US EPA

625712 

Book/Book Chapter 

Acenaphthene 

Sittig, M 

1980 

Noyes Publications 

Park Ridge, NJ 

Priority toxic pollutants: Health impacts and allowable limits 

46-47 

PESTAB. Current information is presented on acenaphthene, one of 65 priority pollutants identified by the EPA. Its structural formula is given, along with its chemical and physical properties. Acenaphthene is used as a dye intermediate, in the manufacture of some plastics, and also as an insecticide and fungicide. Its toxic actions include effects on the growth of plants and several microorganisms by causing improper nuclear division and polyploidal chromosome number. In toxicity tests on bluegill fish, acute values have been determined to be 1700 mug/l, with a bioconcentration factor of 397. Virtually no incidences of human acenaphthene toxicity have been noted. Little information is available regarding the prevalence of acenaphthene, but it has been detected, among other places, in urban city air, in coal tar, and in wastewater from petrochemical, pesticide and wood preservative industries. It is suggested that people working with coal tar and/or its products are possibly at risk. Although very little research has been carried out regarding human health effects, ambient water criterion for protection of human health has been determined to be 20 mug/l. 

Sittig M