International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
FLUORENE
VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 365)
CAS No.: 86-73-7
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
Fluorene was tested for carcinogenicity in mice by skin
application and by subcutaneous administration and in female rats by
oral administration in the diet. The studies were considered
inadequate for evaluation.
No data were available on the teratogenicity of fluorene.
Fluorene was not mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium. In the one
available study, it did not induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in
primary rat hepatocyte cultures.
There is inadequate evidence that fluorene is active in
short-term tests.
5.2 Human data
Fluorene is present as a major component of the total content of
polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. Human exposure to
fluorene occurs primarily through the smoking of tobacco, inhalation
of polluted air and by ingestion of food and water contaminated by
combustion effluents.
5.3 Evaluation
The available data are inadequate to permit an evaluation of the
carcinogenicity of fluorene to experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 63: Group 3)
Synonyms
- ortho-Biphenylenemethane
- Diphenylenemethane
- 2,2'-Methylenebiphenyl
Last updated: 17 April 1998