). Chrysene was detected in drinking water samples collected from 10 different locations in 

Ahmedabad City, India between 5/87 and 7/87 at concns ranging from 19.25 to 998.46 ng/l; mean concn 

220.57 ng/l(2). 

[(1) Kveseth K et Al; Chemosphere 11 (7): 623 (1982) (2) Jani JP et al; Bull 

Environ Contam Toxicol 47: 381-5 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SURFACE WATER: Chrysene was detected in water samples collected from a perennial freshwater 

stream that flows through the abandoned American Creosote Works site in Pensacola, FL in March 1990 

at a concn of 0.0008 mg/l(1). Chrysene was detected, not quantified, in suspended particulate matter 

samples collected in the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries in 1990 and 1991; the frequency of 

detection was as follows: 8/90, 43%; 10/90, 61%; 4/91, 76%; 5/91, 70%(2). Water samples collected 

from Lake Manzala, located at the northeastern edge of the Nile Delta in Egypt, and three drains 

contained chrysene at concns ranging from 3.9 to 1600.0 ng/l(3). Chrysene was detected but not 

quantified in water and suspended sediment samples from Fort Erie, Canada and Niagara-on-the-Lake 

between 12/84 and 3/86(4). Chrysene was detected in samples collected from the Otonabee River, 

Ontario, Canada in 1994 at concns ranging from 0.0503 to 0.2781 ug/ml(5). Seawater samples from the 

Baltic Sea collected in Nov 1993 at depths of 10 to 15 m were found to contain chrysene at concns 

ranging from 37.28 to 459.09 pg/l, average concn of 116.79 pg/l; concns in samples at depths below 70 

m ranged from 10.68 to 91.59 pg/l, average concn of 53.35 pg/l(6). Chrysene was detected in water 

samples from the Mississippi River at concns of 7, 12, and 10 ng/l for samples collected near the inflow 

of the Ohio River, 20 miles below Memphis, TN, and in New Orleans, LA, respectively(7). In the 

summer of 1987 to 1988, chrysene was detected in uncontaminated seawater samples from the Atlantic 

sector of the Southern Ocean at a mean concn of 1.1 ng/l and a maximum concn of 13.8 ng/l(8). A 

surface snow sample collected at the Summit of the Greenland Ice Sheet in the summer of 1991 at a 

depth of 160 to 170 cm contained chrysene at a concn of 205 pg/kg(9). Chrysene has been reported in 

the following Great Lakes Basin ecosystems: Lake Ontario (Niagara River), Lake Erie (Union Ship 

Canal; Buffalo River; Smoke Creek; Grand River, OH; Cuyahago River; Rocky River), Lake Michigan 

(St. Joseph River), and Lake Superior (St. Louis River, western basin)(10). In 1990 and 1992, the 

average chrysene concn in surface water (3 m depth) and bottom water(2 m above bottom) of the 

mesohaline Chesapeake Bay was 0.28 and 0.74 ng/l, respectively(11). 

[(1) Middaugh DP et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 21: 233-44 (1991) (2) Pham T et 

al; Chemosphere 27: 1137-49 (1993) (3) Badawy MI et al; Environ Contam Toxicol 55: 

258-63 (1995) (4) Great Lakes Water Quality Board; Report to the International 

Joint Commission Vol II, Appendix B (1989) (5) Bennett ER et al; Chemosphere 33: 

363-75 (1996) (6) Witt G; Mar Pollut Bull 31: 237-48 (1995) (7) DeLeon IR et al; 

Chemosphere 15: 795-805 (1986) (8) Cripps GC; Mar Pollut Bull 24: 109-14 (1992) (9) 

Jaffrezo JL et al; Atmos Environ 28: 1139-45 (1994) (10) Great Lakes Water Quality 

Board; Report to the Great Lakes Water Quality Board, Windsor, Ontario, Canada 

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(1983) (11) Ko FC, Baker JE; Mar Chem 49: 171-88 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RAIN/SNOW: Chrysene was detected in the dissolved(and particulate) phases in snow, winter rain, 

spring rain, and summer rain samples collected at an urban site in Switzerland at mean concns of 56 

(89); 18 (16); 9.5 (9.2); and 1.2 (8.9) ng/l, respectively(1). Chrysene was detected in the particulate 

phase of fog samples collected at an urban site in Switzerland at a mean concn of 340 ng/l(1). Samples 

of rainwater collected from four locations in the Netherlands in 1983 were found to contain chrysene at 

median concns of 23, 29, 21, and 27 ng/l for Witteveen, de Bilt, Vlissingen, and Biest-houtakker, 

respectively(2). Chrysene has been detected in rainwater samples from urban Frankfurt, Germany, 

suburban Beaverton, OR, and urban Azusa, CA at 80, 2.4, and 1.6 ng/l, respectively(3). Chrysene has 

been detected in particulate matter associated with rain in urban Frankfurt, Germany, suburban 

Beaverton, OR and urban Azusa, CA at concns of 120, 4.0, and 5.9 ng/l, respectively(3). Dissolved rain 

concns of chrysene in Portland, OR in 1984 ranged from 3.3 to 12 ng/l, mean concn 7.9 ng/l(4). A 

surface snow sample collected at the Summit of the Greenland Ice Sheet in the summer of 1991 at a 

depth of 160 to 170 cm contained chrysene at a concn of 205 pg/kg(5). 

[(1) Leuenberger C et al; Atmos Environ 22: 695-705 (1988) (2) Den Hollander H et 

al; Sci Total Environ 52: 211-9 (1986) (3) Mazurek MA, Simoneit BRT; CRC Critical 

Review Environ Control Vol 16 pp 16-7 (1986) (4) Ligocki MP et al; Atmos Environ 

19: 1609-17 (1985) (5) Great Lakes Water Quality Board; Report to the Great Lakes 

Water Quality Board, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Effluent Concentrations: 

CHRYSENE WAS DETERMINED IN EFFLUENT FROM BEKKELAGET SEWAGE 

TREATMENT PLANT IN NORWAY AT UP TO 184 NG/L (1980); AT UP TO 50 NG/G IN 

TRANSPLANTED MUSSELS OUTSIDE THE BEKKELAGET SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT; 

AT UP TO 6.7 NG/L IN SAMPLES OF NORDIC TAP WATER. 

[KVESETH K ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (7): 623 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

24-HOUR COMPOSITE SAMPLES OF WASTEWATERS WERE ANALYZED FROM DISSOLVED 

AIR FLOATATION (DAF) AND FINAL CLARIFIER (FC) UNITS OF CLASS B REFINERY 

ACTIVATED SLUDGE TREATMENT SYSTEM. CHRYSENE WAS PRESENT IN BOTH 

SAMPLES. 

[BURKE SL; ENVIRON INT 7 (4): 271 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Average chrysene concns associated with the solid phase in raw sewage, primary effluent, and 

secondary effluent from the Hamilton Woodward plant, a conventional activated sludge treatment 

facility, were 10.2, 8.9, and 1.1 ug/g, respectively(1). Chrysene was detected in farmland ditch water at 

a mean concn of 0.10 ug/l and railway right-of-way ditch water at mean concns of 228 and 0.17 ug/l for 

ditches with and without utility poles, respectively(2). Chrysene was detected in coke plant exhausts at 

concns of 3.1 ng/cu m from the coke battery and 2.1 ng/cu m from the topside of the coke oven(3). Flue 

gases from a large incinerator plant in Italy contained chrysene at a concn of 113 ng/normalized cu m

(4). Chrysene was detected in emissions from a cast iron wood stove (sheet iron) burning different types 

of fuels, mg/cu m: virgin beech wood, 0.045 to 0.068 (0.170 to 0.735); briquettes made of wood chips, 

0.294 to 0.516 (1.92 to 2.37); scrap wood, 0.427 to 1.18 (1.13 to 1.48); briquettes made os sorted 

domestic waste, 0.060 to 0.123(0.120 to 0.552); pine wood preserved with pentachlorophenol, 0.577 to 

1.02(0.679 to 1.03); and rolled up newspapers, 0.097 to 1.02 (0.097 to 0.187)(5). 

[(1) Melcer H et al; Wat Environ Res 67: 926-34 (1995) (2) Wan MT; J Environ Qual 

23: 1297-1304 (1994) (3) Khesina AY Environ Health Perspect 4: 49-53 (1994) (4) 

Morselli L et al; Chemosphere 18: 2263-73 (1989) (5) Nielsen PA et al; Chemosphere 

24: 1317-30 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

US STORET database, 1,236 samples, 3.3% pos, median chrysene concn <10 ppb(1). Estimated 

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chrysene emissions from mobile sources in 1979 were 150 metric tons(2). Mean raw wastewater 

chrysene concn, ppb, in those industries exceeding 100 ppb includes (max wastewater concn, ppb): iron 

and steel <200 (800), foundries 2400 (13,000), photographic 180 (350), nonferrous metals organic 

chemicals/plastics 390(3). Samples of urban runoff collected in Madrid contained chrysene at a mean 

annual concn of 1.4 ug/l(4). 

[(1) Staples CA et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 4: 131-42 (1985) (2) National Research 

Council; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Evaluation of Sources and Effects, 

National Acad Press Washington, DC (1983) (3) USEPA; Treatability Manual; pp 

1.10.12-2 to 1.10.12-3 USEPA-600/2-82-001A (1981) (4) Bomboi MT, Hernandez A; Water 

Res 25: 557-565 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Sediment/Soil Concentrations: 

SOIL: Chrysene was detected in soil samples obtained from a former wood impregnation plant and a 

former tar-oil refinery at concns of 68.4 and 58.1 mg/kg soil, respectively(1). Chrysene was detected in 

the organic surface layer of soil and the top 10 cm of mineral soil at 10 forest sites near a blast furnace 

plant in the Netherlands; average concns, ng/g dry weight: in the litter, 594, 235, 159, 182, 115, 126, 

100, 44.9, 95.9, and 0, at 0.3, 0.5, 1.2, 1.7, 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 4.5, and 6.6 km away from the blast furnace 

site; in the fragmentation, 332, 373, 231, 260, 176, 163, 189, 170, 35.1, and 102, at 0.3, 0.5, 1.2, 1.7, 2.0, 

2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 4.5, and 6.6 km away from the blast furnace site; in the humus, 427, 336, 213, 237, 172, 

177, 159, 164, 112, and 19.4, at 0.3, 0.5, 1.2, 1.7, 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 4.5, and 6.6 km away from the blast 

furnace site; and in the mineral soil, 179, 200, 73.5, 50.8, 19.8, 47.5, 20.0, 32.4, 5.2, and 26.4, at 0.3, 

0.5, 1.2, 1.7, 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4, 4.5, and 6.6 km away from the blast furnace site(2). Chrysene was 

detected in soil samples from the following locations near Lake Burley Griffin, Australia, ug/kg dry 

weight: Gininderra falls, 4; Civic, 37; and Queanbean, 83(3). Soil samples collected in the vicinity of a 

large incineration plant in Italy contained chrysene at concns ranging from 2 to 466 ng/g, average concn 

of 125.4 ng/g(4). Soil samples collected along an urban roadway system in Brisbane, Australia were 

found to contain chrysene at an average concn of 39 ng/g dry weight(5). Chrysene was detected in soil 

samples from an oil refinery in Washington state at concns of 98 (0 to 6 inches deep), 60 (12 to 24); 2 

(24 to 36); and 0.6 mg/kg (36 to 54)(6). 

[(1) Weissenfels WD et al; Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 36: 689-96 (1992) (2) Van 

Brummelen TC et al; Chemosphere 32: 293-314 (1996) (3) Leeming R; Maher W; Org 

Geochem 18: 647-55 (1992) (4) Morselli L et al; Chemosphere 18: 2263-73 (1989) (5) 

Pathirana S et al; Ecotox Toxicol Safety 28: 256-69 (1994) (6) Erickson DC et al; 

ASTM Spec Tech Publ, STP 1075 (Waste Test Qual Assur; Third Vol) pp 257-65 (1992)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

SOIL: 20 out of 20 soil samples from sites of the Swiss Soil Monitoring Network were found to contain 

chrysene at concns ranging from 5 to 82 ug/kg dry weight, with a mean concn of 20.5 ug/kg dry weight

(1). Chrysene was detected in 60 of 62 soil samples collected from Boston, MA, Springfield, Ma, and 

Providence, RI in July 1992 at concns ranging from 0.038 to 21.00 mg/kg(2). Chrysene's concn was 

monitored in an agricultural soil for a period of 100 years; concn in 1846, 1881, 1893, 1914, 1944, 1956, 

1966, 1980 and 1986 were 24, 16, 11, 18, 50, 87, 41, 120 and 78 ng/g, respectively(3). Chrysene was 

detected in soil samples collected in Birmingham, UK and Lahore, Pakistan at concns of 149 and 62.9 

and 5.71 ug/kg, respectively(4). 

[(1) Berset JD, Holzer R; Int J Environ Anal Chem 59: 145-65 (1995) (2) Bradley LJ 

et al; J Soil Contam 3: 349-61 (1994) (3) Jones KC et al; Environ Sci Technol 23: 

95-101 (1989) (4) Smith DJT et al; Environ Technol 16: 45-53 (1995)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

SEDIMENT: Sediment samples taken from a discharge stream near a wood-preserving facility in 

Pensacola, FL in 1984 contained chrysene at an average concn of 8,500 ug/kg; sediment taken from 

Pensacola Bay was found to contain 100 ug chrysene/kg(1). Chrysene was detected in suspended 

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sediment samples taken from Suisun Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Chipps Island (areas of San Francisco 

Bay, CA) in 1991 at average concns of 43.2, 7.8, and 13.5 ng/g, respectively(2). Concns of chrysene in 

laminated sediments collected from the northern Baltic proper were, ug/g C (sediment layer, mm): 1.2 (0 

to 1.8); 1.5 (1.8 to 3.6); 1.2 (3.6 to 5.4); 1.7 (7.2 to 9.0); 1.3 (10.8 to 12.6); 2.2 (16.2 to 18.0); 2.2 (21.6 

to 23.4); 2.6 (27.0 to 28.8); 2.9 (32.4 to 34.2) and 2.9(37.8 to 39.6)(3). Bed and suspended sediment 

samples taken from Suisun Bay, CA contained chrysene at concns ranging from 1.7 to 106 ng/g dry 

weight in the bed sediment and 56 to 151 ng/g dry weight in the suspended sediment(4). Chrysene was 

detected in sediment samples taken in the vicinity of a chemical factory that processes crude tar and 

benzene in Czechoslovakia in Aug 1989; concns ranged from 500 to 2383 ng/g(5). Sediment samples 

collected from Santa Monica Bay and Palos Verdes Shelf, CA in Sept 1985 contained mean chrysene

concns of, ng/g dry weight (depth, cm): in the Bay 7.4 (0 to 2) and 5.9 (4 to 8); and in the Shelf 50 (0 to 

2), 41 (8 to 12), 174 (0 to 2), and 249 (8 to 12)(6). Chrysene was detected in ditch sediments adjacent to 

farmlands and railways at mean concns of 0.08 and 1.05 ug/l(7). It was detected in utility right-of-way 

ditch sediments at mean concns of, mg/kg wet weight: 92, at the base of utility poles; 0.11, 4 m 

upstream from a utility pole; 0.41 , 0.1 to 0.3 m from a utility pole; and 0.17, 4 m downstream from a 

utility pole(7). Surface and sub-surface sediment samples collected from 7 stations in Hor al-Hammar 

marsh, Iraq contained chrysene at concns ranging from 0.04 to 0.80 ppb dry weight in the surface 

sediment and 0.02 to 0.60 ppb dry weight in the sub-surface sediment(8). 28 of 29 superlayer and 

underlayer deep sea sediment samples from 15 sampling sites in the Gulf of Lion, Mediterranean Sea, 

France were found to contain chrysene at concns ranging from 0.7 to 72.7 ng/g dry weight; the 

chrysene concn in a sediment sample from the Grand Rhone River, located downstream from a highly 

industrialized and urbanized area, was 84.6 ng/g dry sediment(9). Chrysene was detected in sediments 

from the Danube and Traun rivers in Austria at concns ranging from 33 to 78 ug/kg dry weight and 32 

ug/kg dry weight, respectively(10). 

[(1) Elder JF, Dresler PV; Environ Pollut 49: 117-32 (1988) (2) Domagalski JL, 

Kuivila KM; Estuaries 16: 416-26 (1993) (3) Broman D et al; Chemosphere 29: 1325-31 

(1994) (4) Pereira WE et al; Mar Pollut Bull 24: 103-9 (1992) (5) Holoubek I et al; 

Toxicol Environ Chem 29: 251-60 (1991) (6) Ferraro SP et al; Arch Environ Contam 

Toxicol 19: 386-94 (1990) (7) Wan MT; J Environ Qual 23: 1297-1304 (1994) (8) AlSaad HT, Al-Hashash H; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 43: 864-9 (1987) (9) Domine D et 

al; Sci Total Environ 155: 9-24 (1994) (10) Chovanec A et al; Chemosphere 29: 2117-

33 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SEDIMENT: Chrysene was detected in the following Australian marine sediments from 

urbanized/industrialized catchments, ug/kg: Brisbane River, 190 to 970; Townsville Harbor, 7.3 to 1500; 

Gladstone Harbor, 11; and the Georges River, 63 to 774(1). It was detected in the following Australian 

lake sediments from non-urban locations, ug/kg: Hinchenbrook Island, <2.0; Burdikin River, 1.4 to 5.7; 

Ross River, <1 to 15; John Brewer Reef, <0.02; Heron Island, <0.3 to 2; and Green Island, <0.1 to 0.8

(1). Sediments from Lake Burley Griffin, Australia influent streams were found to contain chrysene at 

concns ranging from 1 to 83 ug/kg dry weight for Molonglo river Fyshwick and Ipswich road inflow, 

respectively(1). Mean surface sediment (upper 2 cm) chrysene concns in samples collected from 

Newfoundland near input sources were approx 250 ng/% TOC in St. John's Harbor and approx 45 ng/% 

TOC in Conception Bay(2). Bed sediments collected along a contamination gradient in the Lauritzen 

Canal, CA in 1993 contained chrysene at concns ranging from 110 to 1940 ng/g; the highest concn 

occurring at the head of the canal(3). The concn of chrysene in sediment cores taken near industrial 

plants on the St. Lawrence River in 1992 contained chrysene at concns of 698 and 1.13 ug/g near the 

Reynolds Aluminum plant and the General Motors plant, respectively(4). The concn of chrysene in 

sediment cores taken from Arthur Kill, Hackensack River, and the Passaic River ranged from 0.39 to 

14.0, 0.49 to 6.60, and 0.18 to 340 ng/kg, respectively(5). 58% of the 31 sediment samples taken from 

the Detroit River in 1982 were found to contain chrysene at concns ranging from 0.15 to 28.38 mg/kg

(6). Chrysene was detected in samples of surficial sediments collected in Jan 1989 from the continental 

shelf of Tabasco state, Mexico at concns ranging from 55 to 356 ng/g dry weight(7). Surficial and 

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surface water suspended solids sampled from Lake Superior contained chrysene at mean concns of 

123.7 and 61 ng/g, respectively(8). Chrysene was detected in sediments collected from various 

locations of the Shatt Al-Arab River and the northwest region of the Arabian Gulf between Nov 1979 

and April 1980 at concns ranging from 0.01 to 11.30 ng/g(9). Mean chrysene concns in sediments from 

Arthur Kill, Hackensack River, Kill Van Kull, Passaic River, and Newark Bay, NJ were 1.9, 2.1, 1.0, 

7.9, and 2.2 mg/kg dry weight, respectively, between Nov 1991 and March 1993(10). 

[(1) Leeming R; Maher W; Org Geochem 18: 647-55 (1992) (2) O'Malley VP et al; 

Environ Sci Technol 30: 634-9 (1996) (3) Pereira WE et al; Mar Environ Res 41: 299-

314 (1996) (4) Sokol RC et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 2054-64 (1994) (5) Huntley 

SL et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 51: 865-72 (1993) (6) Great Lakes Water 

Quality Board; Report to the International Joint Commission Vol II, Appendix B 

(1989) (7) Botello AV et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 47: 565-71 (1991) (8) 

Baker JE et al; Environ Sci Technol 25: 500-9 (1991) (9) Al-Saad HT; Mar Pollut 

Bull 18: 248-51 (1987) (10) Huntley SL et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 28: 93-

107 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SEDIMENT: Sediments collected in Tokyo Bay in July and Aug 1973 contained chrysene at concns 

ranging from 0.006 to 0.274 mg/kg dry matter(1). Chrysene was detected in sediments from Eagle 

Harbor, Puget Sound, WA and President Point, WA at concns ranging from 300 to 7800 ng/g dry weight 

in Eagle Harbor and 140 ng/g dry weight in President Point sediment(2). Nearshore surface marine 

sediments from several locations in Australia contained chrysene at concns of, ug/kg dry weight: 190 to 

970, Brisbane River; 7.3 to 1500, Townsville Harbor; 11, Gladstone Harbor; <2.0, Hinchinbrook Island; 

1.4 to 5.7, Burdikin River; <1 to 15, Ross River; <0.02, John Brewer Reef; <0.3 to 2.0, Heron Island; 

and <0.04 to 0.8, Green Island(3). 95 of 96 grab samples from 19 stations in the Gulf of Maine collected 

in June and Sept 1983 contained chrysene at concns ranging from 2 to 22 ppb dry weight(4). Sediments 

from the Venice lagoon, a polluted coastal environment in northeastern Italy, contained chrysene at 

concns ranging from 1.4X10-2 to 7.9 ug/g dry sediment(5). Sediment samples collected from 5 regions 

of Casco Bay, Maine in Aug 1991 contained chrysene (concentration range, ppm dry weight): Inner 

Bay (44 to 766); West Bay (19 to 74); East Bay (47 to 530); Cape Small (1 to 398); and Outer Bay (53 

to 192)(6). Surficial sediments collected from St. Mary's River in 1985 contained chrysene at concns 

ranging from 0.02 to 9.90 mg/kg dry weight(7). Sediment cores collected from 17 locations on the 

Washington continental shelf and slope contained chrysene at concns of, ug/g organic carbon: inner 

shelf, 1.8 and 2.1; midshelf, 2.2 to 3.4; outer shelf, 0.6 and 1.4; slope, 0.4 to 1.6; and 22 to 24 cm 

(Pleistocene gray clay), 2.9(8). In 1992, chrysene was detected in bed sediments from the San Joaquin 

River at Vernalis and Patterson at concns of 1.7 and 0.2 ng/l, respectively(9). Chrysene was also 

detected in the bed sediments from tributaries of the San Joaquin River at the following concns, ng/l: 

0.6, Salt Slough; 0.9 Orestimba Creek; 85, Dry Creek; 16, Mokelumne River at Woodbridge; and 20, the 

Turlock Irrigation District lateral 5(9). Concns of chrysene in suspended sediments from the San 

Joaquin River and its tributaries were, ng/l: 2.8, Salt Slough; 1.7, Orestimba Creek; 480, Dry Creek; and 

4.0, San Joaquin River at Patterson(9). 

[(1) Matsushima H; Agric Biol Chem 46: 1489-94 (1982) (2) Malins DC et al; 

Carcinogenesis 6: 1463-9 (1985) (3) Maher WA, Aislabie J; Sci Total Environ 112: 

143-64 (1992) (4) Larsen PF et al; Mar Environ Res 18: 231-44 (1986) (5) LaRocca C 

et al; Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 33: 236-45 (1996) (6) Kennicutt MC II et al; 

Environ Sci Technol 28: 1-15 (1994) (7) Kauss PB, Hamdy YS; Hydrobiologia 219: 37-

62 (1991) (8) Prahl FG, Carpenter R; Est Coast Shelf Sci 18: 703-19 (1984) (9) 

Pereira WE et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 15: 172-80 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SEDIMENT: US STORET database, 319 samples, 9.0% pos, median chrysene concn <500 ppb(1). 

Chrysene was detected in estuarine sediment from Buzzards Bay, MA, ppb dry weight (miles from 

shore), 240 (0.5), 40 (1.3)(2). Tamar Estuary, UK, May 1980: suspended solids, 283 ppb; sediments, 

345 ppb(3). River seds in South Wales, site of old coal mine, contained 35.5 ppm chrysene(4). 3 sites in 

Lake Pontchartrain, LA, ppb dry weight, 54 (8 samples), 7.3 and not detected (1 sample each)(5). It was 

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detected in sediments from remote Adirondack lakes in NY, ppm dry wt (depth, cm): Sagamore Lake, 

190 (0 to 8), 77 (8 to 12), 2 to 7 (12 to 85); Woods Lake, 890 (0 to 4), 220 (4 to 8), 4 (8 to 11), 2 to 17 

(12 to 84)(6). 27 worldwide stations, 96% pos, not detected to 1500 ppb dry weight, 1 station, 21,000 

ppb (Charles River, Boston, MA) (7). Chrysene was detected in sediments from Wilderness Lake, 

Ontario, Canada, 23 ppb dry wt(8). Hamilton Harbor sediment cores collected in 1989 contained 

chrysene at concns ranges of, ug/g (depth in cm): 1.5 to 11.2 (0 to 2); 0.0 to 9.5 (2 to 4); and 1.5 to 17.6 

(10 to 12)(9). Chrysene concns in sediment cores from Tilbury docks on the River Thames, UK were, 

ug/g dry sediment (depth below OD, cm): 0.64 (445-455), 1.05 (465-474), 1.10 (484-494), 2.63 (523-

533), 1.75 (543-553), 2.26 (563-572), 1.70 (582-592), 3.64 (602-612), 3.35 (621-631), 2.89 (641-651), 

3.05 (661-670), 2.56 (680-690), 2.23 (700-710), 2.60 (719-729), 3.11 (739-749), 1.72 (759-768), 1.29 

(778-798), 3.35 (798-808), 3.02 (817-827), and 4.19 (837-847)(10). 

[(1) Staples CA et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 4: 289-311 (1980) (2) Sims RC, Overcash 

MR; Res Rev 88: 1-68 (1983) (3) Readman JW et al; Estuarine, Coastal Shelf Sci 14: 

369-89 (1982) (4) Carlson RM et al; Implications to the Aquatic Environment of 

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons Liberated from Northern Great Plains Coal USEPA600/3-79-093 (1979) (5) McFall JA et al; Chemosphere 14: 1561-9 (1985) (6) Tan YL, 

Heit M; Geochimica 45: 2267-79 (1981) (7) Hites RA et al; Adv Chem Ser 185: 289-311 

(1980) (8) Verschueren K; Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals 2nd 

ed Von Nostrand Reinhold NY pp 392-4 (1983) (9) Murphy TP et al; Water Pollut Res J 

Can 26: 1-16 (1991) (10) Taylor PN, Lester JN; Environ Technol 16: 1155-63 (1995)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Atmospheric Concentrations: 

DETAILED STUDIES OF AIR POLLUTION IN VARIOUS CITIES ... SHOWED THAT IN 

GENERAL CONCN DEPENDED ON GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION, PRESENCE OF NEARBY 

SOURCES OF POLLUTION SUCH AS TRAFFIC HIGHWAYS OR INDUSTRIES, & SEASON ... 

GREATER IN WINTER THAN IN SUMMER. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 161 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... 12 UG CHRYSENE /WAS ISOLATED/ FROM AUTOMOBILE EXHAUST GAS AFTER 1-MIN 

RUN & 175 MG/KG OF EXHAUST TAR FROM GASOLINE ENGINE EXHAUST. TWO-CYCLE 

DIESEL ENGINES UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS PRODUCED 3.6-17 UG/CU M OF 

EXHAUST. ... 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 161 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Ambient airborne concns of chrysene at suburban sites 11 to 17 km from an 

urban center are approximately similar inside and outside detached residential houses(1). At all sites, 

monitored chrysene appears in highest concn in the range of 4 to 7 ng/cu m(1). This background is 

roughly equivalent to the exposure to this chemical experienced by the lung when 1 cigarette is smoked 

per day(1). Suspended particulates collected at four sites in Athens, Greece between 2/84 to 1/85 and 

2/85 to 1/86 contained chrysene at mean concns ranging from 3.6 to 5.6 ng/cu m and 3.0 to 5.0 ng/cu m, 

respectively(2). 24-hour samples of airborne particulates sampled from two sites, site 1 was located at 

the center of the city and site 2 was located in the industrial zone of the city, in Thessaloniki, Greece 

during a one year period starting in 7/87 were found to contain chrysene at mean concns of 3.4 and 4.1 

ng/cu m, respectively(3). Atmospheric samples collected at locations around Birmingham, UK in the 

winter and summer contained chrysene at a total concn (particulate) of 6.49 (2.21) and 0.61 (0.21) ng/cu 

m, respectively; the total concn (particulate) at a rural site in the summer was 0.15 (0.07) ng/cu m(4). 

Chrysene was detected in air samples collected along Exhibition Road, London between 1/91 and 7/92 

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at concns ranging from 0.20 to 15.25 ng/cu m, average concn 5.67 ng/cu m(5). Airborne particulate 

samples collected from the Upper Silesia region of Poland, in the winter of 1988-89 and the summer of 

1989, were found to contain chrysene(number of times detected, concn range in ng/cu m): winter (9, 4.4 

to 78.7) and summer (9, 2.2 to 30.0)(6). Chrysene was detected in air samples from South Kensington, 

UK collected between Oct 1985 and Dec 1987 at mean concns of 1.18, 1.22, and 0.40 ng/cu m for 

particulates collected between 1985 to 1986, for particulates collected in 1987, and for gas phase 

chrysene collected in 1987, respectively(7). 

[(1) Butler JD, Crossley P; Sci Total Environ 11: 53 (1979) (2) Viras LG, Siskos 

PA; Polycyclic Aromat Compd 3: 89-100 (1993) (3) Viras LG et al; Environ Toxicol 

Chem 10: 999-1007 (1991) (4) Smith DJT, Harrison RM; Atmos Environ 30: 2513-25 

(1996) (5) Brown JR et al; Sci Total Environ 177: 73-84 (1996) (6) Bodzek D et al; 

Atmos Environ 27A: 759-64 (1993) (7) Baek SO et al; Sci Total Environ 111: 169-99 

(1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Chrysene was detected in (the particulate and vapor phases) air samples 

collected from Kosnica, Croatia in Feb and Aug of 1990 at mean concns of 6.80 and 7.5 ng/cu m, 

respectively(1). Winter average concns for chrysene in Kosnica in the particulate and vapor phases were 

4.5 to 14.3 ng/cu m and 1.05 to 2.0 ng/cu m, respectively; summer average concns for chrysene in 

Kosnica in the particulate and vapor phases were 8.5 to 12.5 ng/cu m and 3.5 to 5.3 ng/cu m, 

respectively(1). Chrysene was detected in ambient air samples collected from various areas in 

Stockholm from June 1980 to Dec 1983 at mean concns ranging from 0.1 to 7.3 ng/cu m(2). Particulate 

matter collected from the air of La Plata, Argentina between 1983 and 1984, and 1985 and 1986 

contained chrysene at concns ranging from, ng/cu m: 0.85 between 6/84 and 9/84; 0.16 between 9/84 

and 12/84; 0.60 between 1/85 and 4/85; 1.36 between 4/85 to 8/85; 0.29 between 8/85 and 12/85; 0.34 

between 12/85 and 1/86; and 0.06 between 3/86 and 6/86(3). Mean chrysene concns in urban air 

samples collected in the UK between 1/91 and 12/92 were, ng/cu m: 3.05, London 1991; 1.48, London 

1992; 2.08, Stevenage 1991; 1.67, Stevenage 1992; 3.00, Manchester 1991; 1.35, Manchester 1992; 

2.48, Cardiff 1991; and 1.69, Cardiff 1992(4). Geometric mean concns of chrysene at four sites in New 

Jersey in the winter of 1982 were, ng/cu m: 4.94, Newark; 5.33, Elizabeth; 2.66, Camden; and 1.32, 

Ringwood(5). Geometric mean concns of chrysene at four sites in New Jersey during the summer of 

1982 were, ng/cu m: 0.52, Newark; 0.31, Elizabeth; 0.22, Camden; and 0.12, Ringwood(5). Geometric 

mean concns of chrysene at four sites in New Jersey in the winter of 1983 were, ng/cu m: 2.42, Newark; 

1.01, Elizabeth; 0.62, Camden; and 0.29, Ringwood(5). Chrysene was detected in air particulate matter 

from Augusta City, Italy during 10/91 to 7/92 at concns ranging from 1.39 in the autumn ton the winter

(6). The mean particulate phase chrysene concn in urban Lahore, Pakistan was 8.64 ng/cu m(7). 

[(1) Eskinja I et al; Indian J Anal Chem 63: 251-68 (1996) (2) Colmsjo AL et al; 

Chemosphere 15: 169-82 (1986) (3) Catoggio JA et al; Sci Total Environ 79: 43-58 

(1989) (4) Halsall CJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 2380-6 (1994) (5) Greenberg A 

et al; Atmos Environ 19: 1325-39 (1985) (6) Librando V, Fazzino SD; Chemosphere 27: 

1649-56 (1993) (7) Smith DJT et al; Atmos Environ 30: 4031-40 (1996)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Detroit, 3 sites, 1.3 to 11.6 ng/cu m; College Park, MD, 4.8 ng/cu m; Los 

Angeles, CA, 0.60 ng/cu m; Rome, 3.4 to 15.0 ng/cu m; Budapest, 7.15 ng/cu m; Sidney, Australia, 12 

samples, 0.2 to 6.65 ng/cu m; Rome, 19 samples, 0.4 to 39.0 ng/cu m; Toronto, particulate, winter, 17.5 

ppm(1). Greater Birmingham, AL, Birmingham, 4 sites, 4.4 to 27.9 ng/cu m, 6 other surrounding sites, 

2.0 to 13.1 ng/cu m, overall avg, 9.6 ng/cu m(2). Budapest, 1973, summer/winter, heavy traffic area, 

78.3/121.2, low traffic area, 56.1/30.4 ng/cu m; The Netherlands, 1968 to 1971, 5 cities, 2 summer data 

points each, 1 to 5 ng/cu m, 4 winter data points each, 4 to 38 ng/cu m(3). Suburban houses, inside, 3.98 

ng/cu m, outside, 4.56 ng/cu m(3). 

[(1) Santodonato J et al; Health and Ecological Assessment of Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons Lee SD, Grant L eds Pathotox Publ Park Forest South IL (1981) (2) 

Bjorseth A, Olufsen BS; pp. 507-24 in Handbook of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

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(1983) (3) Verschueren K; Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals 2nd 

ed NY,NY: Von Nostrand Reinhold p. 392-4 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

INDOOR: Chrysene was detected in the air of homes in Columbus, OH with different emission sources 

at average concns of, ng/cu m: 1.55, for homes with gas utilities; 5.5, for homes with gas utilities and 

smokers; 1.3, for homes with gas utilities and a fireplace; 3.29, for homes with gas utilities, smokers, 

and a fireplace; and 0.70, for homes with electrical utilities; the outdoor air concn was 2.36 ng/cu m(1). 

Indoor air samples collected from homes in communes in Xuan Wei, China which burn smokey coal, 

smokeless coal, and wood for fuel contained chrysene at concns ranging from 7.7 to 34, 0.95 to 18, and 

1.4 to 3.8 ug/cu m, respectively(2). 

[(1) Mitra S, Wilson NK; Environ Int 18: 477-87 (1992) (2) Chuang JC et al; Atmos 

Environ 26A: 2193-201 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOURCE DOMINATED: Chrysene was detected in the ambient air, gas phase and particle-bound, of a 

petrochemical complex in southern Taiwan between 10/93 and 7/94; concns ranged from less than 25 

ng/cu m in the gas phase to approx 75 ug/g associated with particles(1). Ambient air samples collected 

over a three-month period in the fall of 1982 near a Horizontal Stud Soderberg plant in Jonquiere, 

Quebec contained chrysene at geometric mean concns of (range), ng/cu m: 106.8 (3.9 to 667); 172.5 

(4.8 to 1155); and 212.7 (2.8 to 1913)(2). Total mean airborne chrysene concns in samples of air 

collected in the Queensway road tunnel, UK were 25.8 ng/cu m; the concn of chrysene associated with 

particulates was 18.5 ng/cu m(3). Particulate phase chrysene was identified during the burning of 

intense savanna fires carried out at Lamto in the Ivory Coast during January 1991 at concns ranging 

from 11 to 75 pg/cu m; atmospheric background ranged from 0.19 to 0.24 pg/cu m(4). Chrysene was 

detected in air particulate matter colleted in Bahrain from 7/31/91 to 8/4/91 (during the burning of the 

oil fields in Kuwait) at concns ranging from 0.08 to 0.29 ng/cu m(5). Chrysene was detected in the 

Baltimore Harbor Tunnel at a concn of 106 ng/cu m(6). The mean particulate phase chrysene concn in 

an industrial area of Lahore, Pakistan was 6.67 ng/cu m(7). 

[(1) Tsai JH et al; Environ Intern 21: 47-56 (1995) (2) Roussel R et al; J Air 

Waste Manag Assoc 42: 1609-13 (1992) (3) Smith DJT, Harrison RM; Atmos Environ 30: 

2513-25 (1996) (4) Masclet P et al; J Atmos Chem 22: 41-54 (1995) (5) Madany IM, 

Raveendran E; Sci Total Environ 116: 281-9 (1992) (6) Santodonato J et al; Health 

and Ecological Assessment of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons Lee SD, Grant L eds 

Pathotox Publ Park Forest South IL (1981) (7) Smith DJT et al; Atmos Environ 30: 

4031-40 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RURAL/REMOTE: Chrysene was detected in air samples collected from two rural sites, Folkstone and 

Ashford, UK, during April to May 1986 at concns ranging from 0.13 to 0.19 ng/cu m(1). Chrysene was 

detected in air samples collected at Ellesmere Island in the Arctic during 1992 at mean (maximum)

concentrations of 0.4 (1.4) pg/cu m from May to Sept and 61.6 (252) pg/cu m from Oct to April(2). 

Chrysene was detected in (the particulate and vapor phases) air samples collected from Zavizan, Croatia 

in Feb and Aug of 1990 at mean concns of 1.33 and 0.81 ng/cu m, respectively(3). Winter average 

concns for chrysene in Zavizan in the particulate and vapor phases were 2.3 to 2.6 ng/cu m and 0.15 to 

0.25 ng/cu m, respectively; summer average concns for chrysene in Zavizan in the particulate and vapor 

phases were 1.15 to 1.8 ng/cu m and 0.15 to 0.2 ng/cu m, respectively(3). Wet and dry deposition fluxes 

of chrysene to the Chesapeake Bay in 1991 were 2 and 10 ug/sq m yr for the Southern Bay and 5 and 12 

ug/sq m yr for the Northern Bay, respectively(4). The average particle-associated concn of chrysene in 

the atmosphere of the lower Chesapeake Bay Region during 1991 was 0.147, 0.036, and 0.018 ng/cu m 

for the fall/winter, spring, and summer, respectively(5). Airborne particulate matter collected during 

1990 to 1991 from the Antarctic Station Terra Nova Bay contained chrysene at concns ranging from 4.4 

to 96.5 pg/cu m(6). Airborne particulate matter collected during 1991 to 1992 and 1992 to 1993 from the 

Antarctic Station Terra Nova Bay contained chrysene at average concns of 21 and 5.2 pg/cu m, 

respectively; concn range: 1.6 to 124.0 pg/cu m and <1.0 to 18.0 pg/cu m, respectively(7). Atmospheric 

samples collected on the Greenland Ice Sheet during the winter-spring 1989 and spring-summer 1989 

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contained chrysene at concns ranging from <0.3 to 7.8 pg/cu m in the particulate fraction(8). Chrysene

was detected in particulate and gaseous air samples collected from a remote site of the Mediterranean 

Sea situated in Corsica, France during March to April 1986 at concns ranging from 0 to 0.21 ng/cu m 

and 0 to 0.07 ng/cu m, respectively(9). The mean particulate phase chrysene concn in a township 20 km 

north of Lahore, Pakistan was 8.50 ng/cu m(7). 

[(1) Baek SO et al; Sci Total Environ 111: 169-99 (1992) (2) Fellin PA et al; 

Environ Toxicol Chem 15: 253-61 (1996) (3) Eskinja I et al; Indian J Anal Chem 63: 

251-68 (1996) (4) Dickhut RM, Gustafson KE; Mar Pollut Bull 30: 385-96 (1995) (5) 

Dickhut RM, Gustafson KE; Environ Sci Technol 29: 1518-25 (1995) (6) Chiavarini S 

et al; Intern J Environ Chem 55: 331-40 (1994) (7) Caricchia AM et al; Environ 

Pollut 87: 345-56 (1995) (8) Jaffrezo JL et al; Atmos Environ Part A: 27: 2781-5 

(1993) (9) Masclet P et al; Atmos Environ 22: 639-50 (1988) (10) Smith DJT et al; 

Atmos Environ 30: 4031-40 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Food Survey Values: 

Occurrence reported in cooked meat and fish, vegetables, cereals, refined vegetable oils, coffee, peas 

and whiskey. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 164 (1972)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene was detected in the following foods obtained from supermarkets in Milan, Italy, ug/kg: 

cauliflower, 0.236; beet greens, 3.657; squash, 1.648; lettuce, 0.836; tomatoes, 0.126; citrus fruits, 

1.477; bread, 1.875; pasta, 1.875; rice, corn, 0.515; trout, 0.909; rabbit, 1.179; barbecued beef, 24.66; 

barbecued pork, 5.364; olive oil, 0.382; and pizza baked in a wood-burning oven, 3.011(1). Chrysene

has been detected in, ppb: Kippered cod, 1.4; smoked and broiled Japanese fish at concns ranging from 

42 to 173 ppb in Katsuobushi, 36 ppb in Sababushi, 10 ppb in Urumebushi, and 0.4 to 4.3 ppb in 

smoked horse mackerel; charcoal-broiled steaks, 0.6; barbecued ribs, 2.2; charcoal-broiled hamburger, 

1.7; charcoal-broiled pork chops, 6.3; charcoal-broiled chicken, 2.2; charcoal-broiled sirloin steak, 9.3; 

charcoal-broiled T-bone steak, 25.4; flame-broiled T-bone steak, 2.0; ham, 0.5 to 2.6; barbecued beef, 

9.6; hot sausage, 1.0; coffee soots, 530 to 670; and cod liver oil, 80(2). The following smoked meat 

products from Germany and Yugoslavia were found to contain chrysene, ppb: cold smoked sausage 

with casing, 9.2, with casing removed, 2.4; hot smoked sausage with casing, 4.4, with casing removed, 

2.8; hot smoked salami with casing removed, 1.2; hot smoked mortadella with casing removed, 3.4; 

light smoked ham, 0 to 3; and heavily smoked ham, 12 to 66(2). Chrysene was detected in the following 

fruit and plant products, ppb: spinach, 28; salad, 5.7 to 26.5; kale, 58 to 395; tomatoes, 0.5; dried yeast, 

42 to 203; whiskey, 0.04 to 0.06; cereals, 0.8 to 14; tea extracts, 4.6 to 6; and roast peanuts 0.01 to 0.7

(2). In 1979 UK total diets, total chrysene dietary load was 0.50 ug/person/day (based on total daily 

consumption of 1.46 kg food and beverages); chrysene was detected in the following food classes, 

ug/kg, range (avg); cereals, not detected (nd) to 2.30 (0.77), meat, nd to 0.34 (0.15), oils and fats, nd to 

4.18 (1.18), fruit and sugar, nd to 1.29 (0.23), root vegetables, nd to 0.55 (0.23), and other vegetables, 

0.16 to 1.65 (0.93)(3). Chrysene was detected in the following smoked meat products, ppb: Kochwurst, 

0.3; frankfurters, 2.8; Frankisch black smoked ham, 16.8; and ham black smoked in smoke from 

smoldering, 12.0(4). 

[(1) Lodovici M et al; Food Addit Contam 12: 703-13 (1995) (2) Lo M, Sandi E; Res 

Rev 69: 35-86 (1978) (3) Dennis MJ et al; Food Chem Toxicol 21: 569-74 (1983) (4) 

Fretheim K; J Agric Food Chem 24: 976-9 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**

22 out of 34 samples of shell-free fresh-frozen and precooked-frozen mussels, Perna canaliculus, bought 

from markets throughout the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, between Sept 1992 and May 1993 were 

found to contain chrysene at concns ranging from 5 to 54 ng/g dry weight(1). Chrysene was detected in 

38 samples of margarine at a mean concn of 1.3 ug/kg, range 0.06 to 9.9(2). Samples of fish and shrimp 

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purchased from local fish markets in Kuwait during May 1993 were found to contain chrysene at an 

average concn of 4.96 ug/kg dry weight(3). Chrysene was detected in the following South Indian foods, 

ug/g: pyrolyzed pepper, 0.106; pyrolyzed cumin seeds, 0.020; pyrolyzed aniseeds, 0.120; pyrolyzed 

Chappatti, 0.938; pyrolyzed bread toast, 0.282; oil-fried, salted and sun-dried chilles, 1.995; oil-fried, 

salted and sun-dried cluster beans, 0.965; oil-fried, salted and sun-dried whitebait fish, 4.280; oil-fried, 

salted and sun-dried ribbon fish, 18.570; oil-fried, salted and sun-dried seer fish, 3.570; pepper, 0.057; 

cumin seeds, 0.011; aniseeds, 0.020, mustard, 0.035; ginger, 0.072; fried mustard, 0.070; and the 

pyrolyzed portion of Uppuma, 2.650(4). Chrysene has been identified in charcoal-broiled steaks (1.4 

ug/kg), broiled and smoked meat (up to 25.4 ug/kg), smoked fish (10 to 173 ug/kg), vegetables (up to 

395 ug/kg), edible oils and fats (up to 200 ug/kg), and roasted and soluble coffee (3.0 to 19.1 ug/kg)(5). 

[(1) Hernandez JE et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 55: 461-8 (1995) (2) Vaessen 

HAMG et al; Toxicol Environ Chem 16: 281-94 (1988) (3) Saeed T et al; Environ Int 

21: 255-63 (1995) (4) Sivaswamy SN et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 47: 251-60 

(1991) (5) IARC; Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds Part 1, Chemical, Environmental and 

Experimental Data 32: 247-61 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Plant Concentrations: 

Chrysene was detected in samples of needles taken from Pinus silvestris in the vicinity of a chemical 

factory that processes crude tar and benzene in Czechoslovakia in Sept 1989; concns ranged from 53.2 

to 287.2 ng/g(1). Chrysene was detected in aquatic moss samples collected from the Danube and Traun 

rivers in Austria at concns ranging from 18 to 26 ug/kg dry weight and 12 ug/kg dry weight, respectively

(2). Chrysene was detected in leaves of the bay evergreen tree, Laurus nobilis, taken from 15 different 

sites in the Valley of Florence, Italy in 1990; concns in the winter ranged from not detected to 356.8 

ug/kg dry weight(3). Chrysene was detected in pine needle samples collected throughout the UK in 

1994 at concns ranging from 2.2 to 135 ng/g dry weight(4). 

[(1) Holoubek I et al; Toxicol Environ Chem 29: 251-60 (1991) (2) Chovanec A et al; 

Chemosphere 29: 2117-33 (1994) (3) Lodovici M et al; Sci Total Environ 153: 61-8 

(1994) (4) Tremolada P et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 3570-7 (1996)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Fish/Seafood Concentrations: 

LOBSTERS WHICH HAD BEEN KEPT IN A COMMERCIAL TIDAL POND CONSTRUCTED OF 

CREOSOTED TIMBER CONTAINED HIGHLY ELEVATED LEVELS OF CARCINOGENIC 

HYDROCARBONS INCLUDING CHRYSENE. CHRYSENE LEVELS IN THE TAIL MEAT OF 

LOBSTERS BEFORE AND AFTER IMPOUNDMENT WERE 2.2 AND 303 NG/G WET WEIGHT, 

RESPECTIVELY. 

[DUNN BP, FEE J; J FISH RES BOARD CAN 36 (12): 1469 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Asian clams, Potamocorbula amurensis, collected from Suisun Bay, CA contained chrysene at concn 

ranging from 33 to 87 ng/g dry weight(1). Blue crabs collected from the industrialized Elizabeth River, 

VA near a creosote-impacted site during June 1989 were found to contain chrysene at unreported 

concns(2). Chrysene was detected in clams collected from a number of sites in the Great Barrier Reef 

Region, Australia at concns ranging from <0.06 to 1.4 ug/kg wet weight(3). Chrysene was detected in 

shellfish collected from the Gulf of Naples between March and Dec 1988 at the following concns, ug/kg 

wet weight: 13, common mussel; 40, edible cockle; 13, razor fish; 6, shortnecked clam; and 17, wart 

venus(4). Samples of fish collected from the Gulf of Naples between March and Dec 1988 were found to 

contain chrysene at the following concns, ug/kg wet weight: 86, anchovy; 32, brill; 12 cleaver wrasse; 

2, common sole; 9, cuckoo wrasse; 2, horse mackerel; 7, pandora; 2, piper; 10 rock goby; and 22, 

scorpion fish(5). Chrysene was detected in Baltic clams and clam worms collected from Chesapeake 

Bay habitats at concns ranging from 2.72 to 24 and 1.31 to 45.3 ug/g per fraction lipid, respectively(5). 

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Average chrysene concns in benthic macroinvertebrates, crayfish, redbreast sunfish, and central 

stonerollers collected from East Fork Poplar Creek in Oak Ridge, TN were 4.50, 13.86, 2.78, and 20.50 

ug/kg, respectively(6). 

[(1) Pereira WE et al; Mar Pollut Bull 24: 103-9 (1992) (2) Mothershead RF et al; 

Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1341-9 (1991) (3) Bagg J, Smith JD; ACS Natl Meet 28: 328-

30 (1988) (4) Cocchieri RA et al; Mar Pollut Bull 21: 15-8 (1990) (5) Foster GD, 

Wright DA; Mar Pollut Bull 19: 459-65 (1988) (6) Rao VR et al; Ecotoxicol Environ 

Safety 33: 44-54 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chrysene was detected in composites of stomach organisms from juvenile chinook salmon captured 

from the Duwamish Waterway, WA in 6/86 and the Nisqually River, WA in 6/87 at average concns of 

2.9 and <0.07 ug/g dry weight, respectively(1). Chrysene was detected in the stomach contents of white 

croaker from various areas in Los Angeles, ng/g dry weight: 1000, Queensway Bay; 4200, Cerritos 

Channel; 560, Reservation Point; 160, White Point; and 76, Hyperion(2). Composites of stomach 

organisms of English sole collected from Eagle Harbor and President Point, WA contained chrysene at 

an average concn of 8750 and 15 ng/g dry weight; a composite of six livers of English sole from Eagle 

Harbor contained <7.3 ng chrysene/g dry weight; and a composite of muscle samples from five English 

sole from Eagle Harbor contained <2.7 ng chrysene/g dry weight(3). Corbicula samples collected from 

the San Joaquin River and its tributaries in 1992 contained chrysene at the following concns, ng/g: <0.5, 

Orestimba Creek; 3.3, Dry Creek; <0.5, Mokelumne River; and <0.5, Stanislaus River(4). 

[(1) McCain BB et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 19: 10-6 (1990) (2) Malins DC et 

al; Environ Sci Technol 21: 765-70 (1987) (3) Malins DC et al; Carcinogenesis 6: 

1463-9 (1985) (4) Pereira WE et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 15: 172-80 (1996)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Animal Concentrations: 

Chrysene was detected in two populations of sea lions, one from Mar del Plata and the second from 

Punta Bermeja, Argentina in the fur at 60.15 and 0.760 ng/g fresh weight, respectively; in the blood at 

average concns of 2.870 and 6.080 ng/g dry weight, respectively; and in the liver at an average concn of 

18.1 ng/g fresh weight(1). 

[(1) Marsili L et al; Chemosphere 34: 759-70 (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Milk Concentrations: 

UK total diets, 1979, milk, not detected(1). 

[(1) Dennis MJ et al; Fd Chem Toxicol 21: 569-74 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Other Environmental Concentrations: 

Chrysene was detected in South Louisiana crude oil, Kuwait crude oil, No. 2 Fuel oil, and Bunker C 

Residual oil at 17.56, 6.9, 2.2, and 196 mg/kg, respectively(1). Chrysene was detected in final product 

and run-of-mine coal, mined from the Kittaning seam in PA and an unspecified rider seam in western 

MD, at concns of 0.72 and 1.17 ug/g in the final product coal, 0.25 and 0.55 ug/g in the run-of-mine coal 

from PA, and 0.46 ug/g in the run-of-mine coal from MD(2). 12 ug chrysene was isolated from 

automobile exhaust after a 1-minute run(3). Chrysene was detected in waste crankcase oil at a mean 

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon percent distribution of 21.4%(4). Sludge from the Muskegon County 

Wastewater Management Treatment System, MI was found to contain chrysene at a concn of 278 ug/kg

(5). Chrysene was detected in samples of street dust collected from various streets and highways in 

Germany throughout 1990 at concns ranging from 19 to 15,000 ng/g(6). Treated wood utility poles and 

railway ties were found to contain chrysene at a concn of 1,093 and 383 mg/kg wet weight, respectively

(7). Concns of chrysene associated with particulates emitted from a spark-ignited engine and a diesel 

engine were 228 and 49 ug/g particulates, respectively(8). Average chrysene concns in the emissions of 

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coke ovens, diesel engines, highway tunnels, gasoline engines, and wood combustion in the Chicago 

metropolitan during 1990 to 1992 were 0.0147, 0.143, 0.0779, 0.0283, and 0.0328 ug/cu m, respectively

(9). Soot extracts from GTD-5 and D-54A diesel engines were found to contain chrysene at mean 

concns of 14.5 and 2.4 ug/g, respectively(10). 

