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

BENZO(b)FLUORANTHENE

VOL.: 3 (1973) (p. 69)

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Animal carcinogenicity data

Benzo(b)fluoranthene has produced skin tumours in mice following repeated skin paintings. The lowest carcinogenic dose for the mouse skin was at least ten times higher than that of benzo(a)pyrene. Benzo(b)fluoranthene is also an initiator of skin carcinogenesis in mice and produces local sarcomas after s.c. injections. It has not been tested by other routes in the mouse or in other species.

5.2 Human carcinogenicity data

No case reports or epidemiological studies on the significance of benzo(b)fluoranthene exposure to man are available. However, coal-tar and other materials which are known to be carcinogenic to man may contain benzo(b)fluoranthene. The substance has also been detected in other environmental situations. The possible contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from some environmental sources to the overall carcinogenic risk to man is discussed in the General Remarks.

Subsequent evaluations: Vol. 32 (1983); Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 58: Group 2B)

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.


Last updated: 16 March 1998




























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Benzo(b)fluoranthene (ICSC)