Benzo(a)pyrene

Synonyms

1,2-Benzpyrene; 3,4-BP; 3,4-Benz(a)pyrene; 3,4-Benzo(a)pyrene; 3,4-Benzopirene [Italian]; 3,4-Benzopyrene; 3,4-Benzpyren [German]; 3,4-Benzpyrene; 4,5-Benzpyrene; 6,7-Benzopyrene; B(a)P; BP; BaP; Benz(a)pyrene; Benzo(d,e,f)chrysene; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Description

Yellowish solid; Practically insoluble in water; [Merck Index] Yellow crystals; Insoluble in water; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a research chemical; Not commercially used in the US; [HSDB] Formed during incomplete combustion of organic compounds; Highest levels in aluminum production (up to 100 ug/m3), then roofing and paving (10-20 ug/m3), then lowest exposures: coal liquefaction, coal-tar distillation, wood treatment with creosote, chimney sweeping, and power plants; [Reference #1]

Comments

Benzo(a)pyrene is a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure as occurs in aluminum production and coal gasification, two processes which are carcinogenic to humans (urinary bladder and lung). Exposure to soot in chimney sweeping is a known human carcinogen; Other occupational exposures to PAHs classified as Group 1 are coke production, coal-tar distillation, paving and roofing with coal-tar pitch. [Reference #1] Reason for exclusion from occupational carcinogens: "Group 1 classification based on mechanistic upgrade." [PMID 29769352] See "POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS." See "Soots," "Coal tar pitch volatiles," "Coke oven emissions," and "Shale oils."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

1-Hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in urine = 2.5 ug/L at end of shift at end of workweek; (Adjusted for the Pyrene to Benzo(a)pyrene ratio); 3-Hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (3-HBAP) in urine = Nq at end of shift at end of workweek; [TLVs and BEIs]

0.2 mg/m3

5.49E-09 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

"Germ cell mutagens that have shown to increase the mutant frequency in the progeny of exposed mammals." [MAK]

Reference Link #2

Yes

Established

Anticipated human carcinogen

Suspected Human

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Burning Natural Polymers
• Cleaning Furnaces or Flues
• Firefighting
• Forging
• Glass Manufacturing
• Metal Extraction and Refining
• Metal Preparation and Pouring
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Smelting Copper or Lead
• Steel Producing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Burning biomass fuel for cooking and heating
• Glassblowing
• Smoking cigarettes