Acrolein (systematic name: propenal) is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. It is produced widely but is most often immediately reacted with other products due to its instability and toxicity. It is a colourless or yellow liquid with a disagreeable odour. It dissolves in water very easily and quickly changes to a vapour when heated. It also burns easily.
What is Acrolein used for?
Acrolein is a highly reactive industrial intermediate used in:
Manufacture of chemicals and pesticides
Aquatic herbicide for controlling algae, weeds, mollusks, and bacteria
Plastics and colloidal metal production
Perfume synthesis
Warning agent in methyl chloride refrigerants
Military poison gas mixtures (historically)
Acrolein is a highly reactive industrial intermediate, occasionally used in the synthesis of chemical precursors for fragrance compounds.
Sources of Emission & Route of Exposure
Sources of Emission
Industry Sources:
Produced during plastics and colloidal metal manufacturing
Present at hazardous waste sites
Diffuse Sources:
Byproducts of fuel combustion, bushfires, building fires, and tobacco smoke
Natural Sources:
Released from wildfires and controlled burns
Transport Sources:
Present in vehicle exhaust
Formed secondarily via photo-oxidation of hydrocarbons
Consumer Products:
Found in restricted-use herbicides for submerged weed control in irrigation systems
(Note: Use and supply are tightly regulated)
Routes of Exposure
Main exposure pathways include:
Inhalation (most significant for public and occupational exposure)
Oral ingestion
Dermal contact
Health Effects
Acute Effects
Acrolein is a potent respiratory and mucosal irritant, particularly dangerous for individuals with asthma or emphysema.
Inhalation:
Irritation from the nasal passages to the alveoli
Symptoms include nasal/throat irritation, decreased respiratory rate
Effects reported at levels as low as:
0.09 ppm (0.2 mg/m³): mild eye irritation and discomfort
Nasal irritation appears to be the most sensitive marker for exposure.
Chronic Effects
Inhalation (humans & animals):
Chronic respiratory congestion
Persistent eye, nose, and throat irritation
Dermal: Strong irritant
Eyes: Most sensitive target for irritation
Cancer Risk
Currently, no adequate data exist to determine the carcinogenic potential of acrolein via inhalation or oral exposure in humans.
EPA and major agencies have not classified acrolein for carcinogenicity due to insufficient evidence.
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact:
Remove contact lenses if present.
Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Cold water may be used.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Rinse affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Apply an emollient to soothe irritation; cold water may be used.
Get medical attention immediately.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse and thoroughly clean shoes.
Serious Skin Contact:
Wash the area with disinfectant soap.
Apply antibacterial cream.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation:
Move the affected individual to fresh air.
If not breathing, begin artificial respiration.
If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
Get medical help immediately.
Serious Inhalation:
Evacuate to a safe area as soon as possible.
Loosen tight clothing.
If unconscious and not breathing, initiate resuscitation (oxygen or mouth-to-mouth as appropriate) with caution, as the material may be toxic or corrosive.
Seek immediate medical assistance.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional.
Never give anything orally to an unconscious person.
Loosen tight clothing.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Handling & Storage
Keep away from heat sources and ignition points.
Ground all equipment containing the substance.
Avoid inhalation, ingestion, or skin/eye contact.
Never add water to acrolein.
If ventilation is insufficient, use appropriate respiratory protection.
Avoid contact with oxidizers, acids, and alkalis.
Store in an approved, segregated area, in tightly sealed containers.
Maintain in a cool, well-ventilated environment.
Store refrigerated; do not exceed 8°C (46.4°F).
Sensitive to light—protect from direct exposure.
Exposure Controls & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use exhaust ventilation or equivalent to keep airborne concentrations below threshold limits.
Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment
Use:
Face shield, full protective suit
Vapour respirator (certified)
Gloves (chemical-resistant)
Boots
In case of large spills:
Wear splash goggles, full suit, boots, gloves
Use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Consult a safety specialist before handling large quantities.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for acrolein:
General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 0.1 ppm, 0.25 mg/m3 TWA
Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 0.1 ppm, 0.25 mg/m3 TWA
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for acrolein of 0.1 ppm, 0.23 mg/m3 Ceiling; Skin; Appendix A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for acrolein of 0.1 ppm, 0.25 mg/m3 TWA; 0.3 ppm, 0.8 mg/m3 STEL; Appendix C - Supplementary Exposure Limits (Aldehydes)
IARC: The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified acrolein as Group 3 - not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set an Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH) for acrolein of 2 ppm.
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set an eight-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit for acrolein of 0.23 milligrams per cubic metre of air. In addition, a 15-minute short term exposure limit (STEL) for acrolein has been set at 0.69 milligrams per cubic metre of air.
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