[(1) Anderson JW et al; Sources, Fates, and Effects of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the 

Alaskan Marine Environment with Recommendations for Monitoring Strategies. NTIS 

PB86-168-291/AS. Washington,DC: USEPA (1986) (2) Fendinger NA et al; Environ Sci 

Technol 23: 170-7 (1989) (3) IARC; Certain Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and 

Heterocyclic Compounds 3: 150-77 (1973) (4) Tanacredl JT, Cardenas RR; Environ Sci 

Technol 25: 1453-61 (1991) (5) Demirjian YA et al; J Water Pollut Control Fed 59: 

211-9 (1986) (6) Yang Y, Baumann W; Analyst 120: 243-8 (1995) (7) Wan MT; J Environ 

Qual 23: 1297-1304 (1994) (8) Van Donkelaar P; Sci Total Environ 92: 165-79 (1990) 

(9) Khalili NR et al; Atmos Environ 29: 533-42 (1995) (10) Khesina AY Environ 

Health Perspect 4: 49-53 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ashes from the electrostatic precipitator, which removes fume particulate, and slags of a large 

incineration plant in Italy contained chrysene at average concns of 66.5 and 321.5 ng/g, respectively(1). 

Chrysene was detected in solvent-refined coal heavy distillate, coal tar and carbon black at concns of 

3.6 mg/g, 8.6 mg/g, and 20 ug/g, respectively(2). Chrysene was identified in crankcase oil, fire soot and 

car soot at mean concns of 1.58, 5.27, and 1.49 ug/g(3). The mean concn of chrysene in two unused 

lubricating oils was 0.31 ppm; mean concns in used lubricating oils from gasoline, M15, diesel and gas 

fueled vehicles was 34, 48, 0.8, and 11 ppm, respectively(4). Chrysene was detected in leaf litter 

collected along an urban roadway system in Brisbane, Australia at an average concn of 103 mg/g wet 

weight(5). Chrysene was detected in 25% of samples in a nationwide survey of raw sludge, at concns 

ranging from 9 to 1,500 mg/kg(6). Average chrysene emission factors for the burning of almond, 

walnut, fir and pine were 206, 78, 217, and 100 ug/kg, respectively(7). Emissions generated during the 

pouring, cooling, and shakeout of castings made with the evaporative pattern casting process contained 

chrysene at concns of 9 and 7 ug/kg for aluminum and iron castings, respectively(8). Chrysene was 

detected in airborne particulate matter from the burning of wood and other vegetation (concentration in 

ug/g): Australian native wood (63.4); Australian native plants (32.3); cooking meat using Australian 

native plants as fuel (75.6); large-scale backyard burn of native Australian and introduced species and 

cardboard products (64.3); large-scale bush fire (125); leaves from Australian native vegetation (6.0); 

wood from Australian native vegetation (13.0); commercial incinerator burning paper and cardboard 

products (40.0); cigarette mainstream and sidestream smoke (28.0); cigarette sidestream smoke (66.7)

(9). 

[(1) Morselli L et al; Chemosphere 18: 2263-73 (1989) (2) Nishioka M et al; Environ 

Sci Technol 20: 1023-7 (1986) (3) O'Malley VP et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 634-9 

(1996) (4) Ostman CE et al; Polynucl Aromat Hydro: Chem Charact Carcin 9th: 729-44 

(1986) (5) Pathirana S et al; Ecotox Toxicol Safety 28: 256-69 (1994) (6) Stonerook 

H et al; J Water Pollut Control Fed 56: 1093-8 (1984) (7) Jenkins BM et al; Environ 

Sci Technol 30: 2462-2469 (1996) (8) Gressel MG et al; Appl Ind Hyg 3: 11-17 (1988) 

(9) Freeman DJ, Cattell FCR; Environ Sci Technol 24: 1581-5 (1990)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Chrysene was identified as a particulate organic emitted during the open burning of scrap rubber tires

(1). Chrysene was detected in pig and cattle slurry taken from pits on farms located at Swiss Soil 

Monitoring Network sites at mean concns of 13.6 and 15.2 ug/kg dry weight, respectively(2). Samples 

of compost from 3 different compost piles in Switzerland were found to contain chrysene at concns 

ranging from 129 to 309 ug/kg dry weight, mean concn 243.0 ug/kg dry weight(2). Chrysene was 

identified as a compound present in the black limestone weathering crusts taken from the Sevilla 

cathedral in southwestern Spain and the Mechelen cathedral, in northern Belgium(3). Chrysene was 

detected in oil collected from four Kuwait oil lakes in Sept 1992, concn tended to increase with 

weathering time: initial concns ranged from 5.74 to 270.9 mg/kg, after 21 months concns ranged from 

8.72 to 380.4 mg/kg(4). Chrysene was detected in surface road dusts collected in various locations 

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throughout Birmingham, UK and Lahore, Pakistan at concns ranging from 11.4 to 5940 ug/kg(5). 

[(1) DeMarini DM et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 136-41 (1994) (2) Berset JD, Holzer 

R; Int J Environ Anal Chem 59: 145-65 (1995) (3) Fobe BO et al; Environ Sci Technol 

29: 1691-701 (1995) (4) Saeed T et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 29: 45-51 (1995) 

(5) Smith DJT et al; Environ Technol 16: 45-53 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Standards & Regulations:

CERCLA Reportable Quantities: 

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) 

immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or 

greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-

8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when 

notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). 

[40 CFR 302.4 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Requirements: 

U050; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when chrysene, as a commercial chemical product or 

manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a 

manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or 

State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, 

water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. 

Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste 

regulations (40 CFR 261.5). 

[40 CFR 261.33 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Clean Water Act Requirements: 

For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic effects due to exposure of 

polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons through ingestion of contaminated water and contaminated aquatic 

organisms, ... therefore, the levels which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the 

lifetime are estimated at 1x10-5, 1x10-6, and 1x10-7. The corresponding ambient water criteria are 28.0 

ng/l, 2.8 ng/l, and 0.28 ng/l, respectively. If the above estimates are made for consumption of aquatic 

organisms only, excluding consumption of water, the levels are 311.0 ng/l, 31.1 ng/l, and 3.11 ng/l 

respectively. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons based on benzo(a)pyrene as the model PAH/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-121 (1980)]**QC REVIEWED**

The attempt to develop a drinking water criterion for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as a 

class is hindered by several gaps in the scientific data base: (1) The PAH class is composed of numerous 

compounds having diverse biological effects and varying carcinogenic potential. A "representative" 

PAH mixture, has not been defined. (2) The common practice of using data derived from studies with 

benzo(a)pyrene to make generalizations concerning the effects of environmental PAH may not be 

scientifically sound. (3) No chronic animal toxicity studies involving oral exposure to PAH mixtures 

exist. (4) No direct human data concerning the effects of exposure to defined PAH mixtures 

exist. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-118 (1980)]**QC REVIEWED**

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Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act and is subject to 

effluent limitations. /polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[40 CFR 401.15 (7/1/87)]**QC REVIEWED**

State Drinking Water Guidelines: 

(WI) WISCONSIN 0.2 ug/l 

[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee 

(FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines 

(11/93), p. ]**QC REVIEWED**

(FL) FLORIDA 5 ug/l 

[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee 

(FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines 

(11/93), p. ]**QC REVIEWED**

Chemical/Physical Properties:

Molecular Formula: 

C18-H12 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Molecular Weight: 

228.29 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 378]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Color/Form: 

RED BLUE FLUORESCENT RHOMBIC PLATES FROM BENZENE, ACETIC ACID 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 67th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC 

Press, Inc., 1986-87., p. C-209]**PEER REVIEWED**

ORTHORHOMBIC BIPYRAMIDAL PLATES FROM BENZENE 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 378]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

COLORLESS PLATELETS WITH BLUE FLUORESCENCE 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V33 247]**PEER REVIEWED**

Boiling Point: 

448 DEG C 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-114]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Melting Point: 

258.2 DEG C 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-114]**PEER REVIEWED**

Density/Specific Gravity: 

1.274 @ 20 DEG C/4 DEG C 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 378]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient: 

log Kow = 5.73 

[Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and 

Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 154]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Solubilities: 

Slightly soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, and acetone. 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-114]**PEER REVIEWED**

Slightly soluble in alcohol, ether, carbon bisulfide, and glacial acetic acid. At 25 deg C, 1 g/1300 ml abs 

alcohol, 480 ml toluene; About 5% is soluble in toluene at 100 deg C. Moderately soluble in boiling 

benzene. Generally only slightly soluble in cold organic solvents, but fairly soluble in these solvents 

when hot, including glacial acetic acid. 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 378]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

SOLUBILITY IN WATER AT 25 DEG C: 0.0020 + OR - 0.0002 MG/L 

[MACKAY D, SHIN WY; J CHEM ENG DATA 22: 399 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

In water, 1.89X10-3 mg/l at 25 deg C. 

[Yalkowsky SH, Dannenfelser RM; Aquasol Database of Aqueous Solubility. Version 5. 

College of Pharmacy, Univ of Ariz - Tucson, AZ. PC Version (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Spectral Properties: 

MAX ABSORPTION (ALCOHOL): 222 NM (LOG E= 4.55); 258 NM (LOG E= 4.96); 268 NM (LOG 

E= 5.20); 295 NM (LOG E= 4.08); 353 NM (LOG E= 2.57); 361 NM (LOG E= 2.80); 344 NM (LOG 

E= 2.81); 320 NM (LOG E= 4.12) 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 67th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC 

Press, Inc., 1986-87., p. C-209]**PEER REVIEWED**

SADTLER REFERENCE NUMBER: 1188 (IR, PRISM); 221 (IR, GRATING) 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, 

Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. C-247]**PEER REVIEWED**

Intense mass spectral peaks: 228 m/z (100%), 226 m/z (21%), 229 m/z (20%), 114 m/z (15%) 

[Hites, R.A. Handbook of Mass Spectra of Environmental Contaminants. Boca Raton, 

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FL: CRC Press Inc., 1985., p. 57]**PEER REVIEWED**

IR: 2610 (Coblentz Society Spectral Collection) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V1 431]**PEER REVIEWED**

UV: 351 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V1 431]**PEER REVIEWED**

MASS: 1622 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V1 431]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor Pressure: 

6.23X10-9 mm Hg at 25 deg C 

[Hoyer H, Peperle W; Z Elektrochem 62: 61-6 (1958)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Other Chemical/Physical Properties: 

STRONG FLUORESCENCE UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 378]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

SUBLIMES EASILY UNDER A VACUUM 

[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, 

NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993, p. 283]**PEER REVIEWED**

CHRYSENE FORMS CRYSTALLINE COMPLEXES WITH PICRIC ACID (ORANGE-RED 

NEEDLES FROM BENZENE, MELTING-POINT 174-175 DEG C CORRECTED), STRINITROBENZENE (188.5-189.5 DEG C CORRECTED) & 2,4,7-TRINITROFLUORENONE 

(YELLOW NEEDLES FROM ALCOHOL, MELTING POINT 247.8-249 DEG C) 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V3 160 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor pressure: 6.3X10-7 mm Hg 

[Sims RC, Overcash MR; Res Rev 88: 1-68 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Safety & Handling:

Hazardous Decomposition: 

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. 

[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-

3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 860]**PEER REVIEWED**

Protective Equipment & Clothing: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... dispensers of liq detergent ... Safety pipettes ... for all 

pipetting. ... In animal laboratory ... protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at 

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ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should 

always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted 

masks or respirators ... when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons ... 

gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color ... /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct 

personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain 

the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated 

protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. 

[SRP]**PEER REVIEWED**

Preventive Measures: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & 

beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. 

All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have 

been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... 

thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on 

nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents 

should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor 

clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), 

gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if 

obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, 

gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full 

protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or 

gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this 

is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... operations connected with synth & purification ... should 

be carried out under well-ventilated hood. Analytical procedures ... should be carried out with care & 

vapors evolved during ... procedures should be removed. ... Expert advice should be obtained before 

existing fume cupboards are used ... & when new fume cupboards are installed. It is desirable that there 

be means for decreasing the rate of air extraction, so that carcinogenic powders can be handled 

without ... powder being blown around the hood. Glove boxes should be kept under negative air 

pressure. Air changes should be adequate, so that concn of vapors of volatile carcinogens will not 

occur. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

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[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 8]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Vertical laminar-flow biological safety cabinets may be 

used for containment of in vitro procedures ... provided that the exhaust air flow is sufficient to provide 

an inward air flow at the face opening of the cabinet, & contaminated air plenums that are under positive 

pressure are leak-tight. Horizontal laminar-flow hoods or safety cabinets, where filtered air is blown 

across the working area towards the operator, should never be used ... Each cabinet or fume cupboard to 

be used ... should be tested before work is begun (eg, with fume bomb) & label fixed to it, giving date of 

test & avg air-flow measured. This test should be repeated periodically & after any structural 

changes. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 9]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Principles that apply to chem or biochem lab also apply to 

microbiological & cell-culture labs ... Special consideration should be given to route of admin. ... Safest 

method of admin volatile carcinogen is by injection of a soln. Admin by topical application, gavage, or 

intratracheal instillation should be performed under hood. If chem will be exhaled, animals should be 

kept under hood during this period. Inhalation exposure requires special equipment. ... unless 

specifically required, routes of admin other than in the diet should be used. Mixing of carcinogen in diet 

should be carried out in sealed mixers under fume hood, from which the exhaust is fitted with an 

efficient particulate filter. Techniques for cleaning mixer & hood should be devised before expt begun. 

When mixing diets, special protective clothing &, possibly, respirators may be required. /Chemical 

Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 9]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": When ... admin in diet or applied to skin, animals should be 

kept in cages with solid bottoms & sides & fitted with a filter top. When volatile carcinogens are given, 

filter tops should not be used. Cages which have been used to house animals that received carcinogens 

should be decontaminated. Cage-cleaning facilities should be installed in area in which carcinogens are 

being used, to avoid moving of ... contaminated /cages/. It is difficult to ensure that cages are 

decontaminated, & monitoring methods are necessary. Situations may exist in which the use of 

disposable cages should be recommended, depending on type & amt of carcinogen & efficiency with 

which it can be removed. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 10]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": To eliminate risk that ... contamination in lab could build up 

during conduct of expt, periodic checks should be carried out on lab atmospheres, surfaces, such as 

walls, floors & benches, & ... interior of fume hoods & airducts. As well as regular monitoring, check 

must be carried out after cleaning-up of spillage. Sensitive methods are required when testing lab 

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atmospheres for chem such as nitrosamines. Methods ... should ... where possible, be simple & sensitive. 

... /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 10]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Rooms in which obvious contamination has occurred, such 

as spillage, should be decontaminated by lab personnel engaged in expt. Design of expt should ... avoid 

contamination of permanent equipment. ... Procedures should ensure that maintenance workers are not 

exposed ... Particular care should be taken to avoid contamination of drains or ventilation ducts. In 

cleaning labs, procedures should be used which do not produce aerosols or dispersal of dust, ie, wet mop 

or vacuum cleaner equipped with high-efficiency particulate filter on exhaust, which are avail 

commercially, should be used. Sweeping, brushing & use of dry dusters or mops should be prohibited. ... 

contaminated cleaning materials should not be re-used ... If gowns or towels are contaminated, they 

should not be sent to laundry, but ... decontaminated or burnt, to avoid any hazard to laundry 

personnel. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 10]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Doors leading into areas where carcinogens are used ... 

should be marked distinctively with appropriate labels. Access ... limited to persons involved in expt. ... 

A prominently displayed notice should give the name of the Scientific Investigator or other person who 

can advise in an emergency & who can inform others (such as firemen) on the handling of carcinogenic 

substances. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 11]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Storage Conditions: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which 

carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. 

Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer 

(depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be 

kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be 

contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 13]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Cleanup Methods: 

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal 

filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, 

glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into 

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plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in 

plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed 

bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for 

disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed 

in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & 

labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical 

destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

... In surface, waters, one-third of the total PAH is bound to larger suspended particles, a third is bound 

to finely dispersed particles, and the last third is present in dissolved form. The particle-bound portion of 

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can be removed by sedimentation, flocculation, and filtration 

processes. The remaining one-third dissolved PAH usually requires oxidation for partial 

removal/transformation. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-4 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Disposal Methods: 

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous 

waste number U050, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and 

disposal of waste. 

[40 CFR 240-280, 300-306, 702-799 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 deg C and residence 

times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. Also, a good candidate for fluidized bed 

incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 deg C and residence times of seconds for liquids and 

gases, and longer for solids. 

[USEPA; Engineering Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.3-12 (1981) EPA 68-

03-3025]**PEER REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been 

proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published 

have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & 

recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 14]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Total destruction ... by incineration may be only feasable 

method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all 

incinerators are suitable. ... Most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage 

combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. 

Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to 

absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be 

used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

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Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be 

disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high 

temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... 

LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete 

combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be 

disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their 

metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... small quantities of ... some carcinogens can be destroyed 

using chem reactions ... but no general rules can be given. ... As a general technique ... treatment with 

sodium dichromate in strong sulfuric acid can be used. The time necessary for destruction ... is seldom 

known ... but 1-2 days is generally considered sufficient when freshly prepd reagent is used. ... 

Carcinogens that are easily oxidizable can be destroyed with milder oxidative agents, such as sat soln of 

potassium permanganate in acetone, which appears to be a suitable agent for destruction of hydrazines 

or of compounds containing isolated carbon-carbon double bonds. Concn or 50% aqueous sodium 

hypochlorite can also be used as an oxidizing agent. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 16]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Carcinogens that are alkylating, arylating or acylating 

agents per se can be destroyed by reaction with appropriate nucleophiles, such as water, hydroxyl ions, 

ammonia, thiols & thiosulfate. The reactivity of various alkylating agents varies greatly ... & is also 

influenced by sol of agent in the reaction medium. To facilitate the complete reaction, it is suggested 

that the agents be dissolved in ethanol or similar solvents. ... No method should be applied ... until it has 

been thoroughly tested for its effectiveness & safety on material to be inactivated. For example, in case 

of destruction of alkylating agents, it is possible to detect residual compounds by reaction with 4(4-

nitrobenzyl)-pyridine. /Chemical Carcinogens/ 

[Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. 

Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical 

Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 

33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 17]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

IARC describes laboratory decontamination & destruction methods for polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons in this publication (number 49). When dealing with compounds other than those listed, the 

efficiency of the method should first be verified. 

[Castegnaro, M., G. Grimmer, O. Hutzinger, W. Karcher, H. Kunte, M. LaFontaine, 

E.B. Sansone, G. Telling, and S.P. Tucker (eds.). Laboratory Decontamination and 

Destruction of Carcinogens in Laboratory Wastes: Some Polycyclic Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons. IARC Publications No. 49. Lyon, France: International Agency for 

Research on Cancer, 1983., p. 1]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Occupational Exposure Standards:

OSHA Standards: 

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 0.2 mg/cu m. 

[29 CFR 1910.1000 (7/1/98)]**QC REVIEWED**

Threshold Limit Values: 

Exposure by all routes should be carefully controlled to levels as low as possible. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold 

Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure 

Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 21]**QC REVIEWED**

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: 1-Hydroxypyrene (-HP) in urine; Sampling Time: end 

of shift at end of workweek. Biological monitoring should be considered for this compound based on the 

review; however, a specific BEI could not be determined due to insufficient data. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold 

Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure 

Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 107]**QC REVIEWED**

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans. 

[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold 

Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure 

Indices. Cincinnati, OH, 2008, p. 21]**QC REVIEWED**

Manufacturing/Use Information:

Major Uses: 

ORGANIC SYNTHESIS 

[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, 

NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993, p. 283]**PEER REVIEWED**

RESEARCH CHEMICAL 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Manufacturers: 

Eastman Kodak Co, Laboratory & Research Products, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650 (716) 458-

7591 

[OPD CHEMICAL BUYERS DIRECTORY 1987 p.235]**PEER REVIEWED**

Jonas Chemical Corp, Specialty Chemicals Div, 5 Beekman St, NY, NY 10038 (212) 732-1818 

[OPD CHEMICAL BUYERS DIRECTORY 1987 p.235]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methods of Manufacturing: 

/IT IS PREPARED/ FROM CHOLESTEROL ON HEATING WITH PALLADIUM CHARCOAL OR 

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL. 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

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Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 387]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Synthesis by heating H2 and acetylene to 800 deg. 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 387]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

When benzofuran is passed through a hot tube together with naphthalene, chrysene is produced 

[CONSIDINE. CHEMICAL AND PROCESS TECHNOL ENCYC 1974 p.543]**PEER REVIEWED**

Distillation of coal tar. 

[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, 

NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993, p. 283]**PEER REVIEWED**

General Manufacturing Information: 

Coal tar pitch volatiles are products of the distillation of bituminous coal and contain polynuclear 

aromatic hydrocarbons. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 2]

**PEER REVIEWED**

U. S. Production: 

(1978) NOT PRODUCED COMMERCIALLY IN USA 

**PEER REVIEWED**

(1982) NOT PRODUCED COMMERCIALLY IN USA 

**PEER REVIEWED**

U. S. Imports: 

(1982) 9.4X10+4 G 

**PEER REVIEWED**

7.92X10+7 g 

[BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL IMPORTS 1985 p.1-

546]**PEER REVIEWED**

Laboratory Methods:

Clinical Laboratory Methods: 

HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (REVERSE PHASE) ANALYSIS OF 

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SKIN LIPIDS. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS/ 

[WOLFF MS ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (6): 595 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Determination of exposure to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons by analysis of urine 

samples. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Becher G; Banbury Report, 23 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ... chrysene, were analyzed in blood serum and skin oil collected 

from roofing workers. Although a range of 0.05-36 ng was observed in skin oil samples, none was 

detected in serum, at detection limits of 1-175 pg/ml. 

[Wolff MS et al; Chemosphere 11 (6): 595-600 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Analytic Laboratory Methods: 

USE OF HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY TO STUDY PARTICULATES IN AIR. 

[SMILLIE RD ET AL; J ENVIRON SCI HEALTH PART A ENVIRON SCI ENG 13 (1): 47 (1978)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH COMPRISING A COMBINATION OF GLASS CAPILLARY GAS 

CHROMATOGRAPHY, MASS SPECTROMETRY, LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY AND UV 

SPECTROPHOTOMETRY WAS USED FOR IDENTIFICATION OF POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS (INCLUDING CHRYSENE) IN AIRBORNE PARTICULATES. 

[CHOUDHURY DR, BUSH B; ANAL CHEM 53 (9): 1351 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ANALYZED BY CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY OR CAPILLARY GC/MASS 

SPECTROMETRY. 

[ROMANOWSKI T ET AL; ANAL CHEM 54 (8): 1285 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (INCLUDING CHRYSENE) IN ENVIRONMENTAL 

SAMPLES BY GC/MS/COMPUTER SYSTEMS. 

[LAO RC ET AL; PERGAMON SER ENVIRON SCI 7 (TECH ENVIRON CHEM 2): 107 (1982)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

EPA Method 610: A high performance liquid chromatography method for the analysis of chrysene in 

municipal and industrial discharges, consists of a stainless steel column, 25 cm x 2.6 mm ID, with 

reverse phase HC-ODS Sil-X, 5 micron size. with a fluorescence or UV detector. Isocratic elution is 

done for 5 min using acetonitrile/water (4:6), then linear gradient elution to 100% acetonitrile over 25 

min at 0.5 ml/min flow rate. Inject 5 to 25 ul of the sample extract or stnd into the HPLC using a high 

pressure syringe or a constant volume sample injection loop. This method has a detection limit of 0.15 

ug/l and an overall precision of 0.66 times the average recovery - 0.22, over a working range of 0.1 to 

425 ug/l. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/86)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 625: A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the analysis of chrysene in 

municipal and industrial discharges, consists of a glass column, 1.8 m x 2 mm ID, packed with 

Supelcoport (100/120 mesh) coated with 3% SP-2250, with the detection performed by the mass 

spectrometer, and helium as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 30 ml/min. A sample injection volume of 2 

to 5 ul is suggested, the column temperature is held isothermal at 50 deg C for 4 minutes and then 

programmed immediately at 8 deg/min to a final temperature of 270 deg C. This method has a detection 

limit of 2.5 ug/l and an overall precision of 0.33 times the average recovery - 0.09, over a working range 

of 5 to 1300 ug/l. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/86)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 1625: An isotope dilution gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry method for the 

determination of semivolatile organic compounds in municipal and industrial discharges is described. 

This method is designed to meet the survey requirements of Effluent Guidelines Division (EGD) and the 

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Under the prescribed conditions, unlabeled 

chrysene has a minimum level of 10 ug/l and a mean retention time of 2083 sec. The labeled compound 

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has a minimum level of 10 ug/l, a mean retention time of 2081 sec, and a characteristic primary m/z of 

228/240. This method has an initial precision of 51 ug/l and an accuracy of 59-186 ug/l for the unlabeled 

compound, while the labeled compound has an initial precison of 69 ug/l, an accuracy of 33-219 ug/l, 

and a labeled compound recovery of 13-312%. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/86)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8100: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Extracted samples are analyzed using GC 

with flame ionization detector. Under the prescribed conditions, chrysene has a retention time of 24.7 

min and an overall precision of 0.66 times the average recovery - 0.22 ug/l, over a working range of 0.1-

425 ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8250: GC/MS for Semivolatile Organics: Packed Column Technique: Extracted samples 

are analyzed using GC coupled with mass spectrometry. Under the prescribed conditions, chrysene has 

a detection limit of 2.5 ug/l, a retention time of 31.5 min, and an overall precision of 0.33 times the 

average recovery - 0.09 ug/l, over a working range of 5-1300 ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8270: GC/MS for Semivolatile Organics: Capillary Column Technique: Extracted 

samples are analyzed using GC coupled with mass spectrometry. Under the prescribed conditions, 

chrysene has a retention time of 27.97 min and an overall precision of 0.33 times the average recovery -

0.09 ug/l, over a working range of 5-1300 ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8310: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Extracted samples are analyzed using HPLC 

with a fluorescence detector. Under the prescribed conditions, chrysene has a detection limit of 0.15 

ug/l, a retention time of 29.3 min, and an overall precision of 0.66 times the average recovery - 0.22 

ug/l, over a working range of 0.1-425 ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AN ANALYTICAL METHOD INVOLVING A SINGLE TLC SEPARATION OF THE 

CYCLOHEXANE-SOLUBLE FRACTION OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER INTO 3 

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON FRACTIONS & 1 ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBON 

FRACTION SUITABLE FOR GLC ANALYSIS IS DEVELOPED & APPLIED. THE METHOD IS 

SIMPLE, RAPID & SUITABLE FOR ROUTINE ANALYSIS OF THESE COMPOUNDS IN 

AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS/ 

[DAISEY JM, LEYKO MA; ANAL CHEM 51 (1): 24-6 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A TLC/HPLC (HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY) PROCEDURE FOR 

DETERMINATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) OCCURRING IN 

ASPHALT FUMES (ADSORBED ON A PARTICULAR MATTER) IS DESCRIBED. THE METHOD 

IS BASED ON THE EXTRACTION OF ASPHALT FUME PARTICLES, COLLECTED ON GLASSFIBER FILTERS, USING CARBON TETRACHLORIDE. A CLEAN UP STEP IS AIDED BY A TLC 

PROCEDURE ON ALUMINUM TRIOXIDE THINLAYER PLATES, USING A MIXTURE OF 

CYCLOHEXANE/ACETONE/ETHER AS THE MOBILE PHASE. UNDER UV-LIGHT, THE PAH 

ARE INDICATED AS FLUORESCENT SPOTS. SEPARATION OF THE COLLECTED PAH INTO 

INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS & THEIR IDENTIFICATION IS PERFORMED BY THE AID OF A 

HPLC PROCEDURE. 

