IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 1
ACRYLONITRILE
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1986
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 28:
Acrylonitrile
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Health and safety guide for Acrylonitrile.
ISBN 92 4 154 328 0
The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to
reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full.
Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of
Publications, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, which
will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to
the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations
already available.
(c) World Health Organization 1986
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concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or
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World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
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CONTENTS
IPCS
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR ACRYLONITRILE
INTRODUCTION
HOW TO USE THE GUIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Composition
1.4. Uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Exposure to acrylonitrile
2.2. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.3. Effects on animals
2.4. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4. HEALTH HAZARDS FOR MAN, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
ACTION
4.1. Main hazards for man, prevention and protection, first aid
4.2. Advice to physicians
4.2.1. Acute poisoning by inhalation
4.2.2. Oral poisoning
4.3. Health surveillance advice
4.4. Explosion and fire hazards
4.4.1. Explosion hazards
4.4.2. Fire hazards
4.4.3. Prevention
4.4.4. Fire extinguishing agents
4.5. Storage
4.6. Transport
4.7. Spillage and disposal
4.7.1. Spillage
4.7.2. Disposal (based on the IRPTC waste disposal file)
4.8. International chemical safety card
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
6.1. Exposure limit values
6.2. Specific restrictions
6.3. Labelling, packaging, and transport
6.4. Waste disposal
INTRODUCTION
The International Programme on Chemical Safety is responsible for the
publication of a series of Environmental Health Criteria documents,
each of which assesses the existing information on the relationship
between exposure to a specific chemical, mixture of chemicals, or
combination of chemicals and physical and biological agents, and man's
health and the integrity of the environment. The documents provide
guidelines for setting exposure limits consistent with the protection
of human health and the environment.
To facilitate the application of these guidelines in national chemical
safety programmes, "Health and Safety Guides" are being prepared,
highlighting the information contained in the documents for those who
need to know the health and environmental issues involved, but not the
scientific details. The Guides include advice on preventive and
protective measures and emergency action.
Review and revision of the information in this Health and Safety Guide
will take place in due course, and the eventual aim is to use
standardized terminology. We should be grateful if you would help by
telling us of any difficulties encountered in using the information in
this guide.
Comments please, addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
HOW TO USE GUIDE
All people in the work-place environment should be given the relevant
written information in this book, supplemented by a clear, personal
explanation to ensure that they are fully aware of the dangers and the
current courses of protective and emergency action.
The International Chemical Safety Card should be displayed as directed
and its contents clearly explained to all working personnel.
Medical staff should be fully conversant with the medical information
to ensure they can act rapidly and efficiently in an emergency.
Posters should be used to give impact to basic safety measures.
* * *
Further copies of the Health and Safety Guide and, for those requiring
more detailed scientific information, the relevant Environmental
Health Criteria publication, are available to order (see order
form p. 35).
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING
POINT TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Chemical formula: C3H3N
Chemical structure:
Common trade names: Acrylon; Carbacryl; ENT 54;
Fumigrain; Miller's fumigrain;
TL 314; Ventox
CAS registry number: 107-13-1
Common synonyms: acrylonitrile monomer;
AN; cyanoethylene; 2-propenenitrile;
VCN; vinyl cyanide
Conversion factor
1 mg/m3 - 0.4605 ppm
1 ppm acrylonitrile = 2.17 mg/m3 at 25°C
and 101.3 kPa (760 mm Hg).
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Acrylonitrile is a colourless liquid with a faintly sweet, pungent
odour, which dissolves readily in water. It is explosive and
flammable. Some physical and chemical properties of acrylonitrile are
given in the Sample International Chemical Safety Card (p. 26).
1.3 Composition
Technical acrylonitrile is more than 99% pure. It is stabilized
against self-polymerization and yellow colour formation by the
addition of hydroquinone monomethyl ether (35-50 mg/kg) and water
(0.25-0.45%). Impurities may include acetone, acetonitrile, aldehydes,
iron, hydrogen cyanide, and peroxides.
1.4 Uses
Acrylonitrile does not occur as a natural product. However, it is
produced industrially on a large scale. The compound is mainly used in
the production of synthetic fibres, resins, and rubbers, and as a
chemical intermediate. It is also used in fumigants.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Exposure to Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is emitted in significant amounts from factories, both
in the air and in waste waters, and people living nearby may be
exposed to the chemical. Drinking-water and food may be contaminated
with acrylonitrile, but levels will be low, unless the soil or water
supplies have been contaminated through accidental spillage during
production, storage, transport, or use. Contamination of food from
packaging materials containing free acrylonitrile is possible.
