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

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 46 (1989) (p. 255)

CAS No.: 63041-90-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: Benzo[a]pyrene, 6-nitro

5.1 Exposure data

6-Nitrobenzo[a]pyrene has been detected in stack gases from aluminium smelters and in particulate emissions from diesel and gasoline engines. It has also been measured at low concentrations in ambient air.

5.2 Experimental data

6-Nitrobenzo[a]pyrene was tested for carcinogenicity in a two-stage initiation-promotion study in mouse skin and by intraperitoneal injection into newborn mice. The study by skin application was inadequate for evaluation. An increased incidence of liver-cell tumours was observed in male mice after intraperitoneal injection.

5.3 Human data

No data were available to the Working Group.

5.4 Other relevant data

Metabolism of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene led to DNA adduct formation in bacteria, explanted human tissues and animals. 6-Nitrobenzo[a]pyrene caused transformation of animal and human cultured cells and was mutagenic to cultured animal cells. It induced mutations in bacteria in the presence of an exogenous metabolic system.

5.5 Evaluation

There is limited evidence for the carcinogenicity in experimental animals of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene.

No data were available from studies in humans on the carcinogenicity of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene.

Overall evaluation

6-Nitrobenzo[a]pyrene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluations: Vol. 33 (1984) (p. 187); Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 67)

Last updated 01/21/98

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       Toxicological Abbreviations