Available data on naphthalene exposures: strengths and limitations

Abstract

Exposures to naphthalene occur from a number of sources. Data on these exposures have been reported by a number of researchers; however, these data have not been organized into a consistent framework. In addition, while naphthalene has been identified as an animal inhalation carcinogen there has been no attempt to define the ranges of long-term average inhalation exposures for the general population or sub populations that are relevant to the assessment of the risk of the occurrence of chronic effects. This paper attempts to organize the available data on naphthalene levels in air and provide ranges for the long-term average concentrations experienced by different populations. The paper also discusses the limitations of available data and identifies areas for future research.