Benzo[k]fluoranthene (CED0000044)

Benzo[k]fluoranthene (C20H12) is a solid at room temperature with an average molecular weight of 252.31 g/mol. Benzo[k]fluoranthene belongs to the naphthalenes, a class of benzenoids within the organic compounds. This exogenous compound is used in various plastics, including High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Expanded polystyrene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyamide, Polyurethane, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and Polycarbonate. It is present in High impact polystyrene and is released in Polyethylene Terephthalate, while its presence in Superabsorbent polymer is inconclusive. The compound is found in or released from 19 recorded sources, including indoor air, drinking water, fencing, food preservation, food contact materials, and household cleaning and consumer products such as cigar cigarettes, tobacco pipes, pipe accessories, other smoking requisites, and non-electric simulated smoking devices. It is also associated with electrical and electronic equipment, such as electrodes, hybrid capacitors, radio transmission systems, conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials, and electrically stimulated smoking devices. Exposure routes include oral, touch, and inhalation. Benzo[k]fluoranthene interacts with two recorded protein targets: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT). Binding to these proteins induces the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, specifically CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1, which metabolize the compound into toxic intermediates. These reactive metabolites, which include phenols, quinones, dihydrodiols, epoxide intermediates, and various combinations thereof, covalently bind to other cellular macromolecules and DNA, initiating carcinogenesis and mutagenesis.