3-Methylcholanthrene

Made for laboratory use; can form in tiny amounts during incomplete burning of organic material (vehicle exhaust, tobacco/wood smoke, coal tar/soot) [2][3].

Most people have very low exposure. Possible routes include breathing smoky air or tobacco smoke, or contacting soot; researchers may be exposed when handling it [2][3].

PAHs like 3‑methylcholanthrene can damage DNA and may raise cancer risk with long-term exposure [1][2].

Smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke; those near heavy traffic or industrial combustion; people who frequently eat heavily charred foods; and lab workers who use this chemical [2][3].

Avoid tobacco smoke and smoky air; use clean-burning stoves and good ventilation; reduce charring when grilling; and in labs, use fume hoods, closed systems, and proper PPE [2][3].