Experience has shown that workers in factories using acrylonitrile to
make other products run a higher risk of exposure than those in
factories producing the chemical, where it is more easily contained.
Exposure in the work-place is through inhalation and contamination of
the skin.
2.2 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
In animals, acrylonitrile is readily absorbed through the skin and by
ingestion and inhalation. Absorbed acrylonitrile is distributed fairly
uniformly within the animal body but there are no indications that it
accumulates in animal tissues following prolonged exposure.
Mercapturic acids are the major metabolites of acrylonitrile in vivo.
Urinary excretion of acrylonitrile-derived mercapturic acid is
proportional to the level of acrylonitrile in the body. Biological
monitoring of acrylonitrile-derived mercapturic acids in human urine
is a promising, but insufficiently validated, method for the
estimation of the total uptake of acrylonitrile.
2.3 Effects on Animals
The compound is regarded as highly toxic for animals when inhaled
(LC50 between 150 and 1250 mg/m3 for a 4-h exposure) and highly
toxic when ingested (LD50 between 25 and 200 mg/kg body weight).
Absorption of acrylonitrile vapour mainly affects the gastrointestinal
and respiratory tracts, the liver, kidneys and the central nervous
system. Similar effects are seen when liquid acrylonitrile is absorbed
through the skin; skin injury may occur a few hours after exposure.
Exposure to some organic solvents in addition to acrylonitrile may
significantly increase its toxic effects on animals.
Acrylonitrile exposure of animals causes damage to the embryo and
malformation of the fetus only at levels approaching those that are
toxic for the mothers.
Although acrylonitrile has given positive results in a number of in
vitro mutagenicity tests, it has not been found to be mutagenic in
whole animals, so far.
Long-term administration of acrylonitrile to rats, orally or by
inhalation, has resulted in the induction of malignant tumours at
several sites, the incidence being dose related.
Acrylonitrile has been shown to be toxic for aquatic organisms,
concentrations between 12 and 70 mg/litre water being lethal for half
the number of exposed fish (LC50) within 2-4 days.
2.4 Effects on Human Beings
In man, symptoms of overexposure to acrylonitrile include headache,
sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, mild jaundice,
and irritation and inflammation of the eyes and respiratory tract
including the nose and throat. In more severe cases, unconsciousness
and convulsions may occur. Fatalities have been reported following the
use of fumigant mixtures containing acrylonitrile combined with carbon
tetrachloride and methylene chloride, but exact exposure conditions
were not known. Complaints of ill health in workers, exposed for a
number of years to acrylonitrile at concentrations of less than
45 mg/m3, have been reported in several studies; the complaints were
variable in nature, and were not consistently related to the length of
exposure. These studies do not provide evidence of a specific disease
arising from long-term, low-level exposure to acrylonitrile. At higher
concentrations (up to 220 mg/m3), exposure for 20-40 min resulted in
complaints of headache, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and
the eyes, nervous irritability, and itching of the skin.
Exposure of the skin to liquid acrylonitrile may cause irritation with
reddening and blisters. Skin inflammation is much more common than
allergic skin reactions.
Although there is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of
acrylonitrile in animals, the epidemiological studies carried out so
far have not provided sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in man.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It was not possible to establish a level at which no observed adverse
effects occurred on the basis of the experimental and epidemiological
data presented to the Task Group. Therefore, exposure to acrylonitrile
should be kept as low as possible in both the work-place and the
general environment, and skin contact with the liquid should be
avoided.
From: Environmental Health Criteria 28: Acrylonitrile
4. HEALTH HAZARDS FOR MAN, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
ACTION
4.1 Main Hazards for Man, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
acrylonitrile, together with preventive and protective measures and
first aid recommendations are listed in the table on pp. 20-21.
4.2 Advice to Physicians
Pay attention to respiration, effects on skin and eyes, liver, and
central nervous system.
4.2.1 Acute poisoning by inhalation
Oxygen should be administered in combination with the following
treatment:
(a) Victim should inhale amyl nitrite for 15 - 30 seconds of every
minute to induce the formation of methaemoglobin, while a sodium
nitrite solution is being prepared. Be alert for a decrease in
respiratory rate and the onset of headache.
