Other names
Naphthalene, naphthacene
CAS Number
91-20-3
Properties
- belongs to the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- belongs to the PAH group: list of the 16 priority PAHs defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
- colourless solid
- smells like tar
Main sources
- Intermediate product for azo dyes, insecticides, stabilisers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic additives, softeners
- combustion of coal, mineral oil, wood
- tobacco smoke
- washed out from tar (frequently used to pave roads and cover roofs until the 1970s)
Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO
(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)
- Air 100 kg/year
- Water 10 kg/year
- Soil 10 kg/year
Impacts
- suspected carcinogenic effect
- very toxic to aquatic organisms
- irritates eyes, respiratory system and skin
