Volume 133: Anthracene, 2-bromopropane, butyl methacrylate, and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite

We are pleased to announce that Volume 133 of the IARC Monographs is now available online. This volume comprises four monographs on anthracene, 2-bromopropane, butyl methacrylate, and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite.

2-Bromopropane is a solvent used in dry cleaning and in adhesive production and application, and it also occurs as an impurity of 1-bromopropane (used since the 1990s as a substitute for ozone-depleting solvents).

Anthracene is a high-production-volume polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that is mainly used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes and pigments, pyrotechnics, coatings, wood preservatives, pesticides, and organic chemicals. Also formed by tobacco smoke, biomass burning (indoor and outdoor), traffic and industry emissions, and contaminated food; it is ubiquitous in the environment and is a widespread environmental pollutant.

Butyl methacrylate is a high-production-volume chemical used in coatings, polyvinyl chloride plastics, polypropylene non-woven materials, glues, caulks, inks and paints, pesticides, and health-care materials.

Dimethyl hydrogen phosphite is a high-production-volume chemical used as an intermediate in the manufacture of adhesives, lubricants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, and as a stabilizer in oil and plaster, a steel corrosion inhibitor, and a flame retardant.

For all agents, data on exposure levels were sparse, and the cancer evidence in humans was inadequate because no epidemiological studies on cancer were available.

The Working Group classified anthracene, butyl methacrylate, and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental animals. For each of these agents there was limited or inadequate mechanistic evidence. 2-Bromopropane was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) on the basis of sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental animals (noting an unusually high degree of carcinogenic activity) and strong mechanistic evidence in experimental systems, supported by suggestive mechanistic evidence in exposed humans.