Common Name: Acrylonitrile
CAS Number: 107-13-1
DOT Number: UN 1093
Date: October 30, 1987
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Acrylonitrile can affect you when breathed and by passing
through skin.
* Acrylonitrile is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* High exposure can cause collapse and death. Lower exposure can
cause weakness, headache, confusion and can lead to death
also.
* Vapor can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs. Higher exposure
may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
This can cause death.
* Contact can irritate the skin.
* Acrylonitrile is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL and a FIRE
and EXPLOSION HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Acrylonitrile is a clear, colorless, or slightly yellowish liquid
with a faint odor. It is used to make synthetic fibers and
polymers.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Acrylonitrile is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, IARC, and NFPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT, 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 = 17 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
2 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 10 ppm, not
to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 10 ppm, not to be
exceeded during any 15 minute work period.
* Acrylonitrile is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans.
There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all
contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
* Skin and eye contact with Acrylonitrile are prohibited by the
OSHA standard 1910.1045.
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.
* A regulated, marked area should be established as required by
the OSHA standard 1910.1045 where Acrylonitrile is handled,
used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Acrylonitrile
and at the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on
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 Acrylonitrile:
* High exposure can cause collapse and death.
* Lower exposure can cause weakness, headache, confusion,
nausea, vomiting and can lead to death also.
* Vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
* Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs
(pulmonary edema). This can cause death.
* Skin contact can cause severe irritation and blistering after
few hours.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Acrylonitrile and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* Acrylonitrile is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans.
There is some evidence that it causes lung and large intestine
cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause brain and
stomach cancer in animals.
* Many scientists believe 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 no evidence that Acrylonitrile adversely affects
reproduction. This is based on test results presently
available to the New Jersey Department of Health from
published studies.
Other Long Term Effects
* Exposure may cause the thyroid gland to enlarge and interfere
with normal thyroid function.
* Repeated exposure can irritate the nose, causing discharge,
nose bleeds, and sores inside the nose.
* Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not
known whether Acrylonitrile causes lung damage.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before first exposure, and every year after, OSHA requires your
employer to provide:
* Complete physical exam.
* Chest x ray.
* Stool test for blood for those over 40.
In addition, for those with frequent or potentially high exposure
(half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact), the
following are recommended before beginning work and at regular
times after that:
* Urine thiocyanate levels.
* Lung function tests.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Blood cyanide level.
* Thyroid function tests.
* 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 Exposure
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 controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Acrylonitrile from
drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for
Acrylonitrile by NIOSH and required by OSHA. Refer to the
NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to
Acrylonitrile #78 116 and follow the regulations in the OSHA
standard 1910.1045.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Acrylonitrile
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to
Acrylonitrile.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* On skin contact with Acrylonitrile, immediately wash or shower
to remove the chemical.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted
Acrylonitrile at the end of each workday, whether or not known
skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Acrylonitrile 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 Acrylonitrile. All protective clothing
(suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available
each day, and put on before work.
* Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment
suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the
most protective glove/clothing material for your operation.
* ACGIH recommends Neoprene as a protective material.
Eye Protection
* Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory
protection.
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.
* At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air
respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive
pressure mode or with a full facepiece, 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 4,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 4,000 ppm
exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or
other positive pressure mode.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Acrylonitrile 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.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* Keep Acrylonitrile 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 Acrylonitrile as
a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Environmental Program for
specific recommendations.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Acrylonitrile you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
* A full OSHA standard 1910.1045 exists for the handling and use
of Acrylonitrile.
* Acrylonitrile must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG
OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, CHLORINE DIOXIDE, NITRATES and
especially BROMINE), and STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM
HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, COPPER, COPPER ALLOYS, AMMONIA
and AMINES) since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated
area away from HEAT, FLAME or LIGHT. If exposed to heat or
light, uninhibited Acrylonitrile can react violently by
itself, leading to an explosion of a closed container. It must
never be stored.
* Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are
prohibited where Acrylonitrile is handled, used, or stored.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of Acrylonitrile 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 Acrylonitrile.
* Wherever Acrylonitrile is used, handled, manufactured, or
stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Common Name: Acrylonitrile
DOT Number: UN 1093
DOT Emergency Guide code: 30
CAS Number: 107-13-1
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 2
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CARCINOGEN
FLAMMABLE LIQUID
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
* Acrylonitrile is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen
Cyanide.
* CONTAI.
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