2-Methylnaphthalene

Overview

EPA announced the release of the final report, Toxicological Review of 2-Methylnaphthalene: in support of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). The updated Summary for 2-Methylnaphthalene and accompanying toxicological review have also been added to the IRIS Database.

Background

2-Methylnaphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon which is a natural component of crude oil and coal, and is found in pyrolysis and combustion products such as cigarette smoke, coal tar residues, and combustion engines. 2-Methylnaphthalene is used in the manufacture of vitamin K and the insecticide carbaryl (1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate). Mixtures containing 2-methylnaphthalene are used to formulate various naphthalene derivatives (i.e., chlorinated naphthalenes used as solvents). 2-Methylnaphthalene has been detected at NPL sites. This was the first IRIS health assessment for 2-methylnaphthalene in the IRIS database. The IRIS Program prepared an assessment that incorporated health effects information available for 2-methylnaphthalene, as well as risk assessment methods. The IRIS assessment for 2-methylnaphthalene consists of a Toxicological Review and IRIS Summary. The Toxicological Review is a critical review of the physiochemical and toxicokinetic properties of a chemical; and its toxicity in humans and experimental systems. The assessment presents an oral reference value for the noncancer effects of 2-methylnaphthalene (RfD), and a qualitative cancer assessment. The Toxicological Review and IRIS Summary were subject to internal peer consultation, Agency review, and external scientific peer review. The final product reflects the Agency's opinion on the toxicity of 2-methylnaphthalene.

History/Chronology

Date	Description
April 2003	EPA released the draft report for external peer review
December 2003	EPA released the final tox report and summary document and posted these to the IRIS database.

This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

• IRIS Toxicological Review and Summary Documents for 2-Methylnaphthalene (2003 Final) (PDF)  (97  pp, 247.1 KB, about PDF)
• IRIS Summary for 2-Methylnaphthalene (PDF)  (44  pp, 252.0 KB, about PDF)

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Document Related Link(s)

• IRIS Toxicological Review and Summary Documents for 2-Methylnaphthalene (2003, External Review Draft)