[RIETZ EB; ANAL LETT 12 (12): 143-54 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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A 4-STEP METHOD FOR THE REPRODUCIBLE ANALYSIS OF POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS (PAH) IN SMALL QUANTITIES OF CIGARETTE SMOKE CONDENSATE 

(CSC) IS PRESENTED. PAH WERE ISOLATED FROM AS LITTLE AS 1 G OF CSC BY SOLVENT 

PARTITION, COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY, & ANALYSIS GEL FILTRATION (GF). THE GF 

ISOLATE WAS ANALYZED BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY. /POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS/ 

[SEVERSON RF ET AL; ANAL CHEM 48 (13): 1866 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The separation of monohydroxylated derivatives of ... chrysene was studied by reversed-phase highperformance liquid chromatography using a monomeric Zorbax ODS column and polymeric Vydac C18 

column. The Vydac C18 column resolved the phenols of each hydrocarbon with a wide range of 

retention times than the Zorbax ODS column. ... 

[Mushtag M et al; J Chromatogr 385: 293-8 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

OSW Method 8275A. Semivolatile Organic Compounds (PAHs and PCBs) in Soils/Sludges and Solid 

Wastes Using Thermal Extraction/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (TE/GC/MS), soil/waste, 

TEGCMS. 

[USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0 NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

OSW Method 8270B. Determination Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass 

Spectrometry (GC/MS): Capillary Column Technique, soil/waste, estimated quantitation limit 660 

ug/kg; water, estimated quantitation limit 10 ug/l. 

[USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0 NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EMSLC Method 625. Protocol for the Base/Neutral and Acid Extractable (BNA) Organic Priority 

Pollutants in Industrial and Municipal Wastewater, wastewater, GCMS, method detection limit, 2.5 ug/l. 

[USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0 NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EMSLC Method 550.1. Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Drinking Water by 

Liquid-Solid Extraction and HPLC with Coupled Ultraviolet and Fluorescence Detection, drinking 

water, HPLCFL, method detection limit 0.16 ug/l. 

[USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0 NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AREAL Method IP-7-B. Determination of Benzo-a-Pyrene [B(a)P] and Other Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons in Indoor Air by High Performance Liquid Chromatography, indoor air, HPLC, detection 

limit 50 pg/cu m. 

[USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0 NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Sampling Procedures: 

EPA Method 610: Grab samples of water in industrial and municipal discharges must be collected in 

glass containers, 1 l or 1 qt amber glass, fitted with a screw cap lined with Teflon, except that the bottles 

must not be prerinsed with sample before collection. Fill the sample bottles, and if residual chlorine is 

present, add 80 mg of sodium thiosulfate per liter of sample and mix well. All samples must be iced or 

refrigerated from the time of collection until analysis. All samples must be extracted within 7 days of 

collection and completely analyzed within 40 days of extraction. Extraction is performed by adding 60 

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ml of methylene chloride to the sample in a separatory funnel and shaking. The combined extract is then 

concentrated using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 625: Grab samples of water in municipal and industrial discharges must be collected in 

glass containers, amber, 1 l or 1 qt, fitted with a screw cap lined with Teflon, except that the bottles must 

not be prerinsed with sample before collection. Fill the sample bottles, and if residual chlorine is present, 

add 80 mg of sodium thiosulfate per liter of sample and mix well. All samples must be iced or 

refrigerated from the time of collection until analysis. All samples must be extracted within 7 days of 

collection and completely analyzed within 40 days of extraction. Extraction is performed by adding 60 

ml of methylene chloride to the sample in a separatory funnel and shaking. The combined extract is then 

concentrated using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 1625: Collect water samples in municipal and industrial discharges in glass containers, 

amber, 1.1 l minimum with threaded caps lined with Teflon. Maintain samples at 0-4 deg C from the 

time of collection until extraction. If residual chlorine is present, add 80 mg sodium thiosulfate per liter 

of water. Extraction is performed by adding methylene chloride to the samples in a continuous liquidliquid extractor and concentrated with a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. Begin sample extraction within 

seven days of collection, and analyze all extracts within 40 days of extraction. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3510: Separatory Funnel Liquid-Liquid Extraction: A measured volume of sample is 

serially extracted with methylene chloride. The sample is then dried and concentrated using a KudernaDanish apparatus. This method is applicable to the extraction and concentration of water-insoluble and 

slightly water-soluble organics from aqueous samples. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3520: Continuous Liquid-Liquid Extraction: A measured volume of sample is extracted 

with methylene chloride. After distillation, the sample is then dried and concentrated using a KudernaDanish apparatus. This method is applicable to the extraction and concentration of water-insoluble and 

slightly water-soluble organics from aqueous samples. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3540: Soxhlet Extraction: A solid sample is mixed with anhydrous sodium sulfate and 

extracted using an appropriate solvent in a Soxhlet extractor. The sample is then dried and concentrated 

using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. This is a procedure for extracting nonvolatile and semivolatile 

organic compounds from solids such as soils, sludges, and waste. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3550: Sonication Extraction: A solid sample is mixed with anhydrous sodium sulfate to 

form a free-flowing powder. This is solvent extracted three times using a horn-type sonicator. The 

sample is then dried and concentrated using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. This method is applicable to 

the extraction of nonvolatile and semivolatile organic compounds from solids such as soils, sludges, and 

waste. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Measurements to determine employee exposure are best taken so that average eight-hour exposure is 

based on a single eight-hour sample or on two four-hour samples. Several short-time interval samples 

(up to 30 minutes) may also be used to determine the average exposure level. Air samples should be 

taken in the employee's breathing zone (air that would mostly nearly represent that inhaled by the 

employee). /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

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[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Special References:

Special Reports: 

LEHR RE ET A; CARCINOG COMPR SURV 3: 231 (1978). A REVIEW OF THE BAY-REGION 

THEORY OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON-INDUCED CARCINOGENICITY. 

USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Draft) (1980) 

Health & Welfare Canada; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (1979) Report No. 80-EHD-50 

USEPA; Health Assessment Document: Polycyclic Organic Matter (1979) EPA-600/9-79-008 

Hodgson RM et al; Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons: 551-60 (1985). A review with 20 references on the 

metabolism and activation of chrysene in hamster embryo cells and mouse skin. Simple, vicinal diol 

epoxides of the bay region type are not the only reactive species involved in chrysene activation in 

mouse skin. 

Vyaz KP et al; Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons: 859-71 (1982). A review with 25 references on the 

stereoselectivity in the metabolism, mutagenicity, and tumorigenicity of chrysene. 

Report; Iss Order No. PB84-162841 (1983). Feasibility of assessment of health risks from vapor-phase 

organic chemicals in gasoline and diesel exhaust. 

DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Chrysene (1990) ATSDR/TP-88/11 

U.S. Dept Health & Human Services/Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry; Toxicological 

Profile for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Update) (1995) NTIS# PB/95/264370 

Synonyms and Identifiers:

Synonyms: 

BENZO(A)PHENANTHRENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

1,2-BENZOPHENANTHRENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

BENZ(A)PHENANTHRENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

1,2-BENZPHENANTHRENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

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1,2,5,6-DIBENZONAPHTHALENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Hazardous Waste Number: 

U050; A toxic waste when a discarded commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical 

intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical 

intermediate. 

Administrative Information:

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 2810 

Last Revision Date: 20050623 

Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/31/1998 

Update History: 

Field Update on 2009-04-16, 2 fields added/edited/deleted 

Complete Update on 2005-06-23, 2 fields added/edited/deleted 

Field Update on 2005-01-29, 2 fields added/edited/deleted 

Complete Update on 07/22/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 09/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/30/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/09/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/17/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/01/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/27/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 11/12/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 06/18/1998, 57 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 02/27/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 04/23/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/15/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 06/06/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 05/11/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 05/03/1996, 2 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/29/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/25/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/24/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/21/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/27/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/18/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 12/28/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 11/08/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 07/20/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

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Complete Update on 05/05/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 11/01/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field update on 12/27/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/28/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 07/11/1991, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 07/09/1991, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 04/16/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/06/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field update on 03/06/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 12/19/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/10/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/27/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 09/21/1988, 59 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Created 19840416 by DS 

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PYRENE

CASRN: 129-00-0 

For other data, click on the Table of Contents

Human Health Effects:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: 

Based on no human data and inadequate data from animal bioassays. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY 

DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. 

[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

on Pyrene (129-00-0) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the 

Substance File List as of March 15, 2000]**PEER REVIEWED**

No data are available in humans. Inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. OVERALL 

EVALUATION: Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. S7 71 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Human Toxicity Excerpts: 

Mortality studies have demonstrated that exposure to coke oven emissions, which contain a variety of 

PAHs, caused increased incidences of lung and genitourinary cancer mortality in coke oven workers ... 

. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[DHHS/NIEHS; Seventh Annual Rpt on Carcinogens Summary p. 330 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Workers exposed to creosote containing numerous PAHs developed skin tumors ... . /Polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[DHHS/NIEHS; Seventh Annual Rpt on Carcinogens Summary p. 330 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Exposures to other chemical mixtures that contain PAHs, such as cigarette smoke, coal tar, coal tar 

pitch, and bitumens, have been associated with increased incidences of lung cancer in 

humans. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[DHHS/NIEHS; Seventh Annual Rpt on Carcinogens Summary p. 330 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Dermal exposure to coal tar and shale oils containing PAHs have been associated with increased 

incidences of skin tumors in humans ... . /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[DHHS/NIEHS; Seventh Annual Rpt on Carcinogens Summary p. 330 (1994)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations: 

A skin irritant. 

[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-

3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 2830]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Medical Surveillance: 

Recommended medical surveillance: The following medical procedures should be made available to 

each employee who is exposed to coal tar pitch volatiles at potentially hazardous levels: Initial Medical 

Examination: A complete history and physical examination: The purpose is to detect existing conditions 

that might place the exposed employee at increased risk, and to establish a baseline for future health 

monitoring. Examination of the oral cavity, respiratory tract, bladder, and kidneys should be stressed. 

The skin should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders, for premalignant and malignant lesions, 

and evidence of hyperpigmentation or photosensitivity. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: Urinalysis: Coal tar pitch volatiles are associated with an excess of kidney 

and bladder cancer. A urinalysis should be obtained to include at a minimum: specific gravity, albumin, 

glucose, and a microscopic /examination/ on centrifuged sediment, as well as a test for red blood 

cells. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: Urinary cytology: Coal tar pitch volatiles are associated with an excess of 

kidney and bladder cancer. Employees having 5 or more years of exposure or who are 45 years of age or 

older should have a urinary cytology examination. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: Sputum cytology: Coal tar pitch volatiles are associated with an excess of 

lung cancer. Employees having 10 or more years of exposure or who are 45 years of age or older should 

have a sputum cytology examination. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: 14" x 17" chest roentgenogram: Coal tar pitch volatiles are associated with 

an excess of lung cancer. Surveillance of the lungs is indicated. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: FVC and FEV (1 sec): Coal tar pitch volatiles are reported to cause an 

excess of bronchitis. Periodic surveillance is indicated. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: A complete blood count: Due to the possibility of benzene exposure 

associated with coal tar pitch volatiles, a complete blood count is considered necessary to search for 

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leukemia and aplastic anemia. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Initial Medical Examination: Skin disease: Coal tar pitch volatiles are defatting agents and can cause 

dermatitis on prolonged exposure. Persons with existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the 

effects of these agents. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Periodic Medical Examination: The aforementioned medical examinations should be repeated on an 

annual basis, and semi-annually for employees 45 years of age or older or with 10 or more years' 

exposure to coal tar pitch volatiles. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Populations at Special Risk: 

Persons with existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of /coal tar pitch 

volatiles/. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure: 

... Finished waters from various treatment sites are transported to consumers through a variety of 

pipelines. PAH's /polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ leach from the tar or asphalt linings of these 

pipes ... resulting in increased concn of these cmpds in water reaching the consumers. ... Cement-lined 

pipes produce lower PAH concn, possibly because PAHs are adsorbed from water. 

[National Research Council. Drinking Water & Health, Volume 4. Washington, DC: 

National Academy Press, 1981., p. 256]**PEER REVIEWED**

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) CONTENT IN AIR OF 10 FERROUS & 

NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES WAS STUDIED. CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS REPORTED TO HAVE 

A HIGH RISK OF LUNG CANCER, SUCH AS MOLDERS, CASTERS & CRANE MEN, WERE 

ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF PAH EXPRESSED AS PERCENTAGE OF 

TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE. THIS RESULT WAS NOT STATISTICALLY 

SIGNIFICANT. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON/ 

[VERMA DK ET AL; ANN OCCUP HYG 25 (1): 17-26 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GLASS CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY SHOWED THAT WORKERS IN COKE PLANT 

WERE EXPOSED TO 5 TO 1000 MG POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH)/CU M 

AIR (INCL ACENAPHTHYLENE). PARTICULATE MATTER CONTAINS 98% RESPIRABLE 

PAH. 

[BJOERSETH A ET AL; SCAND J WORK, ENVIRON HEALTH 4 (3): 224 (1978)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

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Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation of ambient air and dermal contact with this 

compound at workplaces where petroleum and coal tar are used or combustion processes are common 

such as coke plants, iron foundries and aluminum factories. Exposure may also occur in industries where 

pyrene is produced or used as an optical brightener or during the manufacture of dyes. The average 

concentration of pyrene in 2 air filter samples were 32.7 ug/cu m and 26.2 ug/cu m at a Norwegian plant 

using smelting furnaces(1). The mean concentration of pyrene in breathing zones of a needle coke plant 

was 1.71 ug/cu m(2). The average exposure to workers in aluminum refinaries, silicon carbide and 

refractory brick industries has been estimated as less than 1 ug/cu m (vapor-phase) and about 7 ug/cu m 

(particulate-phase)(3). Pyrene was detected at average concentrations in the breathing zones of a coke 

plant (28.8 ug/cu m), anode plant (2.274 ug/cu m), graphite plant 0.055 (ug/cu m), silicon carbide plant 

(0.055 ug/cu m), metal plant (0.152 ug/cu m) and a paving operation 0.433 (ug/cu m)(4). The mean 

concentration of pyrene was 1.1 ug/cu m in the breathing zones of workers employed in a wood 

preservative operation(5). The average pyrene concentration in 7 personal air samples of workers 

employed in a needle coke plant was 0.1 ug/cu m(6). The average concentrations of pyrene in the 

personal air samples of workers employed in a coke factory were between 2 and 4 ug/cu m(7). 

[(1) Bjorseth A, Lunde G; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 38: 224-228 (1977) (2) Boogard PJ, 

Vansittert NJ; Occup Environ Med 51: 250-59 (1994) (3) Lesage J et al; Am Ind Hyg 

Assoc J 48: 753-59 (1987) (4) Petry T et al; Chemosphere 32: 639-48 (1996) (5) 

Heikkila PR et al; Scand J Work Environ Health 13: 431-37 (1987) (6) Boogard PJ, 

Vansittert NJ; Occup Environ Med 51: 250-59 (1994) (7) Yrjanheikki E et al; Am Ind 

Hyg Assoc J 56: 782-87 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The general population will be exposed to pyrene largely via smoking, dermal contact and inhalation of 

ambient air, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or near industrial sources. Exposure may also arise 

from consuming contaminated food and drinking water. (SRC) 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Average Daily Intake: 

The average daily intake of pyrene for women in Japan has been estimated as 0.98 ug/day(1). 

[(1) Tamakawa K et al; Eisei Kagaku 33: 66-70 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Emergency Medical Treatment:

Emergency Medical Treatment: 

EMT Copyright Disclaimer:

Portions of the POISINDEX(R) and MEDITEXT(R) database have been provided here for general 

reference. THE COMPLETE POISINDEX(R) DATABASE OR MEDITEXT(R) DATABASE 

SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF 

SPECIFIC CASES. The use of the POISINDEX(R) and MEDITEXT(R) databases is at your sole risk. 

The POISINDEX(R) and MEDITEXT(R) databases are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, 

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Reserved. Any duplication, replication, "downloading," sale, redistribution or other use for commercial 

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purposes is a violation of Micromedex' rights and is strictly prohibited. 

The following Overview, *** PYRENE ***, is relevant for this HSDB record chemical. 

Life Support:

 o This overview assumes that basic life support measures 

 have been instituted. 

Clinical Effects:

 0.2.1 SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE 

 0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Pyrene is irritating to exposed skin and eyes. No other 

 acute toxic effects in humans were mentioned in 

 available literature at the time of this review. 

 Exposed experimental animals have developed excitation 

 and muscle spasticity. Pyrene is an experimental 

 mutagen and an equivocal experimental animal tumorigen. 

 However, the IARC has listed pyrene as having no 

 evidence for animal carcinogenesis and it was negative 

 or inconclusive in all EPA GENETOX Program (1986) 

 assays. 

 B) Some unspecified teratogenic effects were noted in 

 workers. Human exposures to polyaromatic hydrocarbons 

 in general are approximately 99 percent from dietary 

 sources. Although there may be reasonably high 

 concentrations of pyrene in foods, there is little data 

 to indicate that any serious health effects occur from 

 its ingestion in dietary sources. 

 0.2.4 HEENT 

 0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Eye, nose and throat irritation have been noted. 

 0.2.6 RESPIRATORY 

 0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Irritation may be predicted. 

 0.2.7 NEUROLOGIC 

 0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Excitation and muscle spasticity were noted in animal 

 studies. 

 0.2.8 GASTROINTESTINAL 

 0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Irritation or burns of the esophagus or 

 gastrointestinal tract may be predicted. 

 0.2.14 DERMATOLOGIC 

 0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Irritation has been noted. 

 0.2.20 REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS 

 A) Teratogenicity has been noted. 

 0.2.21 CARCINOGENICITY 

 0.2.21.1 IARC CATEGORY 

 A) IARC Carcinogenicity Ratings for CAS129-00-0 (IARC, 

 2004): 

 1) IARC Classification 

 a) Listed as: Pyrene

 b) Carcinogen Rating: 3 

 1) The agent (mixture or exposure circumstance) is not 

 classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

 This category is used most commonly for agents, 

 mixtures and exposure circumstances for which the 

 evidence of carcinogenicity is inadequate in humans 

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 and inadequate or limited in experimental animals. 

 Exceptionally, agents (mixtures) for which the 

 evidence of carcinogenicity is inadequate in humans 

 but sufficient in experimental animals may be placed 

 in this category when there is strong evidence that 

 the mechanism of carcinogenicity in experimental 

 animals does not operate in humans. Agents, mixtures 

 and exposure circumstances that do not fall into any 

 other group are also placed in this category. 

 0.2.21.3 ANIMAL OVERVIEW 

 A) Tumorigenic effects were found in animal studies. 

 0.2.22 GENOTOXICITY 

 A) Mixed results have been obtained in short-term genetic 

 assays. 

 0.2.23 OTHER 

 0.2.23.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE 

 A) Significant exposure can occur through the skin. 

Laboratory:

 A) A number of chemicals produce abnormalities of the 

 hematopoietic system, liver, and kidneys. Monitoring 

 complete blood count, urinalysis, and liver and kidney 

 function tests is suggested for patients with significant 

 exposure. 

 B) If respiratory tract irritation or respiratory depression 

 is evident, monitor arterial blood gases, chest x-ray, 

 and pulmonary function tests. 

Treatment Overview:

 0.4.2 ORAL EXPOSURE 

 A) DILUTION: Immediately dilute with 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 

 240 mL) of water or milk (not to exceed 4 ounces/120 mL 

 in a child). 

 B) ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Administer charcoal as a slurry (240 

 mL water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in 

 adults/adolescents, 25 to 50 g in children (1 to 12 

 years), and 1 g/kg in infants less than 1 year old. 

 C) Observe patients with ingestion carefully for the 

 possible development of esophageal or gastrointestinal 

 tract irritation or burns. If signs or symptoms of 

 esophageal irritation or burns are present, consider 

 endoscopy to determine the extent of injury. 

 D) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for 

 respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing 

 develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, 

 bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist 

 ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled 

 beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. 

 0.4.3 INHALATION EXPOSURE 

 A) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for 

 respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing 

 develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, 

 bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist 

 ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled 

 beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. 

 B) ACUTE LUNG INJURY: Maintain ventilation and oxygenation 

 and evaluate with frequent arterial blood gas or pulse 

 oximetry monitoring. Early use of PEEP and mechanical 

 ventilation may be needed. 

 0.4.4 EYE EXPOSURE 

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[Rumack BH POISINDEX(R) Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; 

CCIS Volume 141, edition expires Aug, 2009. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds): TOMES(R) 

Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2009; CCIS Volume 141, edition 

expires Aug, 2009., p. ]**PEER REVIEWED**

Antidote and Emergency Treatment: 

For immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If victim is not 

breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask 

device, or pocket mask as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with 

gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left 

side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep victim 

quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Aromatic hydrocarbons and 

related compounds/ 

[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 

2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 181]**PEER REVIEWED**

For basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory 

insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 

L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if 

necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously 

with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 

mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does 

not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/ 

[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 

2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994., p. 181]**PEER REVIEWED**

Animal Toxicity Studies:

Evidence for Carcinogenicity: 

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: 

Based on no human data and inadequate data from animal bioassays. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY 

DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. 

[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

on Pyrene (129-00-0) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the 

Substance File List as of March 15, 2000]**PEER REVIEWED**

 A) DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious 

 amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 

 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or 

 photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a 

 health care facility. 

 0.4.5 DERMAL EXPOSURE 

 A) OVERVIEW 

 1) Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical 

 therapy. Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity 

 reactions may require treatment with systemic or 

 topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. 

 2) Pyrene can be absorbed through intact skin. 

Range of Toxicity:

 A) Minimum lethal human exposure is unknown. 

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No data are available in humans. Inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. OVERALL 

EVALUATION: Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. S7 71 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts: 

... Rats at oral doses near LD50 succumbed in 2-5 days, & at inhalation LC50 in 1-2 days, although a 

dose of 10 g/kg on mouse skin was of low toxicity. ... Inhalation also caused hepatic, pulmonary, & 

intragastric pathologic changes. The number of neutrophils, leukocytes, & erythrocytes decreased. 

Cutaneous applications for 10 days caused hyperemia, wt loss, & hematopoietic changes; applications 

for 30 days produced dermatitis; & chronic effects consisted of leukocytosis & lengthened chromaxia of 

the leg muscle flexors. Some teratogenic, but no blastomogenic or carcinogenic effects were noted ... 

except for an occasional papilloma. The low carcinogenic potential agreed with the calculated K-region 

bond localization energy. 

[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. 

Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons 

Inc., 1993-1994., p. 1389]**PEER REVIEWED**

SEVEN AROMATIC POLYCYCLIC HYDROCARBONS (INCL PYRENE) WERE 

INVESTIGATED FOR THEIR TOXIC EFFECTS ON RESP MUCOSA. THE CHEM WERE TESTED 

OVER AN 8 WK PERIOD. HETEROTOPIC TRACHEAL TRANSPLANTS WERE 

CONTINUOUSLY EXPOSED & HISTOPATHOLOGIC EFFECTS INDUCED WERE 

PERIODICALLY ASSESSED SEMIQUANTITATIVELY. ALL EXHIBITED VARYING DEGREES 

OF TOXICITY FOR RESP EPITHELIUM & SUBMUCOSA. BENZO(E)PYRENE SHOWED LEAST 

TOXICITY FOLLOWED BY PYRENE. [TOPPING DC ET AL; AM J PATHOL 93 (2): 311-24 (1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**

NONMUTAGENS/NONCARCINOGENS: PYRENE RESULTED IN NO INCR OF SISTER 

CHROMATID EXCHANGE FREQUENCY IN CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS. 

[SIRIANNI SR, HUANG CC; PROC SOC EXP BIOL MED 158 (2): 269 (1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**

STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES WERE DEVELOPED TO COMPARE QUANTITATIVELY THE 

TOXIC & TRANSFORMING EFFECTS OF 10 ENVIRONMENT-RELATED POLYCYCLIC 

AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS USING EARLY PASSAGE MIXED CULTURES OF FETAL 

SYRIAN GOLDEN HAMSTER LUNG CELLS. EVALUATION OF TOXICITY WAS ATTEMPTED 

BY APPLYING A LINEAR REGRESSION TO RELATIVE NUMBER OF SURVIVING COLONIES. 

TRANSFORMING DATA WERE FITTED SATISFACTORILY TO THE 1-HIT MODEL. PYRENE

WAS NEITHER STIMULATORY NOR INHIBITORY TO COLONY FORMATION. 

[EMURA M ET AL; J APPL TOXICOL 2 (3): 167-71 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

PYRENE WAS NONMUTAGENIC IN DROSOPHILA SEX-LINKED RECESSIVE LETHAL TEST. 

[VALENCIA R, HOUTCHENS K; PROG MUTAT RES 1 (EVAL SHORT-TERM TESTS CARCINOG: REP INT 

COLLAB PROGRAM): 651-9 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EIGHT COMPOUNDS PRESENT IN CRUDE COAL TAR WERE TESTED FOR PHOTOTOXICITY 

ON GUINEA PIG SKIN. FOUR CONCENTRATIONS (5 MILLIMICRO MOLAR TO 5 

MILLIMOLAR) OF EACH CMPD IN ETHANOL WERE APPLIED TO DORSAL SURFACE OF 6 

ANIMALS. EACH ANIMAL RECEIVED 1.0X10+5 J/SQUARE METER OF UVA RADIATION. 

THE ERYTHEMATOUS (PHOTOTOXIC) RESPONSE WAS EVALUATED AFTER 20 HR. 

PYRENE WAS STRONGLY PHOTOTOXIC. 

[KOCHEVAR IE ET AL; PHOTOCHEM PHOTOBIOL 36 (1): 65-9 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Buffalo river sediment extracts contained polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which caused skin 

darkening, hyperplasia, skin papillomas, mild coarsening and local pigmentations in the brown bullhead 

(Ictalurus nebulosus). Sixteen PAH were identified in the sediment extract: fluorene, phenanthrene, 

anthracene, fluoranthene, 2-methylphenanthrene, pyrene, 2-methylanthracene, benzanthracene, 

chrysene, perylene, benzo(f)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)

anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene. /Concentration data not specified/ 

[Black JJ; Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons Int Symp 7th 99-11 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

PYRENE INDUCES /RAT LIVER/ ARYLAMIDE N-HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY & MODIFIES 

THE ENZYME BY INCR ITS APPARENT KM. 

