Pyrene
Agent Name
Pyrene
CAS Number
129-00-0
Formula
C16-H10
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Benzo(def)phenanthrene; Pyren [German]; beta-Pyrene; Coal tar pitch volatiles: pyrene; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Description
Colorless solid, but may be yellow from impurities; [Hawley] Solid and solutions have slight blue fluorescence; [Merck Index] Yellow crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used in research; [Hawley] As a starting material in the production of optical brighteners and dyes; [HSDB] "It is a by-product of the pyrolysis of organic matter and is present in coal tar distillates, diesel exhaust, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, barbecue smoke, wood smoke, lake sediments, waste oils, and sewage." [CHEMINFO]
Comments
May cause photoirritant contact dermatitis; [ICSC] A skin irritant; [HSDB] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
4.5E-06 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 170 mg/m3
Adverse Effects
Dermatotoxin
PICD (photoirritant contact dermatitis)
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: