Benz[a]anthracene

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of four fused benzene rings, produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter. Benz(a)anthracene is primarily found in gasoline and diesel exhaust, tobacco and cigarette smoke, coal tar and coal tar pitch, coal combustion emissions, charcoal-broiled foods, amino acids, fatty acids and carbohydrate pyrolysis products, wood and soot smoke, and creosote, asphalt and mineral oils. This substance is used only for research purposes. Benz(a)anthracene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - 1,2-Benz(a)anthracene - 1,2-Benzoanthracene - 2,3-Benzophenanthrene - 2,3-Benzphenanthrene - BA - BENZ(A)ANTHRACENE - Benz(b)phenanthrene - Benzanthrene - Benzoanthracene - Naphthanthracene - Tetraphene