International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
BENZO[b]FLUORENE
VOL.: 32 (1983) (p. 183)
CAS No.: 243-17-4
Chem. Abstr. Name: 11H-Benzo(b)fluorene
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
Benzo[b]fluorene was tested in a mouse-skin initiation-promotion
assay; it did not show initiating activity.
No data on the teratogenicity of this compound were available.
There are conflicting reports regarding the mutagenicity of
benzo[b]fluorene to Salmonella typhimurium.
There is inadequate evidence that benzo[b]fluorene is active in
short-term tests.
5.2 Human data
Benzo[b]fluorene is present as a minor component of the total
content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. Human
exposure to benzo[b]fluorene occurs primarily through the smoking of
tobacco, inhalation of polluted air and by ingestion of food and water
contaminated with combustion products.
5.3 Evaluation
The available data were inadequate to permit an evaluation of the
carcinogenicity of benzo[b]fluorene to experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 58: Group 3)
Synonym
Last updated: 17 April 1998