(b) Discontinue amyl nitrite and immediately inject intravenously
10 ml of 3% solution of sodium nitrite in water in the course
of 2-4 min. CAUTION: THIS DOSE APPLIES TO ADULTS AND MAY BE
LETHAL FOR CHILDREN. The dose of sodium nitrite for children
without anaemia (haemoglobin content 12 g/litre) is 10 mg/kg
body weight. If available, an intravenous injection of 3.25 mg
4-dimethylaminophenol (DMPA) per kg body weight is preferable to
treatment with sodium nitrite. Do not remove the needle.
(c) Through the same needle, inject intravenously 1-2 ml/kg body
weight of a 25% solution of sodium thiosulfate in water for about
10 minutes.
(d) Intensive care is advised for 24-48 h because, after a period of
recovery, symptoms of poisoning may recur. In this case,
injections (b) and (c) can be repeated at half the above doses.
4.2.2 Oral poisoning
Make victim drink a 1% solution of sodium thiosulfate in water and
induce vomiting. Further treatment as described above.
* * *
First aid kits and physicians' treatment kits should always be
immediately available in locations where acrylonitrile is handled or
stored. The number of kits depends on the hazard of the operation.
Both kinds of kit should contain 12 ampoules of amyl nitrite (0.3 ml
per ampoule) and should be kept in a cool place. Replace the ampoules
before the expiration date. The physicians' treatment kit should also
contain 2 ampoules of a 3% sterile sodium nitrite solution in water
(10 ml each), 2 ampoules of a 25%, sterile thiosulfate solution in
water (50 ml each), the appropriate syringes and needles, and a
1-litre bottle with 10 g of sodium thiosulfate with a gastric tube.
ROUTE HEALTH HAZARDS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SINGLE EXPOSURE
SKIN Irritation by liquid (blisters, Avoid exposure; wear clean Remove contaminated
burns); compound may enter protective impervious clothing and shoes; wash with
body through the skin clothing, gloves, and boots; plenty of water; discard
do not wear leatherware contaminated leatherware
EYES Irritation by both liquid and Avoid exposure; wear safety Rinse with plenty of water for
vapour goggles at least 15 minutes
INHALATION Irritation of respiratory tract; Avoid exposure by use of Remove victim to fresh air and
effects on the central nervous exhaust ventilation or protect keep quiet; if breathing has
system, such as headache, breathing by use of a suitable stopped, apply artificial
sleeplessness, nausea, fatigue; respirator; do not depend on respiration; make victim inhale
effects on gastrointestinal tract, odour to warn against over amyl nitrite for 15 - 30 seconds
such as vomiting and diarrhoea; exposure of every minute until doctor
effects on the liver; respiratory arrives
problems; unconsciousness;
convulsions, death
INGESTION Irritation of mouth, throat, and Do not eat, drink, chew, or Rinse mouth; give plenty of water
gastrointestinal tract; effects on smoke when working with to drink; induce vomiting in
the central nervous system; acrylonitrile; do not keep conscious patients; make victim
respiratory problems; food in areas with potential inhale amyl nitrite for 15 - 30
unconsciousness; convulsions; exposure seconds of every minute until
death doctor arrives
GENERAL Potential human carcinogen Avoid exposure
ROUTE HEALTH HAZARDS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
REPEATED EXPOSURE
INHALATION As for single exposure Use exhaust ventilation
SKIN Irritation and inflammation Wear clean protective impervious
(dermatitis); sensitization clothing, gloves, and boots;
do not wear leatherware
4.3 Health Surveillance Advice
Human beings, potentially exposed to acrylonitrile, should undergo
periodic medical examination with emphasis on effects on the skin, the
respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, liver function, and the
central nervous system. They should also be checked on their ability
to use respirators. The physican should be aware of the possible
carcinogenic effects of the compound.
4.4 Explosion and Fire Hazards
4.4.1 Explosion hazards
Above 0°C, explosive vapour-air mixtures may be formed that can be
ignited by open fires, sparks, or glowing surfaces. Because of low
electroconductivity, the compound can generate electrostatic charges
as a result of flow and agitation. The vapours are heavier than air,
may travel along the ground, and can be ignited from a distance.
Acrylonitrile will polymerize when hot, and this reaction may
cause containers to explode. Pure uninhibited acrylonitrile may
self-polymerize at room temperature, resulting in an explosion hazard.
Contact with strong oxidizers, especially bromine, strong acids and
bases, and silver nitrate can cause fire and explosions. Contact with
copper, copper alloys, ammonia, and amines may start polymerization.
4.4.2 Fire hazards
Acrylonitrile is a flammable liquid. Toxic gases and vapours such as
hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide may be released
in a fire involving acrylonitrile or certain of its polymers.
