Naphthalene

RTECS #

QJ0525000

CAS #

91-20-3
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Updated

December 2018

Molecular Weight

128.18

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₈

Synonyms

Albocarbon
Camphor tar
Mighty 150
Mighty RD1
Moth balls
Moth flakes
Naftalen (Polish)
Naphthalene (ACGIH:OSHA)
Naphthalin
Naphthaline
Naphthene
NCI-C52904
RCRA waste number U165
Tar camphor
White tar

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
skin /rabbit	495 mg open irritation test	mild	UCDS** 1/11/1968
skin /rabbit	0.05 mL/24H	severe	ETOPFR 16,153,2004

Mutation Data and Reference

System Test	Route/Organism/Tissue	Dose	Reference
Cytogenetic Analysis	ovary/hamster	30 mg/L	NTPTR* NTP-TR-410,1992
Cytogenetic Analysis	lung/hamster	234 µmol/L	MUREAV 608,28,2006
Cytogenetic Analysis	other cell types/hamster	234 µmol/L	MUREAV 608,28,2006
micronucleus test	liver/human	125 µmol/L/24H	MUTAEX 30,593,2015
micronucleus test	lymphocyte/human	30 mg/L	MUREAV 393,23,1997
morphological transform	fibroblast/mouse	0.1 mg/L/21D (-enzymatic activation step)	EMMUEG 37,231,2001
sister chromatid exchange	ovary/hamster	15 mg/L	NTPTR* NTP-TR-410,1992
specific locus test	oral/Drosophila melanogaster	5 mmol/L	MUREAV 341,235,1995
specific locus test	inhalation/rat	30 ppm/13W- intermittent	MUREAV 721,199,2011

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
intraperitoneal/rat	5925 mg/kg (1-15D pregnant)	Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Cardiovascular (circulatory) system	TXAPA9 48,A35,1979
oral/mouse	2400 mg/kg (7-14D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Live birth index (Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured after birth) Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Viability index (e.g., # alive at day 4 per # born alive)	JTEHD6 15,25,1985
oral/rat	4500 mg/kg (6-15D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus) Reproductive: Other developmental abnormalities	NTIS** PB92-135623

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 1854 mg/kg/103W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors	NTIS** PB92-224260/AS
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 30 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors	NTPTR* NTP-TR-410,1992
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 4386.2 mg/kg/13W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors	MUREAV 746,135,2012
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1890 mg/kg/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Tumors	NTIS** PB2001-103699
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1575 mg/kg/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Tumors	NTIS** PB2001-103699
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 30 ppm/6H/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Tumors	TOPADD 31,655,2003
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/6H/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Tumors	TOPADD 31,655,2003
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 60 ppm/6H/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Tumors	TOPADD 31,655,2003
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/6H/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Olfaction: Tumors	TOPADD 31,655,2003
intraperitoneal/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 300 mg/kg	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors Tumorigenic: Increased incidence of tumors in susceptible strains	TOLED5 181,67,2008
subcutaneous/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 3500 mg/kg/12W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Blood: Lymphoma including Hodgkin's disease Reproductive: Tumorigenic effects: Uterine tumors	APAVAY 329,141,1956