[RAZZOUK C ET AL; MOL PHARMACOL 21 (2): 449-57 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Rats and mice were exposed to combustion gases of coal-burning furnace enriched with benzo(a)pyrene

(50-90 ug/cu m) and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) 16 hr/day, 5 days/wk. After approx 

22 months exposure, the incidence of lung neoplasms was approx ten-fold above controls. The 

significance of the results is discussed in relation to occupational exposure to combustion gases from 

coke-manufacturing plants with approx 30 mug/m3. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Heinrich U et al; Exp Pathol 29 (1): 29-34 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A 0.3% solution of pyrene obtained by synthesis was applied in benzene twice weekly on the back skin 

of 40 mice (strain, age and sex unspecified). The longest observation time was 680 days. No skin lesion 

was reported. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 433 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A 5% solution of pyrene (purity unspecified; solvent not indicated) was applied three times weekly for 

one year to mouse skin (strain, age and sex unspecified). No skin tumor was observed. A 5% solution of 

pyrene was also applied for one year on mouse skin previously treated with a tumor initiating dose of 

benzo(a)pyrene. No skin tumor was observed. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 233 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pyrene (purity unspecified) was tested for initiating activity on 20 'S' strain mice by 10 thrice-weekly 

applications of 8.3% pyrene solution in acetone (total dose, 0.25 g). Starting 25 days after the last 

treatment, the animals received 18 weekly applications of 0.17% croton oil in acetone (0.3 ml). At the 

end of the treatment with croton oil, nine papillomas were present on 6/20 surviving animals compared 

with four papillomas on 4/19 survivors in the croton oil control group. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 434 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A group of 30 male and female Jackson A strain mice, three to four months old, received a sc injection 

of 10 mg pyrene crystals moistened with glycerol in the left flank. The injection was repeated four 

months later. There were 23 mice alive at the end of one year and nine at 18 months. No sc tumor was 

produced. The average number of pulmonary adenomas in the mice at 18 months was only 1.6. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 434 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Goblet-cell hyperplasia and cases of so-called 'transitional hyperplasia' were observed when pyrene was 

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implanted (in a beeswax pellet) into isogenically transplanted rat tracheas. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 436 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

When pyrene, 4 mg/mouse was injected in sunflower oil im daily during the last week of gestation (into 

BALB/c, C3H/a, C57BI x CBA F hybrids), increased survival and hyperplastic changes were seen in 

explants of embryonic mouse kidney in organ culture, compared with controls. The effects were similar 

but less marked than those produced by benzo(a)pyrene. Administration of two sc injections of 6 mg 

pyrene on days 18 and 19 of pregnancy to strain A mice did not induce an increased in tumor incidence 

in the offspring in studies in which benzo(a)pyrene injections did have that effect. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 436 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOLUBILIZATION AS WELL AS SPECTRAL STUDIES OF PYRENE IN NATURAL DNA & 

SYNTHETIC DEOXYPOLYNUCLEOTIDE SOLUTIONS AT NEUTRAL PH REVEAL AT LEAST 2 

BINDING MODES. SITES I ARE PREDOMINANT IN NATIVE DNA & IN POLY(DA-DT):POLY

(DA-DT) WHEREAS SITES II ARE FOUND WITH DENATURED DNA & OTHER 

POLYNUCLEOTIDES SUCH AS POLY(DA):POLY(DT) & 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF GUANINE 

CONTAINING COPOLYMERS WHICH SOLUBILIZE PYRENE TO LESSER EXTENT. 

[CHEN FM; NUCLEIC ACIDS RES 11 (20): 231-50 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The induction of DNA adducts and adenomas in the lungs of strain A/J mice has been investigated 

following the single ip administration of each of the following polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH): 

pyrene, dibenz[a,h)anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, 5-methylchrysene, and 

cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene. DNA adducts were measured by 32P-postlabeling at times between 1 and 21 

days following injection, while adenomas were counted at 240 days after treatment. Pyrene did not 

induce either DNA adducts or lung adenomas at any of the doses examined. Each of the remaining 

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induced both adenomas and DNA adducts in a dose-dependent 

manner, with dibenz[a,h]anthracene > 5-methylchrysene > cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene > benzo[a]pyrene > 

benzo[b]fluoranthene. DNA adducts reached maximal levels between 3 and 9 days after injection, 

followed by a gradual decrease. The time-integrated DNA adduct level (TIDAL) was calculated by 

numerically integrating the areas under the adduct persistence curves extrapolated to 240 days for each 

PAH at each dose level. This value represents the effective total molecular dose of PAH that was 

delivered to the lung DNA over the entire course of tumorigenesis. A strong correlation of lung 

adenoma induction with the time-integrated DNA adduct level values was observed for each polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons. The slopes of the tumors versus time-integrated DNA adduct level value 

relationships were essentially identical for 5-methylchrysene, cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, 

and benzo[b]fluoranthene. The slope of this relationship for dibenz[a,h]anthracene was markedly 

greater. The essentially identical induction of adenomas as a function of time-integrated DNA adduct 

level values for these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons suggests that the formation and persistence of 

DNA adducts determines their carcinogenic potency. 

[Ross JA et al; Cancer Res 55 (5): 1039-44 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Detection of micronuclei (MN) in skin cells from mice treated with chemical or physical agents may 

provide a useful technique for investigating possible cancer-initiating substances and for distinguishing 

between these and noncarcinogens. In the present study, micronuclei induction and cell survival were 

estimated in cytokinesis-blocked keratinocytes, cultured for 4d in vitro, after a single topical dose of 

various organic compounds. Dose-dependent increases in micronuclei were observed with 7,12-

dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, catechol, chrysene and urethane. These chemicals resulted 

in increased numbers of micronucleated keratinocytes, down to the lowest doses administered in the 

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present study (0.128, 0.5, 2, 50 and 50 ug, respectively). Although reduced keratinocyte recovery 

occurred following exposure of mice to acetone, pyrene and other chemicals, there was no evidence that 

these cytotoxic effects contributed to micronuclei scored in keratinocytes. Moreover, pyrene failed to 

induce micronuclei at doses from 2.5 ug to 2.5 mg/mouse. The available data suggest that micronuclei 

induction may prove a sensitive parallel indicator of cancer initiation in the skin. 

[Baker RS, He S; Teratology 42 (3): 329-30 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is able to inhibit the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene (l-NP) through the reduction 

of nitroreductase activity and formation of adducts with DNA. The relationships between the chemical 

structure of 9 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and antagonistic effects on the l-nitropyreneinduced mutation were evaluated by the binary mixtures of l-nitropyrene and PAHs with Salmonella 

typhimurium TA98 in the absence of S9 mix. Remarkably different antagonistic effects of 9 polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons on the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene were observed. Among the tested polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons, coronene demonstrates the most antagonistic potential followed by benzo(g,h,i)

perylene (B(g,h,i)P), benzo(e)pyrene (B(e)P), dibenzo(a,h)pyrene (DB(a,h)P), benzo(a)pyrene benzo

(a)pyrene and pyrene. Naphthalene, anthracene, and chrysene had only minor inhibitory activity on the 

l-nitropyrene mutagenicity. The modifying effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the 

nitroreductase activity of TA98 strains in the presence of l-nitropyrene were further examined from the 

production of l-AP. The statistical analytical data showed that the inhibitory effect of polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons on the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene significantly correlated with their effects on 

the nitroreductase activity (r = - 0.69, p < 0.05). In addition, the formation of l-nitropyrene-DNA adducts 

of the binary mixtures of l-nitropyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was determined by the 32Ppostlabeling method. The results indicated that the modulatory effects of polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons on the formation of l-nitropyrene-DNA adducts were correlated well with their 

antagonistic activity (r= -0.91, P < 0.011. From the above results, the relationships between the chemical 

structure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the antagonistic effects on the l-nitropyrene 

mutagenicity were revealed by the surface area and electronic parameters of PAHs. The planar 

molecular area of PAHs was more convicingly correlated with the antagonistic effect on the 

mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene (r= - 0.81, p < 0.01) than that with the difference in energy, DELTAE, 

between EHOMO and ELUMO (r = 0.69, p < 0.05). According to the above, two possible mechanisms 

are involved in the interactive effect of the binary mixtures: (1) a higher binding affinity with 

nitroreductase for PAHs having a large planar surface area; and (2) a high energy of interaction between 

l-nitropyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a low DELTAE might decrease the 

nitroreductive capability. 

[Cherng S-H et al; Mutation Research 367 (4): 177-85 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ecotoxicity Values: 

TLm (Median threshold limit) Mosquito fish 0.0026 mg/l/96 hr at 24-27 deg C in a static bioassay 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data of Organic Chemicals. 2nd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1983., p. 1034]**PEER REVIEWED**

Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

Metabolism/Metabolites: 

YIELDS TRANS-4,5-DIHYDRO-4,5-DIHYDROXYPYRENE, S-(4,5-DIHYDRO-4-

HYDROXYPYREN-5-YL)GLUTATHIONE, 1,6-DIHYDROXYPYRENE, 1,8-

DIHYDROXYPYRENE & 1-HYDROXYPYRENE IN RATS & RABBITS. 

[Goodwin, B.L. Handbook of Intermediary Metabolism of Aromatic Compounds. New York: 

Wiley, 1976., p. 44]**PEER REVIEWED**

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FOR K-REGION OF PYRENE (4,5 BOND), NO EVIDENCE OF PHENOL FORMATION IS 

FOUND, 4,5-DIHYDRODIOL IS DETECTED IN RELATIVELY SMALL AMT, & NO 4,5-

DIHYDROXYPYRENE DERIVATIVES ARE FOUND. MAJOR METABOLITE APPEARS TO BE 

MERCAPTURIC ACID, N-ACETYL-S-(4,5-DIHYDRO-4-HYDROXY-5-PYRENYL)L-CYSTEINE. 

[Searle, C. E. (ed.). Chemical Carcinogens. ACS Monograph 173. Washington, DC: 

American Chemical Society, 1976., p. 287]**PEER REVIEWED**

PYRENE WAS METABOLIZED BY LIVER MICROSOMES FROM UNTREATED RATS TO 1-

HYDROXYPYRENE, 4,5-DIHYDROXY-4,5-DIHYDROPYRENE, 2 DIFFERENT DIPHENOLS, & 

A K-REGION TRIOL, TENTATIVELY IDENTIFIED AS 1,4,5-TRIHYDROXY-4,5-

DIHYDROPYRENE. PRETEATMENT WITH PHENOBARBITAL OR POLYCHLORINATED 

BIPHENYLS FAVORED OXIDN AT K-REGION, WHEREAS CYTOCHROME P-448 INDUCERS 

STIMULATED OXIDN AT NON-K REGION OF PYRENE. HYDROXYPYRENE DID NOT 

INHIBIT PYRENE OXIDN. PYRENE DIPHENOLS WERE FORMED BY SECONDARY OXIDN 

OF 1-HYDROXYPYRENE. TRIOLS WERE FORMED FROM DIHYDRODIOLS BY SECONDARY 

OXIDN. 

[JACOB J ET AL; XENOBIOTICA 12 (1): 45-53 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

/SRP: 1,6-PYRENEQUINONE & 1,8-PYRENEQUINONE WERE ISOLATED & IDENTIFIED IN 

THE METABOLITES OF PYRENE BY LIVER MICROSOMAL FRACTION FROM 

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL-PRETREATED RATS/. 

[OKAMOTO H, YOSHIDA D; CANCER LETT 11 (3): 215-20 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The 1-hydroxy, 1,6, 1,8-dihydroxy, and the 4,5-dihydrodiol have been identified as metabolites of 

pyrene in rats and rabbits. In addition, two trihydroxy derivatives were isolated following incubation of 

pyrene with rat-liver preparations. 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 436 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Aspergillus niger, isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, was examined for its potential to 

degrade phenanthrene and pyrene. Two novel metabolites, l-methoxyphenanthrene and lmethoxypyrene, were identified by conventional chemical techniques. Minor metabolites identified were 

1- and 2-phenanthrol and l-pyrenol. No 14CO2 evolution was observed in either (14C)phenanthrene or 

(14C)pyrene cultures. 

[Sack U et al; Appl and Environ Microbiol 63 (7): 2906-9 (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Absorption, Distribution & Excretion: 

THE MECHANISM OF TRANSPORT BY POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS 

(PAH) INTO CELLS & BETWEEN INTRACELLULAR MEMBRANES IS DISCUSSED. FROM 

THE PARTITIONING PARAMETERS, THE RATE LIMITING STEP INVOLVES SOLVATION OF 

TRANSFER SPECIES IN THE INTERFACIAL WATER AT PHOSPHOLIPID SURFACE. 

TRANSFER OF PYRENE OUT OF THE PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE VESICLES WAS 

EXAMINED. 

[PLANT AL ET AL; CHEM-BIOL INTERACT 44 (3): 237-46 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

TWELVE POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS, ONE OF WHICH WAS PYRENE, 

WERE DETECTED IN SKIN OIL OF ROOFING WORKERS./SRP: IN 9 CASES, MEDIAN 

PYRENE CONCN WAS 1.3 (RANGE, 0.2-10.6) NG/MG SKIN LIPID. NO PYRENE WAS 

DETECTED IN SERUM/. 

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[WOLFF MS ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (6): 595-600 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are highly soluble in adipose tissue and lipids. /Polynuclear aromatic 

hydrocarbons/ 

[Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic And Hazardous Chemicals. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data 

Corporation, 1981., p. 564]**PEER REVIEWED**

Mechanism of Action: 

SOLUBILIZATION AS WELL AS SPECTRAL STUDIES OF PYRENE IN NATURAL DNA & 

SYNTHETIC DEOXYPOLYNUCLEOTIDE SOLUTIONS AT NEUTRAL PH REVEAL AT LEAST 2 

BINDING MODES. SITES I ARE PREDOMINANT IN NATIVE DNA & IN POLY(DA-DT):POLY

(DA-DT) WHEREAS SITES II ARE FOUND WITH DENATURED DNA & OTHER 

POLYNUCLEOTIDES SUCH AS POLY(DA):POLY(DT) & 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF GUANINE 

CONTAINING COPOLYMERS WHICH SOLUBILIZE PYRENE TO LESSER EXTENT. 

[CHEN FM; NUCLEIC ACIDS RES 11 (20): 231-50 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) consists of an oxidation of the rings of 

unsubstituted PAH, for example ... dibenzanthracene. ... These oxidations are carried out by "mixed 

function" oxidases of the liver, which contain cytochromes p450 and p448, and require reduced 

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and oxygen. In this oxidation, an epoxide intermediate is formed 

which has been shown to have the requisite chemical reactivity to form covalent complexes with DNA 

and histones and to serve as the ultimate carcinogenic form of PAH. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and 

Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-

1982., p. 2900]**PEER REVIEWED**

PYRENE INDUCES /RAT LIVER/ ARYLAMIDE N-HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY & MODIFIES 

THE ENZYME BY INCR ITS APPARENT KM. 

[RAZZOUK C ET AL; MOL PHARMACOL 21 (2): 449-57 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Interactions: 

COCARCINOGENIC STUDIES ON MOUSE SKIN (50 FEMALE ICR/HA MICE PER GROUP) 

WERE CONDUCTED. SIMULTANEOUS DERMAL APPLICATION OF 5 UG BENZO(A)PYRENE

IN SAME SOLN WITH PYRENE (0.004 & 0.012 MG) 3 TIMES WEEKLY IN 0.1 ML ACETONE 

PER APPLICATION RESULTED IN 6/50 & 20/50 MICE WITH SQUAMOUS CARCINOMAS, 

RESPECTIVELY. NO NEOPLASMS WERE OBSERVED IN MICE TREATED WITH PYRENE

ALONE. /FROM TABLE/ 

[Searle, C. E. (ed.). Chemical Carcinogens. ACS Monograph 173. Washington, DC: 

American Chemical Society, 1976., p. 35]**PEER REVIEWED**

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is able to inhibit the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene (l-NP) through the reduction 

of nitroreductase activity and formation of adducts with DNA. The relationships between the chemical 

structure of 9 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and antagonistic effects on the l-nitropyreneinduced mutation were evaluated by the binary mixtures of l-nitropyrene and PAHs with Salmonella 

typhimurium TA98 in the absence of S9 mix. Remarkably different antagonistic effects of 9 polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons on the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene were observed. Among the tested polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons, coronene demonstrates the most antagonistic potential followed by benzo(g,h,i)

perylene (B(g,h,i)P), benzo(e)pyrene (B(e)P), dibenzo(a,h)pyrene (DB(a,h)P), benzo(a)pyrene benzo

(a)pyrene and pyrene. Naphthalene, anthracene, and chrysene had only minor inhibitory activity on the 

l-nitropyrene mutagenicity. The modifying effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the 

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nitroreductase activity of TA98 strains in the presence of l-nitropyrene were further examined from the 

production of l-AP. The statistical analytical data showed that the inhibitory effect of polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons on the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene significantly correlated with their effects on 

the nitroreductase activity (r = - 0.69, p < 0.05). In addition, the formation of l-nitropyrene-DNA adducts 

of the binary mixtures of l-nitropyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was determined by the 32Ppostlabeling method. The results indicated that the modulatory effects of polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons on the formation of l-nitropyrene-DNA adducts were correlated well with their 

antagonistic activity (r= -0.91, P < 0.011. From the above results, the relationships between the chemical 

structure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the antagonistic effects on the l-nitropyrene 

mutagenicity were revealed by the surface area and electronic parameters of PAHs. The planar 

molecular area of PAHs was more convicingly correlated with the antagonistic effect on the 

mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene (r= - 0.81, p < 0.01) than that with the difference in energy, DELTAE, 

between EHOMO and ELUMO (r = 0.69, p < 0.05). According to the above, two possible mechanisms 

are involved in the interactive effect of the binary mixtures: (1) a higher binding affinity with 

nitroreductase for PAHs having a large planar surface area; and (2) a high energy of interaction between 

l-nitropyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a low DELTAE might decrease the 

nitroreductive capability. 

[Cherng S-H et al; Mutation Research 367 (4): 177-85 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pharmacology:

Interactions: 

COCARCINOGENIC STUDIES ON MOUSE SKIN (50 FEMALE ICR/HA MICE PER GROUP) 

WERE CONDUCTED. SIMULTANEOUS DERMAL APPLICATION OF 5 UG BENZO(A)PYRENE

IN SAME SOLN WITH PYRENE (0.004 & 0.012 MG) 3 TIMES WEEKLY IN 0.1 ML ACETONE 

PER APPLICATION RESULTED IN 6/50 & 20/50 MICE WITH SQUAMOUS CARCINOMAS, 

RESPECTIVELY. NO NEOPLASMS WERE OBSERVED IN MICE TREATED WITH PYRENE

ALONE. /FROM TABLE/ 

[Searle, C. E. (ed.). Chemical Carcinogens. ACS Monograph 173. Washington, DC: 

American Chemical Society, 1976., p. 35]**PEER REVIEWED**

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is able to inhibit the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene (l-NP) through the reduction 

of nitroreductase activity and formation of adducts with DNA. The relationships between the chemical 

structure of 9 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and antagonistic effects on the l-nitropyreneinduced mutation were evaluated by the binary mixtures of l-nitropyrene and PAHs with Salmonella 

typhimurium TA98 in the absence of S9 mix. Remarkably different antagonistic effects of 9 polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons on the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene were observed. Among the tested polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons, coronene demonstrates the most antagonistic potential followed by benzo(g,h,i)

perylene (B(g,h,i)P), benzo(e)pyrene (B(e)P), dibenzo(a,h)pyrene (DB(a,h)P), benzo(a)pyrene benzo

(a)pyrene and pyrene. Naphthalene, anthracene, and chrysene had only minor inhibitory activity on the 

l-nitropyrene mutagenicity. The modifying effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the 

nitroreductase activity of TA98 strains in the presence of l-nitropyrene were further examined from the 

production of l-AP. The statistical analytical data showed that the inhibitory effect of polycyclic 

aromatic hydrocarbons on the mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene significantly correlated with their effects on 

the nitroreductase activity (r = - 0.69, p < 0.05). In addition, the formation of l-nitropyrene-DNA adducts 

of the binary mixtures of l-nitropyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was determined by the 32Ppostlabeling method. The results indicated that the modulatory effects of polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons on the formation of l-nitropyrene-DNA adducts were correlated well with their 

antagonistic activity (r= -0.91, P < 0.011. From the above results, the relationships between the chemical 

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structure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the antagonistic effects on the l-nitropyrene 

mutagenicity were revealed by the surface area and electronic parameters of PAHs. The planar 

molecular area of PAHs was more convicingly correlated with the antagonistic effect on the 

mutagenicity of l-nitropyrene (r= - 0.81, p < 0.01) than that with the difference in energy, DELTAE, 

between EHOMO and ELUMO (r = 0.69, p < 0.05). According to the above, two possible mechanisms 

are involved in the interactive effect of the binary mixtures: (1) a higher binding affinity with 

nitroreductase for PAHs having a large planar surface area; and (2) a high energy of interaction between 

l-nitropyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a low DELTAE might decrease the 

nitroreductive capability. 

[Cherng S-H et al; Mutation Research 367 (4): 177-85 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary: 

Pyrene is released to the environment as a ubiquitous product of incomplete combustion, occurring in 

exhaust from motor vehicles, emissions from cigarette smoke, coal-, oil-, and wood-burning stoves and 

furnaces. Its production and use as a starting material in the manufacture of dyes and optical brighteners, 

may also account for this compound's presence in the environment. Based upon a measured vapor 

pressure of 8.9X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C, pyrene is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulatephase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase pyrene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with 

photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals; the half-life for the hydroxyl radical 

reaction in air is estimated to be about 8 hours. The atmospheric lifetime of pyrene due to reaction with 

nitrate radicals has been estimated as about 30 days. Particulate-phase pyrene may be physically 

removed from the air by wet and dry deposition. Direct photolysis by natural sunlight is also expected to 

be an important environmental fate process for pyrene based on photolysis studies performed on a 

variety of substrates. Pyrene is expected to be immobile in soil based upon an average Koc value of 

65,300 determined from measurements with freshwater sediment samples. Volatilization of pyrene from 

dry soil surfaces is not expected based upon the measured vapor pressure. Volatilization from moist soil 

surfaces is expected based on the measured Henry's Law constant of 1.2X10-5 atm-cu m/mole, but this 

process may be considerably attenuated due to adsorption. Biodegradation is expected to occur slowly, 

with estimated half-lives ranging from several weeks to years. In water, pyrene is expected to adsorb 

strongly to sediment or particulate matter based on its measured Koc values. This compound is expected 

to volatilize from water surfaces given its experimental Henry's Law constant, but adsorption may 

severely attenuate this process. Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5 and 37 days 

respectively when neglecting adsorption. The volatilization half-life in a model pond is approximately 

34 years when adsorption is considered. The potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is 

moderate to high based on experimental BCF values in the range of 72-970, measured in various species 

of fish. Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation of ambient air and dermal contact with this 

compound at workplaces where petroleum and coal tar are used or combustion processes are common 

such as coke plants, iron foundries and aluminum factories. Exposure may also occur in industries where 

pyrene is produced or used as an optical brightener or during the manufacture of dyes. The general 

population will be exposed to pyrene largely via smoking, dermal contact and inhalation of ambient air, 

particularly in areas with heavy traffic or near industrial sources. Exposure may also arise from 

consuming contaminated food and drinking water. (SRC) 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure: 

... Finished waters from various treatment sites are transported to consumers through a variety of 

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pipelines. PAH's /polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ leach from the tar or asphalt linings of these 

pipes ... resulting in increased concn of these cmpds in water reaching the consumers. ... Cement-lined 

pipes produce lower PAH concn, possibly because PAHs are adsorbed from water. 

[National Research Council. Drinking Water & Health, Volume 4. Washington, DC: 

National Academy Press, 1981., p. 256]**PEER REVIEWED**

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) CONTENT IN AIR OF 10 FERROUS & 

NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES WAS STUDIED. CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS REPORTED TO HAVE 

A HIGH RISK OF LUNG CANCER, SUCH AS MOLDERS, CASTERS & CRANE MEN, WERE 

ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF PAH EXPRESSED AS PERCENTAGE OF 

TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE. THIS RESULT WAS NOT STATISTICALLY 

SIGNIFICANT. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON/ 

[VERMA DK ET AL; ANN OCCUP HYG 25 (1): 17-26 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GLASS CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY SHOWED THAT WORKERS IN COKE PLANT 

WERE EXPOSED TO 5 TO 1000 MG POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH)/CU M 

AIR (INCL ACENAPHTHYLENE). PARTICULATE MATTER CONTAINS 98% RESPIRABLE 

PAH. 

[BJOERSETH A ET AL; SCAND J WORK, ENVIRON HEALTH 4 (3): 224 (1978)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation of ambient air and dermal contact with this 

compound at workplaces where petroleum and coal tar are used or combustion processes are common 

such as coke plants, iron foundries and aluminum factories. Exposure may also occur in industries where 

pyrene is produced or used as an optical brightener or during the manufacture of dyes. The average 

concentration of pyrene in 2 air filter samples were 32.7 ug/cu m and 26.2 ug/cu m at a Norwegian plant 

using smelting furnaces(1). The mean concentration of pyrene in breathing zones of a needle coke plant 

was 1.71 ug/cu m(2). The average exposure to workers in aluminum refinaries, silicon carbide and 

refractory brick industries has been estimated as less than 1 ug/cu m (vapor-phase) and about 7 ug/cu m 

(particulate-phase)(3). Pyrene was detected at average concentrations in the breathing zones of a coke 

plant (28.8 ug/cu m), anode plant (2.274 ug/cu m), graphite plant 0.055 (ug/cu m), silicon carbide plant 

(0.055 ug/cu m), metal plant (0.152 ug/cu m) and a paving operation 0.433 (ug/cu m)(4). The mean 

concentration of pyrene was 1.1 ug/cu m in the breathing zones of workers employed in a wood 

preservative operation(5). The average pyrene concentration in 7 personal air samples of workers 

employed in a needle coke plant was 0.1 ug/cu m(6). The average concentrations of pyrene in the 

personal air samples of workers employed in a coke factory were between 2 and 4 ug/cu m(7). 