4.4.3 Prevention
Use closed systems, ventilation, nonsparking tools, explosion-
protected electrical equipment and lighting, and make connections to
earth. Do not use the compound near sources of ignition. Do not use
compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. In case of fire,
keep drums cool by spraying with water. Fire fighters should use self-
contained breathing apparatus.
4.4.4 Fire extinguishing agents
Alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, powder, aqueous film-forming foam,
halons.
Do not use a solid stream of water, since the stream will scatter and
spread the fire.
4.5 Storage
Never store uninhibited acrylonitrile, and determine the inhibitor
content of the technical product weekly. Acrylonitrile should be
stored in the dark, and separated from food, oxidants, acids and
bases, silver nitrate, copper, copper alloys, ammonia, and amines, in
tightly dosed, fire-proofed, well-labelled, steel containers, which
should be connected to earth.
4.6 Transport
In case of an accident, stop the engine. Remove all sources of
ignition. Do not smoke. Keep bystanders at a distance and mark the
roads. Keep upwind. In case of spillage or fire, use the methods
advised in sections 4.7 and 4.4, respectively. Notify the police and
the fire brigade immediately. In case of poisoning, follow the advice
in sections 4.1 and 4.2. A first aid kit containing ampoules of amyl
nitrite should always be at hand.
4.7 Spillage and Disposal
4.7.1 Spillage
Remove all ignition sources and evacuate the danger area. Collect
leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb spilled liquid in dry
sand, earth, paper, vermiculite, or similar material, and remove to a
safe place. Do not allow run-off into sewers or ditches. Neutralize
the remainder with chlorine bleaching liquor. Take care of personal
protection. Use a self-contained breathing apparatus for extra
protection.
4.7.2 Disposal (based on the IRPTC waste disposal file)
Aqueous wastes with low concentrations of acrylonitrile may be
biologically treated in sewage-treatment plants, unless other
constituents are present that interfere with degradation. Remaining
undegraded wastes can be removed by filtration through activated
charcoal. Recovery of acrylonitrile from acrylonitrile process
effluent is an alternative to disposal. Concentrated wastes should be
incinerated with provision for the removal of harmful gases by
scrubbers or after-burners. A recommended chemical treatment is the
addition, by stirring, of excessive amounts of alcoholic sodium
hydroxide, followed after 1 h by evaporation of the alcohol and
addition of sufficient calcium hypochlorite. After 24 h, the solution
can be drained into the sewer with abundant water.
INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, acrylonitrile. It should be displayed at, or near,
entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to acrylonitrile,
and on processing equipment and containers. The sheet should be
translated into the appropriate language(s).
All persons potentially exposed to the chemical should also have the
instructions on the chemical safety card clearly explained.
SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
ACRYLONITRILE
(AN, cyanoethylene, VCN, vinyl cyanide)
(CH2 = CHCN)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Melting point (°C) -83.55 Colourless liquid with a sweet pungent odour;
Boiling point (°C) 77.3 vapours may be ignited from a distance; the
Solubility in water (g/litre) (20°C) 73.5 compound can generate electrostatic charges through
Specific density (20°C) 0.8060 flow or agitation; acrylonitrile polymerizes when
Relative vapour density 1.8 hot, which may cause containers to explode;
Vapour pressure (kPa) (23.6°C) 13.3 uninhibited acrylonitrile is explosive at room
Flash point (open cup) 0°C temperature; the compound reacts violently with
Flash point (closed cup) -4.4°C strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, and silver
Octanol/water partition coefficient 0.12 nitrate; the compound decomposes in a fire, releasing
Flammability (explosive) limits 3 - 17 % harmful gases; vapour is heavier than air and
Relative molecular mass 53.06 may travel along the ground and assemble at lowest
place; can have adverse effects well below the odour
threshold
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SKIN: irritation; redness; Wear clean impervious Remove contaminated clothing and shoes;
blisters; burns; may enter body clothing and gloves; do not wash the skin with plenty of water;
through skin wear leatherware discard contaminated leatherware
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
EYES: irritation and redness by Wear safety goggles Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 min
both liquid and vapour
INHALATION: irritation of Use exhaust ventilation or Fresh air, rest; victim should inhale amyl nitrite;
respiratory tract; effects on breathing protection if breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration;
the central nervous system, in case of overexposure, obtain medical attention
gastrointestinal tract, and immediately; transport to hospital
liver; breathing difficulties;
in severe cases: unconsciousness,
convulsions, death