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
In Vitro/Human, embryonic cells	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 40 µg/L/72H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays	TOLED5 280,10,2017
In Vitro/Human, embryonic cells	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 40 µg/L/24H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays	TOLED5 280,10,2017
In Vitro/Human, embryonic cells	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 40 µg/L/72H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Apoptosis in vitro In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays	TOLED5 280,10,2017
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor	Inhibitor Concentration (20 percent kill): 1772.23 µmol/L/48H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.	TOLED5 212,18,2012
In Vitro/Human, lung tumor	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 0.2 µmol/L/14H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.	TIVIEQ 35,1,2016
inhalation/human	lowest published toxic concentration: 250 mg/m³	Eye: Lacrimation Behavioral: Headache	VCVGH* -,221,1990
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified)	lowest published toxic concentration: 2 ppm	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes	TOXID9 -,55,2009
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 5 ppm/4H	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes	TOLED5 246,35,2016
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.1 ppm/6H	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects	TOXID9 -,105,2008
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/6H	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes	TOXID9 -,105,2008
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 3.4 ppm/4H	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects	JPETAB 314,103,2005
intraperitoneal/mammal (species unspecified)	lowest published toxic dose: 150 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes	TOXID9 -,55,2009
intraperitoneal/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 50 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi	TOXID9 -,189,2009
intraperitoneal/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 400 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Liver: Other changes Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes	VCVGH* -,220,1990
intraperitoneal/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 200 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other proteins	TXAPA9 192,107,2003
intraperitoneal/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 150 mg/kg		NTIS** AD691-490
intraperitoneal/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 100 mg/kg	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects	JPETAB 314,103,2005
intravenous/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 100 mg/kg		CSLNX* NX#00203
oral/cat	lowest published lethal dose: 1 gm/kg		HBAMAK 4,1289,1935
oral/child	lowest published lethal dose: 100 mg/kg		28ZRAQ -,228,1960
oral/Dog	lowest published lethal dose: 400 mg/kg		HBAMAK 4,1289,1935
oral/guinea pig	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1200 mg/kg	Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity) Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)	GISAAA 47(11),78,1982
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 158 mg/kg	Brain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes Liver: Other changes Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Lipids including transport	TXCYAC 175,73,2002
oral/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 316 mg/kg		WDZAEK 4,243,1990
oral/rabbit	lowest published lethal dose: 3 gm/kg		HBAMAK 4,1289,1935
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 490 mg/kg		85GMAT -,89,1982
skin/rabbit	lethal dose (50 percent kill): >20 gm/kg		NTIS** AD-A062-138
skin/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 0.03 mL/kg/24H	Vascular: Measurement of regional blood flow	ETOPFR 16,153,2004
skin/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): >2500 mg/kg		TXAPA9 14,515,1969
subcutaneous/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 969 mg/kg	Behavioral: Tremor	TOIZAG 20,772,1973
unreported route/guinea pig	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1200 mg/kg	Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)	VCVGH* -,220,1990
unreported route/human	lowest published lethal dose: 29 mg/kg		YKYUA6 31,1499,1980
unreported route/man	lowest published lethal dose: 74 mg/kg		85DCAI 2,73,1970
unreported route/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 580 mg/kg	Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)	VCVGH* -,220,1990
unreported route/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1250 mg/kg	Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)	VCVGH* -,220,1990

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 536.9 mg/kg/13W- intermittent	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes	MUREAV 746,135,2012
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/6H/105W- intermittent	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation	TOPADD 31,655,2003
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/6H/105W- intermittent	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Olfaction: Tumors Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation	TOPADD 31,655,2003
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/5D- intermittent	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects	TOXID9 -,306,2009
intraperitoneal/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 2 gm/kg/2D- intermittent	Eye: Other eye effects	LETRET 6,203,1989
intraperitoneal/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 256 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	ARTODN 77,183,2003
multiple/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 256.36 mg/kg/3D- intermittent	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Liver: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects	ARTODN 81,169,2007
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 3738 mg/kg/14D- continuous	Blood: Changes in spleen Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	FAATDF 4,406,1984
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 11970 mg/kg/90D- continuous	Blood: Changes in spleen	FAATDF 4,406,1984
oral/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 10 gm/kg/10D- intermittent	Eye: Other eye effects Gastrointestinal: Other changes Blood: Hemorrhage	BIJOAK 102,842,1967
oral/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 2100 mg/kg/14D- intermittent	Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	NTIS** #PB92-219831
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 500 mg/kg/10D- intermittent	Behavioral: Sleep Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea	NTIS** #PB92-135623
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 1500 mg/kg/10D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTIS** #PB92-135623
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 600 mg/kg/4D- intermittent	Behavioral: Food intake (animal) Behavioral: Fluid intake	NTIS** #PB92-135623
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 4500 mg/kg/10D- intermittent	Brain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes	NTIS** #PB92-135623
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 20 gm/kg/11W- intermittent	Eye: Other eye effects	TOLED5 115,195,2000
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 10 gm/kg/10D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes Liver: Changes in liver weight Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Lipids including transport	TOLED5 8,311,1981
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 12450 mg/kg/9W- intermittent	Liver: Other changes Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases	ARTODN 61,480,1988

