Is Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene safe for babies and kids?
Very high risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene?
The IUPAC name is hexacyclo[16.3.1.02,7.08,21.011,20.014,19]docosa-1(22),2,4,6,8(21),9,11(20),12,14(19),15,17-undecaene.
Also known as: hexacyclo[16.3.1.02,7.08,21.011,20.014,19]docosa-1(22),2,4,6,8(21),9,11(20),12,14(19),15,17-undecaene, o-Phenylenepyrene, INDENO(1,2,3-CD)PYRENE, 1,10-(o-Phenylene)pyrene.
- IUPAC name
- hexacyclo[16.3.1.02,7.08,21.011,20.014,19]docosa-1(22),2,4,6,8(21),9,11(20),12,14(19),15,17-undecaene
- CAS number
- 193-39-5
- Molecular formula
- C22H12
- Molecular weight
- 276.3 g/mol
- SMILES
- C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C3=C4C2=CC5=CC=CC6=C5C4=C(C=C6)C=C3
- PubChem CID
- 9131
Risk for babies
Very high riskInfants are more vulnerable to Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
8 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 2010 | Group 2B | IARC Group 2B for indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (InP) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals and inadequate evidence in humans. InP is a six-ring PAH formed primarily during high-temperature combustion — it is a characteristic marker of petrol (gasoline) engine exhaust and pyrolytic processes. InP is activated by CYP1A1/1B1 to reactive metabolites forming DNA adducts; it is a weaker carcinogen than benzo[a]pyrene per unit mass but is present in diesel and gasoline exhausts at concentrations comparable to or exceeding BaP. EPA relative potency factor (RPF) for InP is 0.1 relative to benzo[a]pyrene. |
| US EPA | 1994 | Group B2 | US EPA Group B2 for indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene. Oral slope factor: 0.12/mg/kg-day. Inhalation unit risk: 3.4×10⁻⁵ per μg/m³. RPF = 0.1 vs benzo[a]pyrene. Included in EPA 16 priority PAH list and IRIS. InP is one of the 4 PAHs in the EU Commission's PAH4 priority monitoring group (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene) — note InP is in PAH8 monitoring group for food. InP is a combustion indicator compound used to distinguish petrol/gasoline combustion PAH signatures from diesel and coal combustion. |
| EPA CTX / IRIS | — | B2 (Probable human carcinogen - based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals) | |
| EPA CTX / NTP RoC | — | Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (single report) (Ames: None, 1 positive / 0 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (single report) (Ames: None, 1 positive / 0 negative reports) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene:
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Exposure reduction (combustion byproduct)
Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene?
Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene?
Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene has been classified by 8 agencies including IARC, US EPA, EPA CTX / IRIS, EPA CTX / NTP RoC, EPA CTX / IARC, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene in the baby app
Look up products containing indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- IARC Monographs Volume 92: Some Non-heterocyclic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Some Related Exposures — PAH Individual Compound Classifications (Group 1/2A/2B/3) (2010) — regulatory
- US EPA IRIS: Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene — Carcinogenicity Assessment, Oral Slope Factor, Inhalation Unit Risk, and Relative Potency Factor (RPF = 0.1 vs BaP); EPA 16 Priority PAH List (1994) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →