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CAS 85-01-8

Phenanthrene

Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) found in smoke, crude oil, and coal tar. It forms when fuels or wood burn; PAH pollution is common, and some PAH mixtures cause cancer [1][3]. Phenanthrene itself can irritate skin and eyes at high levels [1].

Where It Comes From

Vehicle exhaust; residential wood or wildfire smoke; tobacco smoke; coal tar/creosote; asphalt; industrial combustion [1][2].

How You Are Exposed

Breathing smoky or exhaust-laden air; eating heavily charred/grilled food; touching contaminated soil or creosote-treated wood; workplace paving/roofing/coke ovens [1][2].

Why It Matters

Data on phenanthrene alone are limited; PAH mixtures are linked to cancer and developmental effects; short-term exposure may irritate eyes, skin, and airways [1][3].

Who Is at Risk

Workers handling asphalt/creosote or in coke ovens; smokers and households with indoor smoke; people near busy roads/industrial sites; infants, children, and pregnant people [1][2].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Avoid smoke and idling exhaust; use vented range hoods; limit charred meats; wash hands after soil/treated wood; wet-mop dust; follow workplace PPE [1][2].

References

  1. [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). 2020. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts69.pdf
  2. [2]EPA. Technical Fact Sheet – Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). 2017. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-03/documents/ffrrofactsheet_contaminants_pahs_january2012_final_0.pdf
  3. [3]IARC Monographs Vol. 92: Some Non-heterocyclic PAHs. 2010. https://publications.iarc.fr/120

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