Common Name: Acrylonitrile CAS Number: 107-13-1 DOT Number: UN 1093 Date: October 30, 1987 ----------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- 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. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN A FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source and forms explosive mixtures with air. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 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. Antidotes and Special Procedures * Use Amyl Nitrate capsules if symptoms develop. * All area employees should be trained regularly in emergency measures for cyanide poisoning and in CPR. * A Cyanide antidote kit must be rapidly available and ingredients replace every 1 2 years to ensure freshness. * Medical personnel trained in treatment of Cyanide poisoning should be quickly available. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 83 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 30oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2-Propenenitrile Other Names and Formulations: Propenenitrile; Vinyl Cyanide; Cyano ethylene. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Acrylonitrile is used to make acrylic fibers, plastics, surface coatings, and adhesives. It is a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc. It is a pesticide fumigant for stored grains. It may enter the aquatic environment from industrial effluents. 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. Acrylonitrile has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of acrylonitrile on plants, birds, or 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. Acrylonitrile has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of acrylonitrile on plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Acrylonitrile is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Acrylonitrile 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 63% of acrylonitrile 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 acrylonitrile found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of acrylonitrile in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.