Characteristics

Benz(a)Anthracene is a colorless plate-like material which is recrystallized from glacial Acetic Acid or a light yellow to tan powder. It is not produced commercially but occurs as an intermediate during chemical manufacturing. It is also found in Coal Tar.

Sources of Exposure

People may be exposed to benzo(a)anthracene from environmental sources such as air, water, and soil and from cigarette smoke and cooked food. Typically, exposure for workers and the general population is not to benzo(a)anthracene alone, but to a mixture of similar chemicals

 

Health Impacts
Harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. It is irritating on contact with skin, eyes or mucous membranes. It may cause damage to kidney, ureter, and bladder. Chronic exposure may cause alteration of genetic material. Although there are no human data that specifically link exposure to benzo(a)anthracene to human cancers, benzo(a)anthracene is a component of mixtures that have been associated with human cancer. Benzo(a)Anthracene may be a carcinogen in humans since it has been shown to cause bladder and skin cancer in animals.

* Compiled by Elizabeth Limbrick, NJIT-TAB.  Source: http://web.ncifcrf.gov/rtp/LASP/intra/forms/msds/msds-benzanathracene.pdf
http://www.nature.nps.gov/hazardssafety/toxic/benzoant.pdf; http://web.doh.state.nj.us/rtkhsfs/factsheets.aspx