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.
Anthracene
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 |
Further information
Last modification 16.12.2016