[(1) Bjorseth A, Lunde G; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 38: 224-228 (1977) (2) Boogard PJ, 

Vansittert NJ; Occup Environ Med 51: 250-59 (1994) (3) Lesage J et al; Am Ind Hyg 

Assoc J 48: 753-59 (1987) (4) Petry T et al; Chemosphere 32: 639-48 (1996) (5) 

Heikkila PR et al; Scand J Work Environ Health 13: 431-37 (1987) (6) Boogard PJ, 

Vansittert NJ; Occup Environ Med 51: 250-59 (1994) (7) Yrjanheikki E et al; Am Ind 

Hyg Assoc J 56: 782-87 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The general population will be exposed to pyrene largely via smoking, dermal contact and inhalation of 

ambient air, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or near industrial sources. Exposure may also arise 

from consuming contaminated food and drinking water. (SRC) 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Average Daily Intake: 

The average daily intake of pyrene for women in Japan has been estimated as 0.98 ug/day(1). 

[(1) Tamakawa K et al; Eisei Kagaku 33: 66-70 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Natural Pollution Sources: 

/Found in the following natural sources:/ Kuwait Crude oil, 4.5 ppm; South Louisiana crude oil, 3.5 ppm 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data of Organic Chemicals. 2nd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1983., p. 1031]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pyrene has been isolated in coal tar and fossil fuels(1). 

[(1) IARC; Monograph on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to 

Humans 32: 432-45 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Artificial Pollution Sources: 

Pyrene's production and use as a starting material in the manufacture of dyes and optical brighteners(1), 

may lead to its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). It is a ubiquitous 

product of incomplete combustion, occurring in exhaust from motor vehicles and other gasoline or 

diesel engines, emissions from cigarette smoke, coal-, oil-, and wood-burning stoves and furnaces(2). 

[(1) Griesbaum K et al; Ullmann's Encycl Indust Chem 5th ed Vol A13 pp. 271-272 

Deerfield,FL: VCH Publ (1989) (2) IARC; Monograph on the Evaluation of the 

Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. 32: 432-45 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate: 

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1) and Koc values of 61,936 

and 90,000(2) obtained with soil samples from Flint, MI and Bordone, Canada pyrene is expected to be 

immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected based on the experimental 

vapor pressure of 8.9X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C(3). A screening model used to predict volatilization 

from dry soil surfaces estimated that the volatilization half-life of pyrene was about 500 days(4). 

Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected based on the measured Henry's Law constant of 

1.2X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(5), but this process may be considerably attenuated due to adsorption(SRC). 

Biodegradation is expected to occur slowly in soils, with estimated half-lives ranging from several 

weeks to years(6,7). Photolytic degradation of pyrene is expected to occur on soil surfaces as indicated 

by numerous photolysis studies performed on a variety of substrates(8-11). 

[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Abdul AS, Gibson TL; Haz Waste Haz 

Mat 4: 211-22 (1987) (3) Piatt JJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 751-60 (1996) (4) 

Jury WA et al; Wat Resources Res 26: 13-20 (1990) (5) Shiu WY, Mackay D; J Chem Eng 

Dat 42: 27-30 (1997) (6) Cerniglia CE; Biodegradation 3: 351-68 (1992) (7) Wild SR 

et al; pp. 457-62 in Agricultural Soils Amended With Sewage Sludges. Arendt F, 

Hinsenveld M, Vanderbrink WJ Eds. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publ (1990) (8) 

Behymer TD, Hites RA; Environ Sci Technol 19: 1004-06 (1985) (9)Behymer TD, Hites 

RA; Environ Sci Technol 22: 1311-19 (1988) (10) National Research Council; 

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Evaluation of Sources and Effects, Washington,DC: 

National Acad Press (1983) (11) Korfmacher WA et al; Environ Sci Technol 14: 1094-9 

(1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1) and an average Koc value of 

65,300 determined from measurements on 5 sediment samples obtained from a freshwater lake in 

Louisiana(2), pyrene is expected to adsorb strongly to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). 

Pyrene is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC) based on an experimental Henry's Law 

constant of 1.2X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4); however, adsorption to suspended solids and sediment is 

expected to severely attenuate this process(SRC). Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake 

are 5 and 37 days, respectively when adsorption is neglected(3,SRC). The volatilization half-life in a 

model pond is approximately 34 years when adsorption is considered(5). Photolysis of pyrene near the 

surface of aquatic ecosystems is expected to be significant(6,7,SRC). The near surface half-life for direct 

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photolysis of pyrene in water by sunlight was measured as 0.68 hours(6) and 0.85 hours(7). 

Biodegradation is expected to occur slowly, with estimated half-lives ranging from several weeks to 

years(8,9). According to a classification scheme(10), experimentally measured BCF values in the range 

of 72-970(11-13) measured in fish, indicate that bioconcentration is moderate to high in aquatic 

organisms(SRC). 

[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2)Means JC; Mar Chem 51: 3-16 (1995) 

(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. 

Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-4, 5-10, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (4) Shiu WY, 

Mackay D; J Chem Eng Dat 42: 27-30 (1997) (5) USEPA; EXAMS II Computer Simulation 

(1987) (6) Zepp RG, Schlotzhauer PF; pp. 141-58 in Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons Ann Arbor,MI: Ann Arbor Science (1979) (7) Picel KC et al; in Polynucl 

Aromat Hydrocarbons. Cooke, Dennis Eds. Battelle Press 8: 1013-28 (1985) (8) 

Cerniglia CE; Biodegradation 3: 351-68 (1992) (9) Wild SR et al; pp. 457-62 in 

Agricultural Soils Amended With Sewage Sludges. Arendt F, Hinsenveld M, Vanderbrink 

WJ Eds. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publ (1990) (10) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 

29: 1501-14 (1994) (11) Spehar RL et al; J Water Pollut Control Fed 52: 1703-74 

(1980) (12) Ogata M et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 33: 561-7 (1984) (13) 

Carlson RM et al; Implications to the Aquatic Environment of Polynuclear Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons Liberated from Northern Great Plains Coal USEPA-600/2-79-093 (1979)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic 

compounds in the atmosphere(1), pyrene, which has a measured vapor pressure of 8.9X10-5 mm Hg at 

25 deg C(2,SRC), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient 

atmosphere. Vapor-phase pyrene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemicallyproduced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals(SRC); the half-life for the hydroxyl radical reaction in 

air is estimated to be about 8 hours(3,SRC). The atmospheric lifetime of vapor-phase pyrene due to 

reaction with nitrate radicals has been calculated as approximately 30 days(4). Particulate-phase pyrene

may be physically removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). 

[(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2)Piatt JJ et al; Environ 

Sci Technol 30: 751-60 (1996) (3) Atkinson R; J Phys Chem Ref Data (1989) (4) 

Atkinson R, Arey J; Environ Health Per 102: 117-26 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Biodegradation: 

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with 4 or less aromatic rings are degraded by microbes and are 

readily metabolized by multicellular organisms; biodegradation may be the ultimate fate 

process. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Callahan, M.A., M.W. Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate 

of 129 Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979., p. 97-17]**PEER REVIEWED**

Bacteria isolated from Colgate Creek, Chesapeake Bay, and cultured in bay water degraded 19.6-22.4% 

pyrene present over an unspecified time period; Eastern Bay bacteria similarly cultured resulted in 2.0-

8.2% degradation(1). Pyrene at 5 ppm was 71% degraded with rapid adaptation after 7 days by 

microbes in settled domestic wastewater, 100% degraded 7 days after addition of the second subculture. 

At 10 ppm only 13% degradation was observed after 28 total days and the addition of three subcultures

(2). In natural water from a polluted stream in Urbana, IL, pyrene was cometabolized 63.3% 

(naphthalene as growth substrate) and 53.8% (phenanthrene growth substrate) in 4 weeks(3). Pyrene in 

contact with organics undergoing a high rate of composting was degraded 0 and 31% in 30-day 

duplicate tests and the rate of degradation was higher over the last 23 days than it was the first 7 days(4). 

Pyrene has been shown to be bioconverted via oxidation by isolated soil bacteria without any growth 

substrate present(5). 

[(1) Walker JD, Colwell RR; pp. 783-90 in International Conference on Water 

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Pollution Research Vol 7 (1974) (2) Tabak HH et al; J Water Pollut Control Fed 53: 

1503-18 (1981) (3) McKenna EJ; Biodegradation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon 

Pollutants by Soil and Water Microorganisms Water Resources Center 113: 1-25 (1976) 

(4) Snell Environmental Group Inc; Rate of Biodegradation of Toxic Compounds While 

in Contact with Organics which are Actively Composting Lansing, MI NTIS PB 84-

193150 (1982) (5) Sims RC, Overcash MR; Res Rev 88: 1-68 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The aerobic biodegradation half-life of pyrene in sediment/freshwater ecosystems has been estimated as 

34 to 90 weeks, resulting in the formation of 1-hydroxypyrene, 1,6-pyrenequinone and 1,8-

pyrenequinone as common metabolites(1,2). An enriched microbial culture obtained from sediment and 

seawater from a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon polluted waterway in British Columbia, Canada 

completely degraded 1.6 ug/ml of pyrene in 10 ml of mineral salt growth medium over a 5 day 

incubation period(3). Activated soil samples from 3 coal gasification facilities in Illinois, resulted in 10-

48% biodegradation of pyrene over a 65 day incubation period(4). Reintroducing pyrene-degrading 

bacterium isolated and grown in pure culture enhanced the rate of degradation significantly in 

comparison to the indigenous population(4). Soil samples obtained from an abandoned coal tar refinery 

in Ohio resulted in 25-75% biodegradation of pyrene over an 85 day incubation period(5). Pyrene in an 

enriched phenanthracene-degrading microbial culture was degraded 46%, 83% and 88% over 5, 8 and 

14 day incubation periods respectively(6). Microorganisms enriched with seawater and sediment 

samples from British Columbia, Canada were shown to degrade pyrene in a synthetic seawater 

environment, with cis-4,5-dihydroxy-4,5-dihydropyrene as the main degradation product(7). Enriched 

microbial cultures isolated from seawater and sediment samples from British Columbia, Canada, 

completely degraded 10 ug of pyrene in a 10 ml salt medium during a 5 day incubation period(8). The 

primary metabolite in this study was identified as cis-dihydrodiol pyrene(8). 

[(1) Cerniglia CE; Biodegradation 3: 351-68 (1992) (2) Heitkamp MA, Cerniglia CE; 

Environ Toxicol Chem 6: 535-546 (1987) (3) Cullen WR et al; Sci Tot Environ 156: 

27-37 (1994) (4) Grosser RJ et al; Appl Environ Microbiol 57: 3462-3469 (1991) (5) 

Grosser RJ et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 14: 375-382 (1995) (6) Mueller JG et al; 

Appl Environ Microbiol 55: 3085-90 (1989) (7) Li XF et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 

1115-19 (1996) (8) Li XF et al; Sci Tot Environ 177: 17-29 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A long term field study in which polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated sludge was applied to 

agricultural plots in England resulted in measured biodegradation half-lives of 3.1 and 8.5 years for 

pyrene(1). Microcosms constructed using aquifer sediment and groundwater from a reservoir in 

Arkansas produced no mineralization of pyrene over a 28 day incubation period(2). When similar 

microcosms where inoculated with enriched cultures isolated from petroleum-contaminated soils, 40% 

mineralization was observed over a 28 day incubation period(2). 

[(1) Wild SR et al; pp. 457-62 in Agricultural Soils Amended With Sewage Sludges. 

Arendt F, Hinsenveld M, Vanderbrink WJ Eds. Kluwer Academic Publisher: Netherlands 

(1990) (2) Heitkamp MA, Ceringlia CE; Appl Environ Microbiol 55: 1968-73 (1989)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Abiotic Degradation: 

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of pyrene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl 

radicals has been measured as 5.0X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg C(1). This corresponds to an 

atmospheric half-life of about 8 hours at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm

(1). The atmospheric lifetime of vapor-phase pyrene due to reaction with nitrate radicals has been 

calculated as approximately 30 days(2). Pyrene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the 

environment due to a lack of functional groups which hydrolyze(SRC). 

[(1) Atkinson R; J Phys Chem Ref Data (1989) (2) Atkinson R, Arey J; Environ Health 

Per 102: 117-26 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Photolysis is expected to be an important environmental fate process for pyrene(SRC). The photolytic 

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half-life of pyrene adsorbed to silica, alumina and fly ash substrates were measured as 21, 31 and 46 

hours, respectively, following irradiation with a 450 watt mercury lamp(1). The irradiation of pyrene

adsorbed to 16 different substrates with a 450 watt mercury lamp yielded photolytic half-lives ranging 

from 22.5 hours to 1,000 hours(2). Pyrene adsorbed on a variety of solids (fly ash, silica gel, alumina) 

has been shown to react with nitrate radicals and ozone to give nitropyrenes and quinones, respectively

(3). Approximately 6 percent photolytic degradation occurred when pyrene was adsorbed to a fly ash 

substrate and exposed to natural sunlight for 5 hours(4). Approximately 40 percent photodegradation 

was observed when a solution of pyrene in DMSO was irradiated with light at wavelengths greater than 

310 nm for 3 days(5). Photolysis of pyrene near the surface of aquatic ecosystems is expected to occur

(6,7,SRC). The near surface half-life for direct photolysis of pyrene in water by sunlight was measured 

as 0.68 hours(6) and 0.85 hours(7). Particulate-phase pyrene collected on a glass fiber filter and 

extracted with cyclohexane had a measured photochemical half-life of 65 minutes(8). 

[(1) Behymer TD, Hites RA; Environ Sci Technol 19: 1004-06 (1985) (2) Behymer TD, 

Hites RA; Environ Sci Technol 22: 1311-19 (1988) (3) National Research Council; 

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Evaluation of Sources and Effects, National Acad 

Press Washington DC (1983) (4) Korfmacher WA et al; Environ Sci Technol 14: 1094-9 

(1980) (5) Holloway MP et al; Mut Res 187: 199-207 (1987) (6) Zepp RG, Schlotzhauer 

PF; p 141-58 in Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons Ann Arbor Science Ann Arbor MI 

(1979) (7) Picel KC et al; in Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons 8: 1013-28 Cooke and 

Dennis Eds. Battelle Press (1985) (8) Valerio F, Lazzarotto A; Int J Eniviron Anal 

Chem 23: 135-51 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Bioconcentration: 

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) WERE ANALYZED IN SURFACIAL 

SEDIMENTS & BENTHIC ORGANISMS IN SOUTHEASTERN LAKE ERIE, NEAR A LARGE 

COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT. SEDIMENT CONCN (530-770 PPB PAH) WERE RELATIVELY 

HOMOGENOUS THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE 150 SQUARE KM AREA, ALTHOUGH RIVER 

& NEARSHORE CONCENTRATIONS REACHED 4 PPM. OLIGOCHAETE WORMS DID NOT 

BIOCONCENTRATE (ON WET WT BASIS) ANY OF THE PAH. CHIRONOMIDE MIDGES 

COLLECTED 1 KM OFFSHORE EXHIBITED BIOCONCENTRATION OF 5 PAH ONE OF WHICH 

WAS PYRENE. FURTHER OFFSHORE, THESE APPARENT BIOCONCENTRATIONS 

DISAPPEARED, WITH MIDGES AT NEAR EQUILIBRIUM WITH SEDIMENTS. 

[EADIE BJ ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (2): 185-92 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Some marine organisms have no detectable aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase enzyme systems, namely: 

phytoplankton, certain zooplankton, mussels (Mytilus edulis), scallops (Placopecten sp), and snails 

(Litternia littorea). ... Those organisms which lack a metabolic detoxification enzyme system, tend to 

accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Malins DC; Ann NY Acad Sci 298: 482-496 (1977) as cited in: Health and Welfare 

Canada; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons p.37 (1979) Report No. 80-EHD-50]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Bioaccumulation, especially in vertebrate organisms, is considered to be short-term, and is not 

considered an important fate process. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Callahan, M.A., M.W. Slimak, N.W. Gabel, et al. Water-Related Environmental Fate 

of 129 Priority Pollutants. Volume I. EPA-440/4 79-029a. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, December 1979., p. 95-9]**PEER REVIEWED**

Experimental BCF values of 72(1), 457(2), and 600-970(3) have been reported in rainbow trout, 

goldfish and fathead minnow respectively. According to a classification scheme(4), these BCF values 

suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high(SRC). Pyrene was shown to 

bioaccumulate in worms exposed to contaminated sediment over a 4 week incubation period, reaching a 

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maximum concn of 60.9 ng/g and an uptake rate constant of 0.0256 hr-1(5). 

[(1) Spehar RL et al; J Water Pollut Control Fed 52: 1703-74 (1980) (2) Ogata M et 

al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 33: 561-7 (1984) (3) Carlson RM et al; Implications 

to the Aquatic Environment of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons Liberated from 

Northern Great Plains Coal USEPA-600/2-79-093 (1979) (4) Franke C et al; 

Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (5) Harkey GA et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 14: 1551-

60 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

BCF (bioconcentration factor) Prionospio cirrifera and Spiochaetpoterus costarum (polychaete worms) = 

5.2 /ratio of polychaeta dry wt to sediment dry wt/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1599]**PEER REVIEWED**

BCF (bioconcentration factor) Capitella capitata (polychaete worm) = 13.3 /ratio of polychaeta dry wt to 

sediment dry wt/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1599]**PEER REVIEWED**

Soil Adsorption/Mobility: 

Several experimental Koc values for pyrene have been reported depending upon the pH and organic 

carbon content of the soil(1-8). Experimental Koc values determined with 5 sediment samples obtained 

from a freshwater lake in Louisiana were 64,954, 63,372, 73,127, 65,380 and 59,675(1). The Koc values 

of pyrene obtained with soil samples from Flint, MI and Bordone, Canada were 61,936 and 90,000 

respectively(2). Measured Koc values of 160,000, 153,000, 98,700 and 169,000 were obtained for 

pyrene with suspended solids and sediment from the Boston Harbor, MA(3). An experimental Koc 

value of 76,000 was reported for pyrene with soil obtained from a water treatment facility in Sweden(4). 

Experimentally determined log Koc values between 4.9 and 5.4 were reported for pyrene with sediment 

obtained from Lake Michigan(5) and a log Koc value of 5.5 was reported with sediment obtained from 

the Boston Harbor, MA(6). Reported log Koc values of 4.83(7) and 5.13(8) were obtained from HPLC 

retention factors using an immobilized humic acid packing material. According to a recommended 

classification scheme(9), these reported Koc values suggest that pyrene is essentially immobile in soil

(SRC). 

[(1) Means JC; Mar Chem 51: 3-16 (1995) (2) Abdul AS, Gibson TL; Haz Waste Haz Mat 

4: 211-22 (1987) (3) Chin YP, Gschwend PM; Enviorn Sci Technol 26: 1621-26 (1992) 

(4) Enfield CG et al; Enviorn Sci Technol 23: 1278-86 (1989) (5) Harkey GA et al; 

Chemosphere 28: 583-96 (1994) (6) McGroddy SE et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 172-77 

(1996) (7) Szabo G et al; Chemosphere 21: 729-39 (1990) (8) Szabo G et al; 

Chemosphere 21: 495-505 (1990) (9) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Volatilization from Water/Soil: 

The Henry's Law constant for pyrene has been measured as 1.2X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(1). This value 

indicates that pyrene is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2,SRC); however, adsorption to 

suspended solids and sediment is expected to considerably attenuate this process(SRC). Based on this 

Henry's Law constant and ignoring adsorption, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, 

flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 5 days(2,SRC). The 

volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is 

estimated as approximately 37 days(2,SRC). The environmental volatilization half-life in a model pond 

(2 m deep) is approximately 34 years when adsorption is considered(3). Pyrene is not expected to 

volatilize from dry soil surfaces based on a measured vapor pressure of 8.9X10-5 mm Hg(4,SRC). A 

screening model used to predict volatilization from dry soil surfaces estimated that the volatilization 

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half-life of pyrene was about 500 days(5). 

[(1) Shiu WY, Mackay D; J Chem Eng Dat 42: 27-30 (1997) (2) Lyman WJ et al; 

Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 

15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) US EPA; EXAMS II Computer Simulation (1987) (4) Piatt JJ 

et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 751-60 (1996) (5) Jury WA et al; Wat Resources Res 

26: 13-20 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Water Concentrations: 

PYRENE WAS ONE OF THE POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) 

DETERMINED IN SAMPLES FROM BEKKELAGET SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN OSLO 

RECEIVING INDUST WASTE WATER & HOUSEHOLD SEWAGE: DURING DRY PERIOD IN 

1979 (189 NG/L); AFTER RAINFALL 1979 (168 NG/L); DRY PERIOD (SPRING) 1980 (248 NG/L); 

AFTER RAINFALL (SUMMER) 1980 (110 NG/L). STATIONARY MUSSELS OUTSIDE 

TREATMENT PLANT CONTAINED 90 NG/G DEC 8; 99 NG/G DEC 11; 82 NG/G DEC 15; 101 

NG/G DEC 22; 132 NG/G JAN 6; & 80 NG/G APRIL 28; TRANSPLANTED MUSSELS OUTSIDE 

BEKKELAGET SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT 16 NG/G DEC 11; 51 NG/G DEC 22; 40 NG/G 

JAN 6; 50 NG/G APRIL 28. FROM THE PAH-PROFILES OBSERVED IN MUSSELS NEAR THE 

DISCHARGE-POINT, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IS 

MAJOR PAH-SOURCE IN THE AREA. FIVE SAMPLES OF NORDIC TAP WATER WERE 

ANALYZED FOR POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS. CONCENTRATIONS OF 

PYRENE FOUND WERE 12 NG/L, 8.5 NG/L, 0.31 NG/L, LESS THAN 0.30 NG/L, & LESS THAN 

0.72 NG/L, RESPECTIVELY. 

[KVESETH K ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (7): 623-39 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DRINKING WATER: Pyrene was detected at a concn 1.1 parts per trillion in the drinking water supply 

of Norway(1). Pyrene was detected in the drinking water of Eastern Ontario, Canada, at average concns 

of 0.6 and 1 ppb(2). Pyrene was detected in 12 drinking water supplies located in the Great Lakes area 

at concns of 1.3-72.0 parts per trillion (winter) and 0-31.0 parts per trillion (summer)(3). The mean 

concn of pyrene detected in the drinking water in Ahmedabad, India was reported as 911.49 ng/l(4). 

[(1) IARC; Monograph on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to 

Humans 32: 432-45 (1983) (2) Santodonato J et al; Hazard Profiles on PAH p. 53 TR81-633 (1981) (3) Williams DT et al; Chemosphere 3: 263-76 (1982) Jani JP et al; 

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 47: 381-85 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GROUNDWATER: The average concn of pyrene in the groundwater near 5 wood treatment facilities 

sampled in the US was 666 ug/l(1). Pyrene has been detected in groundwater at concns of 1.6-2.5 parts 

per trillion from undisclosed locations in the US(2). Pyrene was detected at concns of 10-100 ng/l in 3 

out of 4 groundwater supplies sampled in Zagreb, Croatia(3). Pyrene was detected at a concn of 10.4 

mg/l in groundwater near an abandoned wood preservative manufacturing plant in Florida(4). 

[(1) Rosenfeld JK, Plumb RH; Ground Water Environ Rev 11: 133-40 (1991) (2) IARC; 

Monograph on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. 32: 

432-45 (1983) (3) Ahel M; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 47: 586-93 (1991) (4) 

Middaugh DP et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 21: 233-44 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SURFACE WATER: Pyrene was detected in the Mississippi river at concns of 1-15 ng/l(1) and in 

eastern Ontario waters at concns of 0.2-1.7 parts per trillion(2). Pyrene was detected at an average 

concn of 0.28 ng/l in Lake Superior(3). Pyrene was identified, not quantified in Lake Ontario, Lake 

Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan(4). Pyrene was detected in Lake Manzala, Egypt at concns of 3.1-

67.0 ng/l(5). 

[(1) Deleon IR et al; Chemosphere 15: 795-805 (1986) (2) Verschueren K; Handbook of 

Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals 2nd ed p. 1033 NY,NY: Von Nostrand Reinhold 

(1983) (3) Ko FC, Baker JE; Mar Chem 49: 171-88 (1995) (4) Great Lakes Water 

Quality Board; Volume 1 Report to the Great Lakes Water Quality Board Windsor, 

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Canada (1983) (5) Badawy MI et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 55: 258-63 (1995)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

SEAWATER: Pyrene was detected at concns of 115.91 pg/l to 991.59 pg/l in the Baltic sea(1). Pyrene

was detected, not quantified in the Beafort and Barent seas(2). Pyrene was detected at an average concn 

of 0.71 ng/l (surface water) and 0.97 ng/l (bottom water) in the Chesapeake Bay(3). The average concn 

of pyrene in the Antarctic ocean was reported as 3.3 ng/l(4). 

[(1) Witt G; Mar Pollut Bull 31: 237-48 (1995) (2) Yunker MB et al; Environ Sci 

Technol 30: 1310-20 (1996) (3) Ko FC, Baker JE; Mar Chem 49: 171-88 (1995) (4) 

Cripps GC; Mar Pollut Bul 24: 109-114 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RAIN/FOG/SNOW: The mean concn of pyrene for 2 rainfalls in Portland, OR was reported as 39 ng/l

(1). Concns of pyrene in ice samples in Greenland were in the range of 111-595 pg/kg(2). The average 

concn of pyrene measured in the fog of Zurich, Switzerland was 2.5 ng/ml, with concns ranging from 

0.02 to 7.1 ng/ml(3). Pyrene has been detected in rainfall at concns of 5.8-27.8 parts per trillion at 

undisclosed locations(4). 

[(1) Ligocki MP et al; Atmos Environ 19:1619-26 (1985) (2) Jaffrezo JL et al; Atmos 

Environ 27: 2781 (1994) (3) Capel PD et al; Atmos Environ 28: 1139-45 (1994) (4) 

IARC; Monograph on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. 

32: 432-45 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Effluent Concentrations: 

DATA ON EMISSION LEVELS OF WASTEWATERS & SOLID RESIDUALS FROM 

PETROLEUM REFINING INDUSTRY ARE SUMMARIZED. TYPES OF WASTE WATER & 

RESIDUAL SAMPLES FOR WHICH DATA ARE PRESENTED INCL RAW WASTE LOADINGS 

FROM CLASS A THROUGH E REFINERIES, LOADING OF VARIOUS POLLUTANTS ACROSS 

SEVERAL PROCESS UNITS SUCH AS DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION, ACTIVATED SLUDGE 

PROCESS, CARBON COLUMNS (POWDERED & GRANULAR), & CLARIFIERS, & OILY 

SOLIDS (TANK BOTTOMS, CRUDE OIL, BUNKER C, & WAXY PRODUCT). PYRENE CONCN 

RANGES FOUND IN REFINERY CATEGORY B, C, E, & AN UNDESIGNATED CATEGORY 

(BIOTREATMENT EFFLUENT < 0.1 TO 30 UG/L, 3 UG/L, 0.7 TO 16 UG/L, & 5.4 UG/L: FINAL 

EFFLUENT < 1 TO 7 UG/L, < 0.5 UG/L, < 1 UG/L, & < 0.1 UG/L) RESPECTIVELY. 

