Anthracene

Anthracene belongs to the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in mineral oil and coal, and arise through the incomplete combustion of coal, mineral oil, wood, cigarettes, etc. They are found in tar, often used till the 1970s in road and roof surfacing. Anthracene is one of the 16 priority PACs defined by the US EPA.

Formula or abbreviation C14H10
CAS Number 120-12-7
Emission During combustion of coal, mineral oil, wood, cigarettes, etc.
Washed out of tar
Uses Primary product in the manufacture of anthraquinone (used in paint and plastics production)
Properties Colourless, crystalline solid
Impacts Toxic (irritation to the eyes, respiratory organs and skin), very harmful to aquatic organisms.
Notes Other names: paranaphthaline
Thresolds (Annex 2 PRTR)
Air Water Soil
50 kg 1 kg 1 kg

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Last modification 16.12.2016

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