Common Name: Acrolein
CAS Number: 107-02-8
DOT Number: UN 1092
Date: January, 1989
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Acrolein can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer
causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass
out.
* Exposure can irritate the lungs, causing coughing and
shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of
fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and death.
* Contact can severely burn the eyes and skin.
* It is highly FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE and a FIRE and EXPLOSION
HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Acrolein is a clear, colorless or yellowish liquid with a piercing,
disagreeable odor that causes tearing. It is used in making
plastics, drugs and tear gas.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Acrolein is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DEP, NFPA and EPA.
* This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance
List because it is a MUTAGEN and is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing
any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.16 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
0.1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour work shift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 0.3 ppm as a STEL
(short term exposure limit).
* Acrolein is a MUTAGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. All
contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest
possible level.
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Acrolein.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Acrolein to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
------------------------------------------
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Acrolein:
* Contact with the liquid can severely burn the skin and eyes.
* Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer
causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Breathing the vapor may irritate the lungs, causing coughing
and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a
buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can
cause death.
* Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
* Breathing the vapor can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches,
and in higher concentrations, unconsciousness and death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Acrolein and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* Acrolein causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals
may have a cancer risk.
* Many scientists believe that there is no safe level of
exposure to a cancer causing agent. Such substances may also
have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans.
Reproductive Hazard
* There is insufficient evidence available to the New Jersey
Department of Health to evaluate Acrolein for its ability to
cause reproductive damage. Additional testing should be done.
Other Long Term Effects
* Acrolein may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops,
very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash.
* Long term exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin.
* Permanent lung damage can occur after a high exposure or
repeated lower exposures.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the
following are recommended:
* Lung function tests.
If symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may
be useful:
* Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful
exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin
allergy.
* Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer,
emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen
respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you
have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of
developing health problems.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following control is recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Acrolein from drums
or other storage containers to process containers.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Acrolein
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Acrolein.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Acrolein, immediately wash or shower to
remove the chemical.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Acrolein at
the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Acrolein is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Acrolein. Wear protective gloves and
clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material
for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid Acrolein, unless full facepiece
respiratory protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to Acrolein does not occur.
* Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.1 ppm, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full
facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a
full face piece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode,
or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or
other positive pressure mode.
* Exposure to 5 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health.
If the possibility of exposures above 5 ppm exists, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a
full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive
pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Acrolein you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Acrolein must be stored to avoid contact with ACIDS; OXIDIZERS
(such as PEROXIDES, CHLORATES, PERCHLORATES, NITRATES, and
PERMANGANATES), or ALKALINE MATERIALS (such as CAUSTICS,
AMMONIA, or AMINES), because violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from HEAT. The reaction is speeded up by heat, even
when an inhibitor is used.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Acrolein is handled, used, or stored.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of Acrolein should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be
equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and
flame arresters.
* Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Acrolein.
* Wherever Acrolein is used, handled, manufactured, or stored,
use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Common Name: Acrolein
DOT Number: UN 1092
DOT Emergency Guide code: 30
CAS Number: 107-02-8
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NFPA Hazard Rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 2
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POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Acrolein is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. Use
water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool.
* Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Acrolein is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Ventilate area of spill or leak.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* Keep Acrolein out of a confined space, such as a sewer,
because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer
is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive
concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Acrolein as a
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue
without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention
immediately
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
* Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 214 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Flash Point: 15oF (26.1oC)
Water Solubility: Soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
2-Propenal
Other Names and Formulations:
Acrylic Aldehyde; Allyl Aldehyde.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Acrolein is a liquid, used most commonly as an herbicide under the
trade names "Aqualin" and "Magnacide-H" for the control of weeds in
irrigation canals. It may enter the environment through its main
use as an aquatic herbicide or by spills.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Acrolein has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. As an aquatic
herbicide, acrolein has high acute toxicity to water plants and may
be expected to adversely effect land plants. Acrolein has high
acute toxicity to birds and moderate acute toxicity to land
animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Acrolein has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are
available on the long-term effects of acrolein to plants, birds, or
land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Acrolein is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between
1 and 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Acrolein is slightly persistent in the aquatic environment with a
half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is
the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be
degraded. About 77% of acrolein will eventually end up in air; the
rest will end up in the water.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
The concentration of acrolein found in fish tissues is expected to
be somewhat higher than the average concentration of acrolein in
the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA,
Phytotox and Terretox databases.
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