[SNIDER EH, MANNING FS; ENVIRON INT 7 (4): 237-58 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pyrene was detected in the wastewater effluent of an Aluminum plant in Norway at concns of 400 ug/l 

and 963 ug/l(1). Pyrene was detected in the effluent from 19 percent of the industrial sites sampled 

across the US, with a maximum concn of 102 ug/l(2). Pyrene was detected, not quantified, in the 

leachate of a landfill located in Florida(3). Pyrene was detected at concns of 0.071 ug/l in potable water 

supplies in New York originating from storage tanks that had been treated with coal tar as a corrosion 

inhibitor(4). Pyrene was detected at an average concn of 10 ppb in the wastewater stream of a tire 

manufacturing plant(5). Stormwater runoff in suburban Alabama contained pyrene at 28 ug/l (roofs), 40 

ug/L (parking areas), 8 ug/L (storage areas), 1 ug/l (street runoff), 44 ug/l (vehicle service stations), 100 

ug/l (urban creeks) and 31 ug/l (detection ponds)(6). Pyrene was detected, not quantified, in the leachate 

of materials treated with wood preservatives(7). Pyrene was detected in the effluent of a coke plant at a 

concn of 4 ug/L(8). 

[(1) Naes K et al; Sci Tot Environ 163: 93-106 (1995) (2) Pitt R et al; 

USEPA/600/SR-94/1051 pp. 1-7 (1994) (3) Chen CS, Zoltek JJR; Chemosphere 28:1385-

1400 (1994) (4) Alben K; Environ Sci Technol 14: 468-70 (1980) (5) Jungclaus GA et 

al; Anal Chem 48: 1894-6 (1976) (6) Pitt R et al; Water Environ Res 67: 260-75 

(1995) (7) Wendt PH et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 31: 24-37 (1996) (8) Griest 

WH; pp. 173-83 in Hydrocarbon Halo Hydrocarbon Aquatic Environ Afghan BK, Mackay D 

eds. NY, NY: Plenum Press (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Pyrene was detected in the emissions of automobiles in Sweden at an average concn of 35.1 ng/cu m 

(diesel) and 19.2 ng/cu m (non-diesel)(1). Particulate-phase pyrene was detected in automobile 

emissions in California at a concn of 1.85 ug/kg(2). Average emission rates of pyrene for diesel 

powered automobiles in Sweden were measured as 4.6 ug/km (particulate-phase) and 17 ug/km (vaporphase), while the average emissions for unleaded gasoline powered automobiles were 11 ug/km 

(particulate-phase) and 2.1 ug/km (vapor-phase)(3). The emission rate of pyrene from a commercially 

manufactured boiler was measured in the range of 0.0 to 0.148 lb/1X10+12 BTU and was dependent 

upon the type of fuel that powered the boiler(4). Particulate-phase pyrene was detected in the effluent of 

a diesel engine at a concn of 43.6 ug/g(5). The emission rate of pyrene for automobiles equipped with a 

catalytic converter was 2.5 ug/km, while autos lacking a catalytic converter had emission rates of 31 

ug/km and diesel trucks had emission rates of 22.6 ug/km(6). 

[(1) Strandell M et al; Environ Health Per 4: 85-92 (1994) (2) Venkataraman C, 

Friedlander SK; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 44: 1103-08 (1994) (3) Westerholm R, 

Egeback KE; Environ Health Per 4: 13-23 (1994) (4) Miller CA et al; J Air Waste 

Manage Assoc 46: 742-48 (1996) (5) Hoekman SK, Ingham MC; Proc APCA Annu Meet 1: 22 

(1987) (6) Rogge WF et al; Environ Sci Technol 27: 636-51 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pyrene was detected in the emissions of automobiles in Sweden at an average concn of 35.1 ng/cu m 

(diesel) and 19.2 ng/cu m (non-diesel)(1). Particulate-phase pyrene was detected in automobile 

emissions in California at a concn of 1.85 ug/kg(2). Average emission rates of pyrene for diesel 

powered automobiles in Sweden were measured as 4.6 ug/km (particulate-phase) and 17 ug/km (vaporphase), while the average emissions for unleaded gasoline powered automobiles were 11 ug/km 

(particulate-phase) and 2.1 ug/km (vapor-phase)(3). The emission rate of pyrene from a commercially 

manufactured boiler was measured in the range of 0.0 to 0.148 lb/1X10+12 BTU and was dependent 

upon the type of fuel that powered the boiler(4). Particulate-phase pyrene was detected in the effluent of 

a diesel engine at a concn of 43.6 ug/g(5). The emission rate of pyrene for automobiles equipped with a 

catalytic converter was 2.5 ug/km, while autos lacking a catalytic converter had emission rates of 31 

ug/km and diesel trucks had emission rates of 22.6 ug/km(6). 

[(1) Strandell M et al; Environ Health Per 4: 85-92 (1994) (2) Venkataraman C, 

Friedlander SK; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 44: 1103-08 (1994) (3) Westerholm R, 

Egeback KE; Environ Health Per 4: 13-23 (1994) (4) Miller CA et al; J Air Waste 

Manage Assoc 46: 742-48 (1996) (5) Hoekman SK, Ingham MC; Proc APCA Annu Meet 1: 22 

(1987) (6) Rogge WF et al; Environ Sci Technol 27: 636-51 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Sediment/Soil Concentrations: 

Pyrene was detected in the sediment of Lake Superior at concns of 1.76 ug/g(1) and 13-266 ng/g(2) and 

Lake Ontario at concns of 1.2-72.7 ug/g(3). Pyrene was detected in sediment from the Gulf of Lion at 

concns of 0.0-84.6 ng/g(4). Pyrene was detected in sediment from the Chesapeake Bay at concns of 0.0-

57.6 ug/g(5). Sediment samples in the Thames River contained 11.1 ug/g of pyrene(6). Sediment 

collected at 5 locations in Lake Michigan contained pyrene at concns of 399.87, 296.93, 346.72, 343.98 

and 103.40 ng/g(7). Sediment from the Passaic River, NJ contained pyrene at concns between 0 and 

100,000 ug/kg(8). Sediment obtained from the St. Lawrence River had pyrene concns of 775 ug/g near 

the Reynolds aluminum manufacturing plant and 0.25 ug/g near the General Motors automobile 

manufacturing facility(9). Sediment from Lake Ladoga, Russia contained pyrene at concns of 1.7-290.0 

ng/g(10). 

[(1) Bahnick DA, Markee TP; J Great Lakes Res 11: 143-55 (1985) (2) Baker JE et al; 

Environ Sci Technol 25: 500-509 (1991) (3) Murphy TP et al; Water Pollut Res J Can 

26: 1-16 (1991) (4) Domine D et al; Sci Tot Environ 155: 9-24 (1994) (5) Foster GD, 

Wright DA; Marine Pollut Bull 19: 459-65 (1988) (6) Taylor PN, Lester JN; Environ 

Technol 16: 1155-63 (1995) (7) Simick MF et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 3039-46 

(1996) (8) Wenning RJ et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 27: 64-81 (1994) (9) Sokol 

Page 24 of 44

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RC et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 2054-64 (1994) (10) Ristula T et al; Chemosphere 

32: 1179-92 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pyrene was measured in the soil at an urban roadside in Australia at a concn of 214 ng/g(1). Pyrene was 

detected in the soil at Birmingham UK (254 ug/kg), Brishane UK (214 ug/kg), Wales UK (63 ug/kg) and 

Herts UK (131 ug/kg)(2). Pyrene was identified, not quantified in soil samples from German forests(3). 

The average concn of pyrene detected in soil samples from 3 northeastern US cities was 2.4 mg/kg(4). 

[(1) Yang SYN et al; Sci Tot Environ 102: 229-40 (1991) (2) Smith DJT et al; 

Environ Technol 16: 45-53 (1995) Pichler M et al; Environ Sci Pollut Res 3: 24-31 

(1996) (4) Bradley LJ et al; J Soil Contam 3: 349-61 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Atmospheric Concentrations: 

POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN URBAN ATMOSPHERES: PYRENE: 

TRACE-35 UG/1000 CU M IN 12 USA CITIES (1958). 1.3-19.3 UG/1000 CU M IN DETROIT (1962-

63). /FROM TABLE/ 

[Searle, C. E. (ed.). Chemical Carcinogens. ACS Monograph 173. Washington, DC: 

American Chemical Society, 1976., p. 341]**PEER REVIEWED**

RURAL/REMOTE: Pyrene was detected in Antarctic air at concns of 4.2-24.8 pg/cu m(1) and 5.5-50.9 

pg/cu m(2). Air monitoring data from the Arctic region detected pyrene at mean concns of 6.7 pg/cu m 

for the months of May-September and 111 pg/cu m for the months of October-April(3). Pyrene was 

detected in measurements from Fairbanks Alaska (400-39,800 pg/cu m), Narwahl Alaska(150 pg/cu m), 

Alert Canada (1.9-50 pg/cu m) and Barrow Canada (50-540 pg/cu m)(4). Pyrene was detected in 

Mediterranean Sea air at concns of 0.05-0.68 ng/cu m(5). The average pyrene concn in Folkstone and 

Ashford UK was 0.21 ng/cu m(6). Pyrene was detected at a concn of 0.114 ng/cu m in Quabin Summit, 

MA(7). 

[(1) Caricchia AM et al; Water Sci Technol 27: 235-43 (1993) (2) Intern J Environ 

chem 55: 331-40 (1994) (3) Fellin P et al; Environ toxicol chem 15: 253-61(1996) 

(4) Gregor DJ; In Pollut Arct Atmos pp 217-54, Sturges WT Ed. Elsevier London, 

(1991) (5) Masclet P et al; Atmos Environ 22: 639-50 (1988) (6) Baek SO et al; Sci 

Tot Environ 11: 169-99 (1992) (7) Allen JO et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 1023-31 

(1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

URBAN: The pyrene concn at a roadside in Australia was measured as 1.03 ng/cu m(1). Pyrene was 

detected in the air of west Los Angeles (0.12 ng/cu m), downtown Los Angeles(0.26 ng/cu m), Pasadena 

(0.17 ng/cu m) and Rabidoux (0.14 ng/cu m)(2). The atmospheric concn of pyrene in Catania, Sicily 

was 8.8 ng/cu m (spring), 0.32 ng/cu m(summer), 2.27 ng/cu m(fall) and 11.64 ng/cu m(winter)(3). 

Pyrene was detected at 4 urban sites in the UK at concns of 4.44-72.30 ng/cu m(4). Pyrene was 

detected at concns of 1.22 and 0.85 ng/cu m in 2 urban sites in Croatia(5). The average pyrene concn in 

London during a 23 week sampling period was 16.42 ng/cu m(6). Particulate-phase pyrene was detected 

at concns of 0.06-0.71 ng/cu m in Stockholm, Sweden and vapor-phase concns were 0.11-0.66 ng/cu m

(7). Pyrene was detected at concns of 40.6-281.1 ng/cu m (winter) and 2.4-31.7 ng/cu m (summer) in 9 

cities located in Poland(8). The average atmospheric concn of pyrene in London was measured as 1.90 

ng/cu m (winter) and 0.43 ng/cu m (summer)(9). The average pyrene concn in South Kensington UK 

was 1.17 ng/cu m(10). Pyrene was detected in Los Angeles, California and urban sites in New Jersey at 

concns of 0.3-1.7 ng/cu m and 0.1-2.8 ng/cu m, respectively(11). Pyrene was detected at a concn of 8.07 

ng/cu m in Boston MA(12). The average pyrene concn in Birmingham, UK was 38.04 ng/cu m in the 

winter months and 3.33 ng/cu m during the summer months(13). 

[(1) Yang SYN et al; Sci Tot Environ 102: 229-40 (1991) (2) Rogge WF et al; Atmos 

Environ 27A: 1309-30 (1993) (3) Librando V, Fazzino SD; Chemosphere 27: 1649-56 

(1993) (4) Halsall CJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 2380-86 (1994) (5) Eskinja I 

et al; Indian J anal Chem 63: 251-68 (1996) (6) Brown JR et al; Sci Tot Environ 

177: 73-84 (1996) (7) Broman D et al; Environ Sci Technol 25: 1841-50 (1991) (8) 

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Bodzek D et al; Atmos Environ 27A: 759-64 (1993) (9) Baek SO et al; Chemosphere 22: 

503-20 (1991) (10) Baek SO et al; Sci Tot Environ 11: 169-99 (1992) (11) Baek SO et 

al; Water Air Soil Pollut 60: 279-300 (1991) (12) Allen JO et al; Environ Sci 

Technol 30: 1023-31 (1996) (13) Harrison RM et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 825-32 

(1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOURCE DOMINATED: Pyrene was detected in Bahrain at concns of less than 0.05 ng/cu m to 0.11 

ng/cu m, during the oil fires in Kuwait following the Persian Gulf war(1). Pyrene was detected at a 

concn of 2.33 ng/cu m in an industrialized area of Lahore, Pakistan(2). 

[(1) Madany IM, Raveendran E; Sci Tot Environ 116: 281-89 (1992) (2) Smith DJT et 

al; Atmos Environ 30: 4031-40 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

INDOOR AIR: Pyrene was detected in a gas heated home occupied by smokers at concns of 11 ng/cu m 

(kitchen) and 17 ng/cu m (living room), while pyrene concns of an electrically heated home occupied 

by non-smokers was 3.6 ng/cu m (kitchen) and 5.6 ng/cu m (living room)(1). Pyrene was detected at a 

concn of 1.4 ng/cu m (particulate-phase) and 12 ng/cu m (vapor-phase) in a house heated with kerosene 

fuel(2). Pyrene was detected in the air of homes in China at concns of 0.04-14 ug/cu m(3). 

[(1) Wilson NK, Chuang JC; pp. 1053-64 in Polynucl Aromat Hydrocarbons. Cooke M et 

al. Eds. Columbus,OH: Battelle Press (1991) (2) Mumford JL et al; Environ Sci 

Technol 25: 1732-38 (1991) (3) Chuang JC et al; Atmos Environ 26A: 2193-99 (1992)]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Food Survey Values: 

Pyrene was detected in smoked ham (0.2-11.2 ppb), pork roll (2.5 ppb), frankfurters (3.8 ppb), gouda 

cheese (2.6 ppb), hot sausage (1.5 ppb), barbecued beef (3.2 ppb), mutton (8 ppb), salami (5.2 ppb), 

mortadella (15 ppb), heavily smoked bacon (27 ppb), and heavily smoked ham (35-161 ppb)(1). Pyrene

was detected in milled wheat and cereals at concns of 1.5-28.0 ppb and 2.2-21.0 ppb respectively(2). 

Pyrene was detected in freeze dried carrots at a concn of 0.82 ug/kg(3). Pyrene was detected in wheat 

flour (5.5 ug/kg), rye flour (2.6 ug/kg), rolled oats (5.4 ug/kg), milled oats (1.6 ug/kg), milled wheat (1.6 

ug/kg) and bran (47 ug/kg)(4). Pyrene was detected in beet greens (0.692 ug/kg), lettuce (0.433 ug/kg), 

tomatoes (0.395 ug/kg), potatoes (0.417 ug/kg), apples (3.461 ug/kg), beef (1.269 ug/kg), pork (5.288 

ug/kg), butter (1.769 ug/kg) and pizza (0.584 ug/kg)(5). Pyrene was detected in bread (0.5 ug/kg) and 

margarine (4.5 and 4.7 ug/kg) produced in the Netherlands(6). Pyrene was detected in olive oil (9 

ug/kg), sunflower seeds (2.2 ug/kg), Sesame oil (1.2 ug/kg), linseed oil (6.3 ug/kg) and wheat germ oil 

13.2 ug/kg)(7). 

[(1) Santodonato J et al; J Environ Pathol Toxicol 5: 1-364 (1981) (2) Lawrence JF, 

Weber DF; J Agric Food Chem 32: 794-7 (1984) (3) Wild SR, Jones KC; J Environ Qual 

21: 217-25 (1992) (4) Tuominen JP et al; J Agric Food Chem 36: 118-20 (1988) (5) 

Lodovici M et al; Food Add Contam 12: 703-13 (1995) (6) Vaessen HAMG et al; Toxicol 

Environ Chem 16: 281-94 (1988) (7) Speer K et al; J High Res Chromatog 13: 104-111 

(1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Plant Concentrations: 

Pyrene was detected in poison oak leaves and little bluestem leaves at concns of 40 ppb and 30 ppb 

respectively(1). Pyrene was identified, not quantified in the leaves of the Bay Evergreen tree(2). Pyrene

was detected in pine needles in England at concns of less than 3 ng/g to 233 ng/g(3). 

[(1) Sims RC, Overcash MR; Res Rev 88: 1-68 (1983) (2) Lodovici M et al; Sci Tot 

Environ 153: 61-68 (1994) (3) Tremolda P et al; Environ Sci Technol 30: 3570-77 

(1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Fish/Seafood Concentrations: 

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SAMPLES OF WINTER FLOUNDER, WINDOWPANE, RED HAKE, ROCK CRAB, LOBSTER, & 

SEA SCALLOPS WERE COLLECTED FROM 25 SITES IN NEW YORK BIGHT & LONG ISLAND 

SOUND REGION & ANALYZED BY HPLC FOR PRESENCE OF 15 POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS (PAH). RESULTS SHOW THAT THE NEW YORK BIGHT AREA IS A SITE 

OF MEASURABLE & SIGNIFICANT PAH CONTAMINATION. 

[HUMASON AW, GADBOIS DF; BULL ENVIRON CONTAM TOXICOL 29 (6): 645-50 (1982)]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Pyrene was detected in edible fish from the Elbe river, Germany at concns of 0.1-10.3 ug/kg(1). Pyrene

was detected in lobsters obtained from the coast of Australia at concns ranging from 10 to 18,500 ug/kg

(2). The average concn of pyrene in edible fish obtained from the Persian Gulf was 79.25 ug/kg(3). 

Pyrene was detected in mussels at a concn of 0.5-66.0 ug/kg(4). Commercial lobsters from Canada 

contained pyrene at concns of 17.5 and 537 ug/kg(5). Pyrene was detected in whitefish (0.5 ppb), 

kippered cod (0.6 ppb), smoked herring (2.2 ppb), smoked salmon (2 ppb), smoked sturgeon (4.4 ppb), 

non-smoked herring (1 ppb) and non-smoked salmon (1.4 ppb)(6). Pyrene was detected in freshwater 

mussels at concns of 1-563 ug/kg and marine mussels at concns of 4-200 ug/kg(7). Pyrene was 

identified in chinook salmon obtained from fresh water rivers in Washington at concns of less than 0.5 

ug/g to 10 ug/kg(8). Pyrene was detected in crayfish and sunfish from a creek in Tennessee at concns of 

15.14 ug/kg and 2.49 ug/kg, respectively(9). 

[(1) Speer K et al; J High Res Chromatog 13: 104-111 (1990) (2) Uthe JF, Musial CJ; 

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 37: 730-38 (1986) (3) Al-Yakoob S et al; Mar Pollut 

Bull 27: 297-301 (1993) (4) Vaessen HAMG et al; Toxicol Environ Chem 16: 281-94 

(1988) (5) Dunn BP, Fee J; J Fish Res Board Can 36: 1469-76 (1979) (6) Lo M, Sandi 

E; Res Rev 69: 35-86 (1978) (Kauss PB, Hamdy YS; Hydrobiologia 219: 37-62 (1991) 

(8) McCain BB et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 19: 10-16 (1990) (9) Rao VR et al; 

Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 33: 44-54 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Animal Concentrations: 

Pyrene was detected in sea lions off the coast of Argentina at average concns of 156.6 and 23.06 ng/g 

(skin), 82.93 and 107.98 ng/g (blood samples) and 14.2 and 11.33 ng/g (liver)(1). 

[(1) Marsili L et al; Chemosphere 34: 759-70 (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Milk Concentrations: 

Pyrene was detected in dried milk at a concn of 2.1 ppb(1). Pyrene was detected at an average concn of 

0.04 ppb in UK milk products(2). 

[(1) Lawrence JF, Weber DF; J Agric Fd Chem 32: 794-7 (1984) (2) Dennis MJ et al; 

Fd Chem Toxicol 21: 569-74 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Other Environmental Concentrations: 

/Found in the following man-made sources:/ gasoline - 1.55 mg/l; 4.7 mg/l, 17 mg/kg; bitumen - 0.17-

0.80 ppm; Coal tar- 46.5 mg/g of sample, 19,000 ppm; wood preservative sludge - 24.2 g/l of raw 

sludge; fresh motor-oil - 0.29 mg/kg; used motor-oil, 10.7-743 mg/kg 

[VERSCHUEREN. HDBK ENVIRON DATA ORG CHEM 1983 p.1031]**PEER REVIEWED**

Mainstream cigarette smoke, 1.7-14 ug/100 cigarettes; one reported value of 27 ug/cigarette; sidestream 

cigarette smoke, 101-390 ug/cigarette; smoke-filled rooms, 8.0 parts per trillion; cigar smoke, 17.6 

ug/100 g tobacco consumed; pipe smoke, 75.5 ug/100 g tobacco; mainstream marijuana smoke, 6.6 

ug/100 cigarettes(1). 

[(1) IARC; Monograph on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to 

Humans 32: 432-45 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Environmental Standards & Regulations:

TSCA Requirements: 

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. 

The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical 

substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 

Pyrene is included on this list. 

[40 CFR 716.120 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

CERCLA Reportable Quantities: 

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) 

immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or 

greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-

8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when 

notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). 

[40 CFR 302.4 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA 

section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Pyrene is 

an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in 

excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 1,000/10,000 lbs. 

[40 CFR 355 (7/1/97)]**QC REVIEWED**

Clean Water Act Requirements: 

For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic effects due to exposure of 

polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons through ingestion of contaminated water and contaminated aquatic 

organisms, ... therefore, the levels which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the 

lifetime are estimated at 1x10-5, 1x10-6, and 1x10-7. The corresponding ambient water criteria are 28.0 

ng/l, 2.8 ng/l, and 0.28 ng/l, rspectively. If the above estimates are made for consumption of aquatic 

organisms only, excluding consumption of water, the levels are 311.0 ng/l, 31.1 ng/l, and 3.11 ng/l 

respectively. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons based on benzo(a)pyrene as the model PAH/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-121 (1980)]**QC REVIEWED**

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act and is subject to 

effluent limitations. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[40 CFR 401.15 (7/1/87)]**QC REVIEWED**

The attempt to develop a drinking water criterion for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as a 

class is hindered by several gaps in the scientific data base: (1) The PAH class is composed of numerous 

compounds having diverse biological effects and varying carcinogenic potential. A "representative" 

PAH mixture, has not been defined. (2) The common practice of using data derived from studies with 

benzo(a)pyrene to make generalizations concerning the effects of environmental PAH may not be 

scientifically sound. (3) No chronic animal toxicity studies involving oral exposure to PAH mixtures 

exist. (4) No direct human data concerning the effects of exposure to defined PAH mixtures 

exist. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

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(Draft) p.C-118 (1980)]**QC REVIEWED**

State Drinking Water Guidelines: 

(FL) FLORIDA 210 ug/l 

[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee 

(FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines 

(11/93), p. ]**QC REVIEWED**

(MN) MINNESOTA 200 ug/l 

[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee 

(FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines 

(11/93), p. ]**QC REVIEWED**

(WI) WISCONSIN 250 ug/l 

[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee 

(FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines 

(11/93), p. ]**QC REVIEWED**

Chemical/Physical Properties:

Molecular Formula: 

C16-H10 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Molecular Weight: 

202.26 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-297]**PEER REVIEWED**

Color/Form: 

MONOCLINIC PRISMATIC TABLETS FROM ALCOHOL OR BY SUBLIMATION; PURE 

PYRENE IS COLORLESS 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 1368]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

PALE YELLOW PLATES (WHEN RECRYSTALLIZED FROM TOLUENE) 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 67th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC 

Press, Inc., 1986-87., p. C-461]**PEER REVIEWED**

Colorless solid (tetracene impuritites give yellow color) 

[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, 

NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993, p. 979]**PEER REVIEWED**

Boiling Point: 

404 deg C at 760 mm Hg 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-297]**PEER REVIEWED**

Page 29 of 44

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Melting Point: 

151.2 deg C 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-297]**PEER REVIEWED**

Density/Specific Gravity: 

1.271 AT 23 DEG C 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-297]**PEER REVIEWED**

Heat of Combustion: 

3.98X10+7 J/kg 

[Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th 

ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA13 271]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Heat of Vaporization: 

3.21X10+5 J/kg 

[Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th 

ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA13 271]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient: 

Log Kow= 4.88 

[Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and 

Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 137]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Solubilities: 

0.135 MG/L (+ or - 0.005 MG/L) IN WATER AT 25 DEG C 

[MACKAY D, SHIU WY; J CHEM ENG DATA 22: 399-402 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOL IN CARBON DISULFIDE, & TOLUENE 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, 

Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. C-471]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOL IN ALC, ETHER, BENZENE, & PETROLEUM ETHER 

[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996., p. 3-297]**PEER REVIEWED**

Spectral Properties: 

MAX ABSORPTION (CYCLOHEXANE): 273 NM (LOG E= 4.77), 306 NM (LOG E= 5.07), 320 NM 

(LOG E= 4.51), 335 (LOG E= 4.78) 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, 

Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. C-471]**PEER REVIEWED**

Page 30 of 44

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Sadtler reference number: 870 (IR, Prism); 173 (IR, Grating) 

[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, 

Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. C-471]**PEER REVIEWED**

Intense mass spectral peaks: 202 m/z (100%), 203 m/z (26%), 200 m/z (21%), 101 m/z (21%) 

[Hites, R.A. Handbook of Mass Spectra of Environmental Contaminants. Boca Raton, 

FL: CRC Press Inc., 1985., p. 49]**PEER REVIEWED**

IR: 6032 (Coblentz Society Spectral Collection) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V2 199]**PEER REVIEWED**

UV: 269 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V2 199]**PEER REVIEWED**

NMR: 64 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V2 199]**PEER REVIEWED**

MASS: 1425 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York) 

[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I 

and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985., p. V2 199]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor Pressure: 

8.92X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C 

[Piat JJ; Environ Sci Technol 30: 751-60 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Other Chemical/Physical Properties: 

ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT FOR THERMAL ELECTRONS: 6.0; IONIZATION POTENTIAL: 

7.58; COEFFICIENT OF HIGHEST FILLED OR LOWEST EMPTY MOLECULAR ORBITAL: 

0.445; K-REGION: BOND= 4,5, BOND ORDER= 1.777, (CLE) MIN CARBON LOCALIZATION 

ENERGY PLUS (BLE) BOND LOCALIZATION ENERGY= 3.33 

[Searle, C. E. (ed.). Chemical Carcinogens. ACS Monograph 173. Washington, DC: 

American Chemical Society, 1976., p. 279]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOLID & SOLN HAVE SLIGHT BLUE FLUORESCENCE 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 1369]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Chemical Safety & Handling:

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations: 

A skin irritant. 

[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-

3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 2830]**PEER REVIEWED**

Fire Fighting Procedures: 

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Fire Fighting: Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or 

other positive pressure mode. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 6]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Extinguishant: Foam, dry chemical, and carbon dioxide /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Hazardous Decomposition: 

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke & irritating fumes. 

