Common Name: Acetaldehyde CAS Number: 75-07-0 DOT Number: UN 1089 Date: February, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Acetaldehyde can affect you when breathed in. * Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer-causing substance// WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Higher exposures can cause fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). * Contact can severely burn the eyes. Repeated contact can cause rash and/or skin allergy. * Acetaldehyde is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE chemical and is a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid or gas with a strong fruity odor. It is used to manufacture many other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Acetaldehyde is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DEP, DOT, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a MUTAGEN, FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE. 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. ----------------------------------------- * 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 100 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 150 ppm, not to be exceeded during any (15 minute) work period. (Final Rule January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 100 ppm, which should not be exceeded at any time. * Acetaldehyde is a MUTAGEN and may be a TERATOGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. 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 Acetaldehyde 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 the health and safety hazards of Acetaldehyde 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 Acetaldehyde: * Acetaldehyde can irritate the skin causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. * Acetaldehyde can cause severe eye burns leading to permanent damage. * Breathing Acetaldehyde can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. * Inhaling a high concentration of the vapor may cause you to feel sleepy or dizzy, to pass out, or even die. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Acetaldehyde and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Acetaldehyde causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk and there is limited evidence that Acetaldehyde causes cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * Acetaldehyde may be a teratogen in humans since it has been shown to be a teratogen in animals. Other Long-Term Effects * Acetaldehyde may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Acetaldehyde causes lung damage. * Repeated exposure may cause chronic irritation of the eyes and skin. Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, 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. 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 Acetaldehyde from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Acetaldehyde is present, check to make sure sufficient oxygen (19%) exists. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Acetaldehyde should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Acetaldehyde. * 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 Acetaldehyde, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Acetaldehyde, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Acetaldehyde 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 Acetaldehyde. 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. * ACGIH recommends Butyl Rubber as a good to excellent protective material. Eye Protection * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. * Wear gas-proof goggles, 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 100 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered-air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Acetaldehyde, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, 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 10,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 10,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Acetaldehyde you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Acetaldehyde is not compatible with STRONG OXIDIZERS, ACIDS, BASES, ALCOHOLS, AMMONIA, AMINES, PHENOLS, KETONES, HYDROGEN CYANIDE, HYDROGEN SULFIDE, ACID ANHYDRIDES, and HALOGENS. * Store in tightly closed airtight containers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. * Nitrogen or another inactive gas should be used as an "inert blanket" over liquid Acetaldehyde in storage containers. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Acetaldehyde is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Acetaldehyde 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 Acetaldehyde. Common Name: Acetaldehyde DOT Number: UN 1089 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 75-07-0 -------------------------------- Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 4 REACTIVITY 2 -------------------------------- EXPLOSIVE GAS OR LIQUID POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE -------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Acetaldehyde is a FLAMMABLE and EXPLOSIVE LIQUID or GAS. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Acetaldehyde is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up 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. If Acetaldehyde is leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of leak until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. * Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. * Keep Acetaldehyde out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Acetaldehyde 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 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 [soap and] 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: 750 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: -36oF (-57oC) Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Acetaldehyde Other Names and Formulations: Acetic Aldehyde; Ethanal; Ethyl Aldehyde. ----------------------------------------- Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purpose. ----------------------------------------- NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 (609) 984-2202 ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Acetaldehyde is a flammable liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. It is used to make paraldehyde, acetic acid, butanol, perfumes, flavors, aniline dyes, plastics, and synthetic rubber. It is also used in silvering mirrors and in hardening gelatin fibers. It can enter the environment through manufacturing effluents or 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. Acetaldehyde has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. [fill in plant info.] No data are available on the short-term effects of acetaldehyde to terrestrial 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. Acetaldehyde has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of acetaldehyde to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Acetaldehyde 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 Acetaldehyde is moderately persistent in water, 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 73% of acetaldehyde 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 acetaldehyde found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of acetaldehyde in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox database.