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NIOSH

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE

ICSC: 0385

1,2-Benzoanthracene
Benzo(a)anthracene
2,3-Benzphenanthrene
Naphthanthracene
C18H12
Molecular mass: 228.3
ICSC # 0385 		CAS # 56-55-3
RTECS # CV9275000
EC # 601-033-00-9
October 23, 1995 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible.

Water spray, powder. In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

•INHALATION
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES
Safety goggles , face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Well closed.

T symbol
N symbol
R: 45-50/53
S: 53-45-60-61
ICSC: 0385 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE

ICSC: 0385

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW - BROWN FLUORESCENT FLAKES OR POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: A2 (suspected human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK:
Carcinogen category: 2 (as pyrolysis product of organic materials)
(DFG 2005).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:


EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: 435°C
Melting point: 162°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.274
Solubility in water:
none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 292
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 5.61

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in seafood.

N O T E S

This substance is one of many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - standards are usually established for them as mixtures, e.g., coal tar pitch volatiles. However, it may be encountered as a laboratory chemical in its pure form. Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken. Do NOT take working clothes home. Tetraphene is a common name. Card has been partly updated in October 2005 and August 2006: see sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0385 BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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