[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-

3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996., p. 2830]**PEER REVIEWED**

Protective Equipment & Clothing: 

Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face-shields (eightinch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent any possibility of skin 

contact with coal tar pitch volatiles. Employees should be provided with and required to use splashproof goggles where there is any possibility of liquid coal tar volatiles contacting the eyes. /Coal tar 

pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Respirator Selection: Greater than any detectable concn: Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a 

full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode; or any supplied-air 

respirator with a full face piece and operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode in 

combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other 

positive pressure mode. Escape: Any air-purifying full facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style 

or front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter, or any 

appropriate escape-type self-contained breathing apparatus. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[NIOSH. Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. 5th Printing/Revision. DHHS (NIOSH) Publ. 

No. 85-114. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, NIOSH/Supt. 

of Documents, GPO, Sept. 1985., p. 85]**PEER REVIEWED**

Preventive Measures: 

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or 

detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors 

including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye 

protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances 

whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to 

the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection 

equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place. 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Areas in which exposure to coal tar pitch volatiles may occur should be identified by signs or other 

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appropriate means, and access to these areas should be limited to authorized persons. /Coal tar pitch 

volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 4]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Workers subject to skin contact with coal tar pitch volatiles should wash with soap or mild detergent and 

water any areas of the body which may have contacted coal tar pitch volatiles at the end of each work 

day. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 4]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Employees who handle coal tar pitch volatiles should wash their hands thoroughly with soap or mild 

detergent and water before eating, smoking, or using toilet facilities. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 4]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Clothing contaminated with coal tar pitch volatiles should be placed in closed containers for storage 

until it can be discarded or until provision is made for the removal of coal tar pitch volatiles from the 

clothing. If the clothing is to be laundered or otherwise cleaned to remove the coal tar pitch volatiles, the 

person performing the operation should be informed of coal tar pitch volatiles' hazardous properties. 

Non-impervious clothing which becomes contaminated with coal tar pitch volatiles should be removed 

immediately and not reworn until the coal tar pitch volatiles are removed from the clothing. /Coal tar 

pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

If the use of respirators is necessary, the only respirators permitted are those that have been approved by 

the Mine Safety and Health Administration (formerly Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration) 

or by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

In addition to respirator selection, a complete respiratory protection program should be instituted which 

includes regular training, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and evaluation. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Contact lenses should not be worn when working with /coal tar pitch volatiles/. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 4]

**PEER REVIEWED**

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Wash hands before eating or smoking and at the close of a work shift. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 4]

**PEER REVIEWED**

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct 

personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain 

the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated 

protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken 

home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning. 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Cleanup Methods: 

... In surface waters, one-third of the total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is bound to larger 

suspended particles, one-third is bound to finely dispersed particles, and the last third is present in 

disolved form. The particle-bound portion of PAH can be removed by sedimentation, flocculation, and 

filtration processes. The remaining one-third dissolved PAH usually requires oxidation for partial 

removal/transformation. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

(Draft) p.C-4 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Disposal Methods: 

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are 

subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste 

sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. 

**PEER REVIEWED**

Incineration: Liquids should be atomized in an incinerator and combustion may be improved by mixing 

with a more flammable solvent (acetone). Solids should be combined with paper or other flammable 

material. An alternate procedure is to dissolve the solid in a flammable solvent and spray the solutions 

into the fire chamber. 

[United Nations. Treatment and Disposal Methods for Waste Chemicals (IRPTC File). 

Data Profile Series No. 5. Geneva, Switzerland: United Nations Environmental 

Programme, Dec. 1985., p. 273]**PEER REVIEWED**

IARC describes laboratory decontamination & destruction methods for polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons in this publication (number 49). When dealing with compounds other than those listed, the 

efficiency of the method should first be verified. Pyrene is not listed, but the method may be applicable 

to its destruction. /Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ 

[Castegnaro, M., G. Grimmer, O. Hutzinger, W. Karcher, H. Kunte, M. LaFontaine, 

E.B. Sansone, G. Telling, and S.P. Tucker (eds.). Laboratory Decontamination and 

Destruction of Carcinogens in Laboratory Wastes: Some Polycyclic Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons. IARC Publications No. 49. Lyon, France: International Agency for 

Research on Cancer, 1983., p. 1]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Treatability of Pyrene; Concentration Process: Chemical Precipitation; Chemical 

Classification: Polynuclear Aromatics; Scale of Study: Literature Review; Type of Wastewater Used: 

Unknown; Results of Study: Separable by gravity or sand filtration. 

[USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p.E-79 

(1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Chemical Treatability of Pyrene; Concentration Process: Activated Carbon; Chemical Classification: 

Polynuclear Aromatics; Scale of Study: Batch Flow/Laboratory Scale Type of Wastewater Used: Pure 

Compound; Results of Study: 80% reduction; 5% desorbed from carbon by elutriation with solvent 

(Calgon FS-300 used. Solvent included pentane-acetone, diethyl ether, methylene chloride-acetone, 

chloroform-acetone and acetone). 

[USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p.E-181 

(1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Treatability of Pyrene; Concentration Process: Resin Adsorption; Chemical Classification: 

Polynuclear Aromatics; Scale of Study: Batch Flow/Laboratory Scale Type of Wastewater Used: Pure 

Compound; Influent Concentration: 100 ppb; Results of Study: 100% reduction; 63% desorbed from 

resin by elutriation with solvent (Amberlite XAD-2 used. Solvents included pentane-acetone, diethyl 

ether, methylene chloride-acetone, chloroform-acetone and acetone). 

[USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p.E-181 

(1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chlorination: 6 mg/L chlorine for 6 hr: Initial concn 27 ug/L: 24% reduction. /Waste water treatment 

methods/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1598]**PEER REVIEWED**

Double percolating filter: Influent: 1.0 ug/L, 64% removal. Overloaded single percolating filter: 

Influent: 1.5 ug/L, 3% removal; Influent: 0.43 ug/L, 46-65% removal. /Waste water treatment methods/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1599]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ozonation: After 1 min contact with ozone: residual amount: 15%. /Waste water treatment methods/ 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1598]**PEER REVIEWED**

Occupational Exposure Standards:

Manufacturing/Use Information:

Major Uses: 

Biochemical research 

[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, 

NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993, p. 979]**PEER REVIEWED**

Used as a starting material in the production of optical brighteners and dyes. 

[Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th 

ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA13 271-272]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Pyrene from coal-tar has been used as a starting material for the synthesis of benzo(a)pyrene. [IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 432 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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Manufacturers: 

Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc, Hq, 580 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, (513) 721-7010; Specialty 

Materials Division; Production site: Chemsyn Science Lab, 13605 West 96th Terrace, Lenexa, KS 

66215-1297 

[SRI. 1989 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, 

CA: SRI International, 1989., p. 930]**QC REVIEWED**

Methods of Manufacturing: 

... SYNTHESIS FROM O,O'-DITOLYL. FROM PERI-TRIMETHYLENENAPHTHALENE & 

MALONYL CHLORIDE WITH ALCL3 /ALUMINUM TRICHLORIDE/. FROM ALPHATETRALONE. FROM 4-KETO-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROPHENANTHRENE BY REFORMATSKY 

REACTION. 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 1368]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

General Manufacturing Information: 

Isolation /from coal tar/: Kruber, Ber 64: 84 (1931). Also obtained by the destructive hydrogenation of 

hard coal: Farben IG, German patents 639,240; 640,580; 654,201. Purification by chromatography: 

Winterstein et al, Z Physiol Chem 230: 162 (1934). 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 1368]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

Coal tar pitch volatiles are products of the distillation of bituminous coal and contain polynuclear 

aromatic hydrocarbons. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 2]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Impurities: 

... The usual contaminant which gives it a yellow color is tetracene. 

[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and 

Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996., p. 1368]**PEER 

REVIEWED**

U. S. Production: 

(1978) NOT PRODUCED COMMERCIALLY IN USA 

**PEER REVIEWED**

(1982) NOT PRODUCED COMMERCIALLY IN USA 

**PEER REVIEWED**

(1983) Not produced commercially in USA 

[IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. 

Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work)., p. V32 432 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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U. S. Imports: 

(1978) 8.69X10+7 G 

**PEER REVIEWED**

(1982) 7.88X10+7 G 

**PEER REVIEWED**

(1985) 5.74X10+7 g 

[BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL IMPORTS 1985 p.1-

546]**PEER REVIEWED**

Laboratory Methods:

Clinical Laboratory Methods: 

HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (REVERSE PHASE) ANALYSIS OF 

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SKIN LIPIDS. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS/ 

[WOLFF MS ET AL; CHEMOSPHERE 11 (6): 595 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Analytic Laboratory Methods: 

NIOSH Method 184: Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds are filtered from air with a 

glass fiber filter & collected on a silver membrane filter. The samples collected on the membrane filter 

are extracted with benzene. They are separated on an alumina column with n-pentane-diethyl ether 

mixtures as eluting solvents. The collected fractions are analyzed by a Recording UV 

Spectrophotometer, Cary Model 14, Varian Associates, or equivalent. The method is sensitive & capable 

of measuring several (PAH) in a single filter. Any substance that hinders the chromatographic separation 

or that absorbs at the same wavelength as the sample compound may interfere. Pyrene elutes 1st among 

9 specific PAHs. Its wavelength of maximum absorption is 334 NM. It has a baseline or background 

wavelength of 330, 340 NM. A normal sample size corresponds to 2 to 3 mg of benzene-soluble 

material. Precision is not determined. 

[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for 

Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of 

Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing 

Office, 1977-present., p. V1 184-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

NIOSH Method 183: Polynuclear aromatic compounds are collected from air on a membrane filter & 

extracted with benzene. After addition of an internal standard, the extract is concentrated by evaporation 

& a portion of the concentrate is injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a hydrogen flame 

ionization detector & a 10:1 effluent splitter. The polynuclear aromatic compounds & the internal 

standard are trapped individually as they elute from the GC column. The amount of each cmpd in the 

collected fraction is determined by UV spectrophotometry. Appropriate corrections are applied as 

determined by the recovery of the internal standard. Pyrene maximum detection is at 336 NM. It has a 

baseline or background wavelength of 327, 345 NM. Its retention time is 17.1 min. The detection limit is 

0.5 ug/0.5 cu m sample of air. Precision is not determined. 

[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for 

Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of 

Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing 

Office, 1977-present., p. V1 183-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

AN ANALYTICAL METHOD INVOLVING A SINGLE TLC SEPARATION OF THE 

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CYCLOHEXANE-SOLUBLE FRACTION OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER INTO 3 

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON FRACTIONS & 1 ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBON 

FRACTION SUITABLE FOR GLC ANALYSIS IS DEVELOPED & APPLIED. THE METHOD IS 

SIMPLE, RAPID & SUITABLE FOR ROUTINE ANALYSIS OF THESE COMPOUNDS IN 

AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS/ 

[DAISEY JM, LEYKO MA; ANAL CHEM 51 (1): 24-6 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A TLC/HPLC (HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY) PROCEDURE FOR 

DETERMINATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) OCCURRING IN 

ASPHALT FUMES (ADSORBED ON PARTICULATE MATTER) IS DESCRIBED. THE METHOD 

IS BASED ON THE EXTRACTION OF ASPHALT FUME PARTICLES, COLLECTED ON GLASSFIBER FILTERS, USING CARBON TETRACHLORIDE. A CLEAN UP STEP IS AIDED BY A TLC 

PROCEDURE ON ALUMINUM TRIOXIDE THINLAYER PLATES, USING A MIXTURE OF 

CYCLOHEXANE/ACETONE/ETHER AS THE MOBILE PHASE. UNDER UV-LIGHT, THE PAH 

ARE INDICATED AS FLUORESCENT SPOTS. SEPARATION OF THE COLLECTED PAH INTO 

INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS & THEIR IDENTIFICATION IS PERFORMED BY THE AID OF A 

HPLC PROCEDURE. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS/ 

[RIETZ EB; ANAL LETT 12 (12): 143-54 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GLASS CAPILLARY CHROMATOGRAPHY COMBINED WITH MASS SPECTROMETRY WAS 

USED FOR THE QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE COAL TAR. A SIMPLE 

METHOD FOR MAKING THERMALLY STABLE WALL-COATED OPEN TUBULAR (WCOT) 

COLUMNS COATED WITH THE STATIONARY PHASE SE-54 IS DESCRIBED. MORE THAN 

140 COMPONENTS WITH BOILING POINTS UP TO 870 DEG C COULD BE SEPARATED & 

IDENTIFIED OR CHARACTERIZED. COMPARISON OF THE RETENTION TIMES OF MORE 

THAN 40 STANDARD COMPOUNDS CONTAINED IN A SINGLE TEST MIXTURE ENABLED 

MOST OF THE MAJOR CONSTITUENTS TO BE ASSIGNED. /HIGH TEMPERATURE COAL 

TAR/ 

[BORWITZKY H, SCHOBURG G; J CHROMATOGR 170 (1): 99-124 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH COMPRISING A COMBINATION OF GLASS CAPILLARY GC, 

MASS SPECTROMETRY, LIQ CHROMATOGRAPHY & UV SPECTROMETRY WAS USED FOR 

UNAMBIGUOUS IDENTIFICATION OF POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) 

IN AIRBORNE PARTICULATES. LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH ON-LINE UV 

SPECTRAL SCANNING WAS VALUABLE FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF ISOMERIC & 

COELUTING PAH. THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS APPROACH OVER GC/MS ALONE WERE 

ILLUSTRATED. PARENT PAH CONTAINING 3-7 RINGS WERE FOUND IN MOST SAMPLES 

EXAMINED; SOME ALKYL- & ALKOXY-PAH WERE ALSO DETECTED. A SIMPLE, 1-STEP 

PROCEDURE FOR ISOLATION OF PAH BY PREPARATIVE TLC IS ALSO 

REPORTED. /POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS/ 

[CHOUDHURY DR, BUSH B; ANAL CHEM 53 (9): 1351-6 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SAMPLING SYSTEM FOR COLLECTION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN 

AIR IS DESCRIBED. PAH ARE COLLECTED ON GLASS FIBER FILTERS & PLUGS OF 

POLYURETHANE (PUR) FOAM BY HIGH-VOLUME SAMPLING. ANALYSIS IS CARRIED OUT 

BY HIGH-RESOLUTION GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY. /POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC 

HYDROCARBONS/ 

[THRANE KE, MIKALSEN A; ATOS ENVIRON 15 (6): 909-18 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

HPLC & HIGH-PERFORMANCE GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY WERE USED FOR 

DETERMINATION OF AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN POLLUTED MARINE ORGANISMS 

SUCH AS MUSSELS & OYSTERS, & RESULTS WERE COMPARED TO THOSE OBTAINED BY 

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UV FLUOROMETRY. /AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS/ 

[FRIOCOURT MP ET AL; ANALYSIS 9 (10): 468-76 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AN XAD-2 EXTRACT OF AIR SAMPLES COLLECTED AT AN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT 

WERE ANALYZED BY USING 2 SPECTROSCOPIC METHODS PERFORMED AT AMBIENT 

TEMP, SYNCHRONOUS LUMINESCENCE AND ROOM TEMP PHOSPHORESCENCE 

TECHNIQUES. RESULTS FOR 13 POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS, INCL 

PYRENE, WERE REPORTED. 

[VO-DINH T ET AL; ANAL CHEM 53 (2): 253-8 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 610: A high performance liquid chromatography method for the analysis of pyrene in 

municipal and industrial discharges, consists of a stainless steel column, 25 cm x 2.6 mm ID, with 

reverse phase HC-ODS Sil-X, 5 micron size. with a fluorescence or UV detector. Isocratic elution is 

done for 5 min using acetonitrile/water (4:6), then linear gradient elution to 100% acetonitrile over 25 

min at 0.5 ml/min flow rate. Inject 5 to 25 ul of the sample extract or stnd into the HPLC using a high 

pressure syringe or a constant volume sample injection loop. This method has a detection limit of 0.27 

ug/l and an overall precision of 0.42 times the average recovery, over a working range of 0.1 to 425 ug/l. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 625: A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the analysis of pyrene in 

municipal and industrial discharges, consists of a glass column, 1.8 m x 2 mm ID, packed with 

Supelcoport (100/120 mesh) coated with 3% SP-2250, with detection by the mass spectrometer, and 

helium as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 30 ml/min. A sample injection volume of 2 to 5 ul is 

suggested, the column temperature is held isothermal at 50 deg C for 4 minutes and then programmed 

immediately at 8 deg/min to a final temperature of 270 deg C. This method has a detection limit of 1.9 

ug/l and an overall precision of 0.15 times the average recovery + 0.31, over a working range of 5 to 

1300 ug/l. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 1625: An isotope dilution gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry method for the 

determination of semivolatile organic compounds in municipal and industrial discharges is described. 

This method is designed to meet the survey requirements of Effluent Guidelines Division (EGD) and the 

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Under the prescribed conditions, unlabeled 

pyrene has a minimum level of 10 ug/l and a mean retention time of 1852 sec. The labeled compound 

has a minimum level of 10 ug/l, a mean retention time of 1844 sec, and a characteristic primary m/z of 

202/212. This method has an initial precision of 19 ug/l and an accuracy of 76-152 ug/l for the unlabeled 

compound, while the labeled compound has an initial precison of 29 ug/l, an accuracy of 32-176 ug/l, 

and a labeled compound recovery of 18-303%. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8100: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Extracted samples are analyzed using GC 

with flame ionization detector. Under the prescribed conditions, pyrene has a retention time of 20.6 min 

and an overall precision of 0.42 times the average recovery - 0.00 ug/l, over a working range of 0.1-425 

ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8250: GC/MS for Semivolatile Organics: Packed Column Technique: Extracted samples 

are analyzed using GC coupled with mass spectrometry. Under the prescribed conditions, pyrene has a 

detection limit of 1.9 ug/l, a retention time of 27.3 min, and an overall precision of 0.15 times the 

average recovery + 0.31 ug/l, over a working range of 5-1300 ug/l. 

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[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8270: GC/MS for Semivolatile Organics: Capillary Column Technique: Extracted 

samples are analyzed using GC coupled with mass spectrometry. Under the prescribed conditions, 

pyrene has a retention time of 24.02 min and an overall precision of 0.15 times the average recovery + 

0.31 ug/l, over a working range of 5-1300 ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 8310: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Extracted samples are analyzed using HPLC 

with a fluorescence detector. Under the prescribed conditions, pyrene has a detection limit of 0.27 ug/l, 

a retention time of 25.4 min, and an overall precision of 0.42 times the average recovery - 0.00 ug/l, over 

a working range of 0.1-425 ug/l. 

[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, 

Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) of a concentrate in n-heptane of the neutral fraction 

isolated from by-products of coal combustion and conversion, and from shale and fuel oils was utilized 

to obtain profiles of their PAH content. Components which should be unequivocally identified include 

benzo(a)anthracene, BaP, benzo(e)pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene, pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, and 

coronene. 

[Fassel VA et al; Analytical Chem 52 (1): 159-64 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

This paper describes a procedure for fractionating polynuclear aromatic compounds (PNAs) from 

complex matrices according to number of aromatic rings. The procedure uses cartridges packed with 

amino polar bonded phase backing materials to achieve chromatographic separation of polynuclear 

aromatic compounds. Data are provided demonstrating tha applicability of the approach for isolating 

PNAs from complex matrices. This procedure scheme for the isolation of PNAs. Finally, the utility of 

the approach is further demonstrated by applying the mehtod to an extract of air particulate sample 

acquired from an oil refinery in the Lake Charles, LA (USA) area. /Pyrene/ 

[Karlesky DL et al; Anal Chem 58 (6): 1187-92 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAs) contained in air samples collected on quartz fiber filters 

inside an urban tunnel and in a nearby mixed commerical residential area in the city of Rio de Janeiro, 

Brazil, were exposed to scrubbed air (to measure desorption loss) and the particle-free ambient air (to 

measure chemical reaction losses in the absence of desorption). The exposures were conducted for 5.5 to 

9 hour periods at ambient temperature (22-26 degrees C) at face velocities typical of high volume 

sampling. Under prevailing atmospheric conditions all nine PAHs experienced filter losses which (for 

most of them) followed first order kinetics. For the ambient samples, in a 6 hour exposure period, the 

following five PAHs showed filter losses (% in parantheses) attributed exclusively to chemical reaction: 

benzo(b)fluoranthene (43), benzo(k)fluoranthene (39), benzo(a)pyrene (70), benzo(ghi)perylene (44), 

and indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene (41). The other four showed the following unassigned losses: pyrene

(100), fluoranthene (65), crysene (72), and benzo(a)anthracene (71). The results are discussed in the 

light of possible filter artifacts in PAH sampling and the use of PAH profile signatures for source 

identification of atmospheric particulate matter in receptor modeling. /Pyrene/ 

[Miguel AH et al; Int J Environ Anal Chem 26 (3-4): 265-78 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Method IP-7A Determination of Benzo(a)Pyrene and Other Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons In 

Indoor Air. GCMS apparatus, pg/cu m detection limit. 

[USEPA/Atmospheric Research & Exposure Assessment Laboratory (AREAL); Compendium of 

Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants in Indoor Air, Engineering Science, 

One Harrison Park, Suite 305, 401 Harrison Oaks Blvd, Cary, NC 27513 as cited in 

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USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0. NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Method IP-7B Determination of Benzo(a)Pyrene and Other Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons In 

Indoor Air. HPLC apparatus, no detection limit given. 

[USEPA/Atmospheric Research & Exposure Assessment Laboratory (AREAL); Compendium of 

Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants in Indoor Air, Engineering Science, 

One Harrison Park, Suite 305, 401 Harrison Oaks Blvd, Cary, NC 27513 as cited in 

USEPA; EMMI. Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 2.0. NTIS PB-95-502415 

(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Sampling Procedures: 

Measurements to determine employee exposure are best taken so that average eight-hour exposure is 

based on a single eight-hour sample or on two four-hour samples. Several short-time interval samples 

(up to 30 minutes) may also be used to determine the average exposure level. Air samples should be 

taken in the employee's breathing zone (air that would most nearly represents that inhaled by the 

employee). /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 3]

**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 610: Grab samples of water in industrial and municipal discharges must be collected in 

glass containers, 1 l or 1 qt amber glass, fitted with a screw cap lined with Teflon, except that the bottles 

must not be prerinsed with sample before collection. Fill the sample bottles, and if residual chlorine is 

present, add 80 mg of sodium thiosulfate per liter of sample and mix well. All samples must be iced or 

refrigerated from the time of collection until analysis. All samples must be extracted within 7 days of 

collection and completely analyzed within 40 days of extraction. Extraction is performed by adding 60 

ml of methylene chloride to the sample in a separatory funnel and shaking. The combined extract is then 

concentrated using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 1625: Collect water samples in municipal and industrial discharges in glass containers, 

amber, 1 l minimum with threaded caps lined with Teflon. Maintain samples at 0-4 deg C from the time 

of collection until extraction. If residual chlorine is present, add 80 mg sodium thiosulfate per liter of 

water. Extraction is performed by adding methylene chloride to the samples in a continuous liquid-liquid 

extractor and concentrated with a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. Begin sample extraction within seven days 

of collection, and analyze all extracts within 40 days of extraction. 

[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3510: Separatory Funnel Liquid-Liquid Extraction: A measured volume of sample is 

serially extracted with methylene chloride. The sample is then dried and concentrated using a KudernaDanish apparatus. This method is applicable to the extraction and concentration of water-insoluble and 

slightly water-soluble organics from aqueous samples. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3520: Continuous Liquid-Liquid Extraction: A measured volume of sample is extracted 

with methylene chloride. After distillation, the sample is then dried and concentrated using a KudernaDanish apparatus. This method is applicable to the extraction and concentration of water-insoluble and 

slightly water-soluble organics from aqueous samples. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

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RCRA Method 3540: Soxhlet Extraction: A solid sample is mixed with anhydrous sodium sulfate and 

extracted using an appropriate solvent in a Soxhlet extractor. The sample is then dried and concentrated 

using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. This is a procedure for extracting nonvolatile and semivolatile 

organic compounds from solids such as soils, sludges, and waste. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RCRA Method 3550: Sonication Extraction: A solid sample is mixed with anhydrous sodium sulfate to 

form a free-flowing powder. This is solvent extracted three times using a horn-type sonicator. The 

sample is then dried and concentrated using a Kuderna-Danish apparatus. This method is applicable to 

the extraction of nonvolatile and semivolatile organic compounds from solids such as soils, sludges, and 

waste. 

[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluation Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Coal tar products may be sampled by collection on a glass fiber filter with subsequent ultrasonic 

extraction and weighing. /Coal tar pitch volatiles/ 

[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 

81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1]

**PEER REVIEWED**

Recovery with open polyurethane (OH/NCO = 2.2): 89-100%, depending upon load-quantitative 

evolution with methanol. 

[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New 

York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1599]**PEER REVIEWED**

Special References:

Special Reports: 

BURKS SL; ENVIRON INT 7 (4): 271-84 (1982). A REVIEW OF POLLUTANTS IN PETROLEUM 

REFINERY WASTEWATERS & THEIR EFFECTS UPON AQUATIC ORGANISMS IS 

PRESENTED. 

Health & Welfare Canada; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (1979) Report No. 80-EHD-50 

USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Draft) (1980) 

Pyrene is found in an EPA document entitled Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program: Interim 

Guidance (Nov, 1985). This voluntary program provides two goals: to increase community awareness of 

chemical hazards and to develop state and local emergency response plans for dealing with chemical 

accidents. 

[Roytech/SOCMA Suspect Chemicals Source Book. 4th ed. Burlingame, CA: Roytech 

Publications, 1985., p. IV-234]

USEPA; Health Assessment Document: Polycyclic Organic Matter (1979) EPA-600/9-79-008 

U.S. Dept Health & Human Services/Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry; Toxicological 

Profile for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Update) (1995) NTIS# PB/95/264370 

Synonyms and Identifiers:

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Related HSDB Records: 

Benzo(a)pyrene

Synonyms: 

BENZO(DEF)PHENANTHRENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

BENZO(D,E,F)PHENANTHRENE 

**PEER REVIEWED**

BETA-PYRENE **PEER REVIEWED**

Administrative Information:

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 4023 

Last Revision Date: 20021108 

Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/31/1998 

Update History: 

Complete Update on 11/08/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/06/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/30/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 09/27/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/23/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/01/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/20/1998, 3 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 06/18/1998, 65 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 03/08/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 10/31/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 08/13/1997, 5 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 04/23/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/18/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 05/13/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/29/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/27/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 05/09/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 12/30/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

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Complete Update on 11/18/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 05/05/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field update on 12/31/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 01/28/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 07/09/1991, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 10/22/1990, 5 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 05/14/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 03/06/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Field Update on 03/01/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 08/18/1988, 82 fields added/edited/deleted. 

Complete Update on 06/04/1985 

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