Reviews

Organization	Standard	Reference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 10 ppm;short term exposure limit 15 ppm (skin)	DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogen	DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)	Cancer Review:Animal Sufficient Evidence	IMEMDT 82,367,2002
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)	Cancer Review:Human Inadequate Evidence	IMEMDT 82,367,2002
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)	Cancer Review:Group 2B	IMEMDT 82,367,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		CRTXB2 1(1),93,1971
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		JOPDAB 59,1,1961
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TXCYAC 180,1,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 540,89,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 558,155,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TXCYAC 180,97,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 558,7,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TOLED5 140-141,353,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 543,201,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 567,401,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 566,209,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		ENTOX* -,185,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 584,1,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		BCLPT* 96,131,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		HETOEA 25,413,2006
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 636,95,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		JTEHD6 6,161,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		REPTED 25,192,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 659,248,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		HUTOX* -,247,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 681,93,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 636,4,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		RTOPDW 51,S6,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		AIRMJ* 20,8,2001
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		IMEMDT 82,367,
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 705,184,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUTAEX 26,231,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 722,147,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 763,36,2014
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TOLED5 205,279,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 762,76,2014
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 769,34,2014
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TXAPA9 266,67,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		FCTOD7 86,144,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		FCTOD7 86,309,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 802,1,2016
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		REPTED 73,61,2017
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		RTOPDW 55,205,2009

Standards and Regulations

Organization	Standard	Reference
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1988 PESTICIDE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION OR RE-REGISTRATION		FEREAC 54,7740,1989
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1998 STATUS OF PESTICIDES	Supported	RBREV* -,135,1998
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-air	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³)	DTLVS* 3,177,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypt	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIA	time-weighted average 10 ppm (52 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 15 ppm (79 mg/m³), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIA	MAK-TMW 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM	time-weighted average 10 ppm (53 mg/m³), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM	short term exposure limit 15 ppm (80 mg/m³), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARK	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), carc, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLAND	time-weighted average 1 ppm (5 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 2 ppm (10 mg/m³), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCE	VME 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), C3 Carcinogen, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARY	time-weighted average 50 mg/m³, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELAND	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREA	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 15 ppm (75 mg/m³), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICO	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 15 ppm (75 mg/m³), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALAND	time-weighted average 10 ppm (52 mg/m³); short term exposure limit 15 ppm (79 mg/m³), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAY	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERU	time-weighted average 10 ppm (52 mg/m³); short term exposure limit 15 ppm (79 mg/m³), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLAND	MAC(time-weighted average) 20 mg/m³, MAC(short term exposure limit) 75 mg/m³, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIA	short term exposure limit 20 mg/m³, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDEN	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 15 ppm (80 mg/m³), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLAND	MAK-week 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), carc 3, skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDS	MAC-TGG 50 mg/m³, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINES	time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³), JAN1993
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)	8H time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)	8H time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)	8H time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)	8H time-weighted average 10 ppm (50 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

Organization	Standard	Reference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO NAPHTHALENE-air	10H time-weighted average 10 ppm;short term exposure limit 15 ppm	NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983	Hazard Code 49600; Number of Industries 83; Total Number of Facilities 7209; Number of Occupations 87; Total Number of Employees Exposed 112696; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 5220
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974	Hazard Code 49600; Number of Industries 71; Total Number of Facilities 4341; Number of Occupations 68; Total Number of Employees Exposed 44297

Status in Federal Agencies

Organization	Reference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/95/264362)
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: Cell transform.-mouse embryo
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: Cell transform.-RLV F344 rat embryo
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: Histidine reversion-Ames test
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (inhal);clear evidence:rat
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (inhal);equivocal evidence:mouse
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Hydrocarbons, aromatic, 1501
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons by HPLC, 5506; by GC, 5515
NTP 14th Report on Carcinogens,2016:Reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogen
NTP Carcinogenesis Studies (inhalation);some evidence:mouse NTPTR* NTP-TR-410,1992
NTP Carcinogenesis studies; test completed (camera copy in progress), October 2000
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #35

Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health