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BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE ICSC: 0385
October 1995
1,2-Benzoanthracene
Benzo(a)anthracene
2,3-Benzphenanthrene
Naphthanthracene
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 56-55-3
RTECS No: CV9275000
EC No: 601-033-00-9
    C18H12
Molecular mass: 228.3

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.   Water spray, powder. In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.  
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!  
Inhalation   Local exhaust or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest.
Skin   Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes   Safety goggles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating. Rinse mouth.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. EU classification
T Symbol
N Symbol
R: 45-50/53
S: 53-45-60-61

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
  Well closed.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW - BROWN FLUORESCENT FLAKES OR POWDER.

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: A2 (suspected human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 2 (as pyrolysis product of organic materials) (DFG 2005).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Sublimation point: 435°C
Melting point: 162°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.274
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 292
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 5.61
Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in seafood.

NOTES
This substance is one of many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - standards are usually established for them as mixtures, e.g., coal tar pitch volatiles. However, it may be encountered as a laboratory chemical in its pure form.
Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Tetraphene is a common name.

Card has been partly updated in October 2005 and August 2006: see sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2006
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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