Anthracene is an organic compound, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), often misspelled as “anthrene.” It is composed of three fused benzene rings, forming a colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid. Anthracene is recognized for its blue fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Sources and Presence
Anthracene occurs naturally in fossil fuels like coal tar, oil, and gas, making up about 1.5% of coal tar. It is also a byproduct of incomplete combustion of organic matter.
Human-made sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood or coal. Cigarette smoke also contains anthracene. These varied origins mean anthracene is widely present in air, soil, and water.
Common Uses
Anthracene is a raw material for various industrial applications. Its primary use is in producing anthraquinone, a precursor to many dyes and pigments, including the red dye alizarin. It is also used in manufacturing plastics and certain pesticides.
Beyond dyes and chemicals, anthracene serves as a scintillator material to detect high-energy particles. It is also found as UV tracers in coatings for printed wiring boards, and incorporated into wood preservatives and other coating materials.
Health and Environmental Impacts
Exposure to anthracene can lead to several health effects, particularly affecting the skin. Direct contact may cause irritation, burning, and itching, which can be worsened by sunlight due to its photosensitizing properties. Repeated skin contact can result in thickening and pigment changes. Inhaling anthracene can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing and wheezing.
Anthracene is categorized as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified anthracene as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based on animal studies.
In the environment, anthracene persists, especially in soil and water. It strongly adsorbs to organic matter in soil, limiting its movement, but can slowly volatilize or solubilize. In aquatic environments, anthracene binds to suspended particles and sediments, posing a risk to bottom-dwelling organisms. It is also considered very toxic to aquatic life, with potential long-term adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Reducing Exposure and Risk
Minimizing anthracene exposure involves several practical measures. Avoiding smoke from sources like vehicle exhaust, wood burning, and cigarette smoke can reduce inhalation risks. Proper ventilation in homes and workplaces also helps reduce airborne concentrations.
Careful handling of materials containing PAHs, such as coal tar products or creosote-treated wood, can limit skin contact. Good hygiene practices, including washing hands thoroughly after handling such materials, are important. Maintaining good air and water quality through environmental controls also helps reduce overall exposure to anthracene and other PAHs.