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International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- AND 6-METHYLCHRYSENES

VOL.: 32 (1983) (p.379)

CAS No.: 3351-28-8
Chem. Abstr. Name: Chrysene, 1-methyl-

CAS No.: 3351-32-4
Chem. Abstr. Name: Chrysene, 2-methyl-

CAS No.: 3351-31-3
Chem. Abstr. Name: Chrysene, 3-methyl-

CAS No.: 3351-30-2
Chem. Abstr. Name: Chrysene, 4-methyl-

CAS No.: 3697-24-3
Chem. Abstr. Name: Chrysene, 5-methyl-

CAS No.: 1705-85-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: Chrysene, 6-methyl-

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Experimental data

In comparative studies carried out in the same laboratory, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-methylchrysenes were tested for carcinogenicity by skin application to female mice and in the mouse-skin initiation-promotion assay. 5-Methylchrysene induced the highest incidence of malignant skin tumours, when tested alone or together with a promoter. An intermediate response was observed with 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-methylchrysenes when tested as carcinogens; however, 1-methylchrysene was inactive. All the chrysene derivatives showed varying degrees of initiating activity.

5-Methylchrysene, when tested by subcutaneous injection in mice, produced a high incidence of sarcomas at the site of injection.

No data on the teratogenicity of these compounds were available.

1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-Methylchrysenes were mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium in the presence of an exogenous metabolic system. 5-Methylchrysene induced DNA damage in primary rat hepatocytes.

There is inadequate evidence that 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-methylchrysenes are active in short-term tests. There is limited evidence that 5-methylchrysene is active in short-term tests.

5.2 Human data

1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-Methychrysenes are present as minor components of the total content of polynuclear aromatic compounds in the environment. They occur primarily in products deriving from organic matter containing steroids, such as tobacco smoke and some petroleum-derived products.

5.3 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence that 1-methylchrysene is carcinogenic to experimental animals.

There is limited evidence that 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-methylchrysenes are carcinogenic to experimental animals.

There is sufficient evidence that 5-methylchrysene is carcinogenic to experimental animals.

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 66: 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-Methylchrysenes - Group 3; 5-methylchrysene - Group 2B)

Synonym for 1-Methylchrysene

Synonym for 2-Methylchrysene

Synonym for 3-Methylchrysene

Synonym for 4-Methylchrysene

Synonym for 5-Methylchrysene

Synonym for 6-Methylchrysene

Last updated: 17 April 1998 






























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       Toxicological Abbreviations