Anthracene has been detected in fumes from vehicle exhaust, coal, coal tar, and at hazardous waste sites. These are all sources of exposure. Since anthracene has been found in cigarettes, you can be exposed by breathing cigarette and tobacco smoke.

How is anthracene used in everyday life?

Anthracene's uses include use as a preservative in wood and lumber, and use as an insecticide for crops. Anthraquinone, derived directly from anthracene, finds use as a precursor to a lot of dyes the fabrics and textiles industries rely on.

Is anthracene naturally occurring?

Anthracene belongs to a class of compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Anthracene naturally occurs as a component of fossil fuels (i.e. coal tar, oil, and gas) and is formed during incomplete combustion and processing of coal, oil, gas, and plant materials such as wood.