Chrysene

Chrysene (CAS 218-01-9) is a four-benzene ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formed during the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials such as petroleum products, wood materials coal, gasoline, garbage, animal and plant materials. This compound is one of the 16 compounds classified as a high priority pollutant by the U.S. EPA and, as a member of this group, is considered a human carcinogen. Chrysene is known to be metabolized to reactive metabolites, damaging DNA and other cellular macromolecules. PAHs, and likely chrysene, are known to activate the AhR receptor which in turn upregulates expression of numerous xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and activation of this receptor has also been implicated in alteration in the estrogen receptor signaling pathways. In the atmosphere, chrysene interacts with ultraviolet (UV) to formation reactive intermediated in photo-activated reactions. This evaluation provides an overview of the toxicity of chrysene with its proposed mechanisms of actions and current status of regulation.