International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
BENZO[b]FLUORANTHENE
VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 147)
CAS No.: 205-99-2
Chem. Abstr. Name: Benz(e)acephenanthrylene
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
Benzo[b]fluoranthene has been shown to be carcinogenic to
experimental animals.
No data on the teratogenicity of this compound were available.
Benzo[b]fluoranthene was mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium in
the presence of an exogenous metabolic system. In the one available
study it was reported to induce sister chromatid exchange but not
chromosomal aberrations in bone-marrow cells of hamsters treated in
vivo.
There is inadequate evidence that benzo[b]fluoranthene is active
in short-term tests.
5.2 Human data
Benzo[b]fluoranthene is present as a major component of the total
content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. Human
exposure to benzo[b]fluoranthene 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
There is sufficient evidence that benzo[b]fluoranthene is
carcinogenic to experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Previous evaluation: Vol. 3 (1973)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 58: Group 2B)
Synonyms
- 3,4-Benz(e)acephenanthrylene
- 2,3-Benzfluoranthene
- 3,4-Benzfluoranthene
- 2,3-Benzofluoranthene
- 3,4-Benzofluoranthene
- Benzo(e)fluoranthene
- B(b)F
Last updated: 17 April 1998