Naphthalene
CAS Number: 91-20-3
Sources of exposure:
Mothballs, moth repellents, petroleum products, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, combustion emissions, and indoor air
Description:
Naphthalene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon found in coal tar and petroleum and produced during incomplete combustion. It is used in certain moth-repellent products and as an industrial chemical intermediate. Exposure may occur through inhalation of vapors from mothballs, indoor air, vehicle emissions, and other combustion sources.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Genotoxicity
May cause mutations or damage DNA in cells.
Neurotoxicity
May impact brain function or development.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Respiratory Toxicity & Asthmagens
May damage the lungs or trigger asthma.
Irritant
May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - cancer
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II - Prohibited
- Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist - Prohibited
- REACH Annex XVII - Restrictions - Restricted under specified conditions
References
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox). California Department of Public Health. California Safe Cosmetics Reportable Ingredients List.