INGESTION: irritation of mouth, Do not eat, drink, or smoke Rinse mouth; give plenty of water to drink; induce
throat, gastrointestinal tract; when working with the vomiting in conscious patients; make victim inhale
effects on the nervous system; compound amyl nitrite; in case of overexposure, obtain medical
breathing difficulties attention immediately; transport to hospital
Potential human carcinogen
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Remove ignition sources; evacuate Store in the dark in fire-proof, Highly flammable, no open fires; no sparks, no
area; collect leaking liquid in labelled, tightly-closed steel smoking, extinguish fire with foam, carbon dioxide,
sealable containers; absorb container, separated from food, powder, halons; vapour-air mixtures are explosive
spills in sand or inert oxidizers, strong acids and above 0°C; use closed systems; ventilation; non-
material, and remove to a safe bases; silver nitrate, copper sparking tools; explosion-proof equipment and
place; do not allow run-off (alloys), ammonia, amines; lighting; connect drums to earth; in case of fire,
into sewer; take care of never store uninhibited keep drums cool by spraying with water
personal protection (use a acrylonitrile
self-contained breathing
apparatus)
WASTE DISPOSAL
Incineration with provision for removal of harmful gases; National occupational exposure limit: UN: 1093
chemical treatment using calcium hypochlorite National Poison Control Centre:
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
Acrylonitrile is probably fairly persistent in groundwater. Small
quantities of the compound are readily degraded by microorganisms in
soil and in surface waters. When present at high concentrations, such
as may occur with accidental spillage, acrylonitrile is toxic for
microorganisms and may then be persistent.
Contamination of soil, water, and the atmosphere can be avoided by
proper methods of storage, transport, handling, and waste disposal. In
case of spillage, apply methods recommended in section 4.7.1.
6. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS
The information given in this paragraph has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file.
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals
taken in a certain country can only be fully understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country. A full reference to the
original national document from which the information was extracted
can be obtained from the IRPTC. When no effective date appears in the
IRPTC legal file, the year of the reference from which the data are
taken is shown, indicated by (r).
6.1 Exposure Limit Values
See table on pp. 32-33.
6.2 Specific Restrictions
The European Community Legislation on major accident hazards of
certain industrial activities foresees that the manufacturer is
obliged to take all the measures necessary to prevent major accidents
and to limit their consequences for man and the environment, when
manufacturing acrylonitrile or when storing it in quantities equal to
or over 350 tonnes (effective date: 1984).
Furthermore, when acrylonitrile is manufactured in quantities
exceeding 200 tonnes or is stored in quantities exceeding 5000 tonnes,
notification has to be made to the competent authorities including
information on the substance, on the installation, information on
possible major accident situations and emergency plans.
In the Federal Republic of Germany, handling of acrylonitrile is
prohibited or restricted for adolescents and pregnant and nursing
women (effective date: 1980).
In the USA, certain pesticide products containing the substance as an
active ingredient are classified for restricted use (effective date:
1975).
6.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The European Community legislation requires labelling as a dangerous
substance using the symbols:
The label must read: may cause cancer; highly flammable - keep away
from sources of ignition; no smoking; also highly toxic by inhalation,
in contact with skin, and if swallowed - irritating to skin - avoid
exposure; obtain special instructions before use take off immediately
all contaminated clothing; if unwell, seek medical advice (and show
label where possible).
The European Community Legislation on preparations, paints, varnishes,
inks, glues and similar products containing acrylonitrile requires
that they are to be classified and labelled as toxic, when the
concentration of acrylonitrile exceeds 10 g/kg (1%) and harmful, when
it is in the range of 2 - 10 g/kg (0.2 - 1%) (effective date: 1983).
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods classifies stabilized acrylonitrile as a flammable
liquid (Class 3) and a poisonous substance (Subsidiary Risk 6.1) and a
very dangerous substance for packing purposes (Packing Group I).
Packing methods and labels are recommended (1982 (r)).
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
MEDIUM SPECIFICATION COUNTRY/ORGANIZATION EXPOSURE LIMIT DESCRIPTIONa VALUE EFF. DATE
AIR Occupational Australia Threshold limit value (TWA) 45 mg/m3 1983 (r)
Brazil Acceptable limit (48 h/week) 35 mg/m3 1980 (r)
German Democratic Republic Maximum allowable concentration (TWA) 20 mg/m3 1983 (r)
German Democratic Republic Short-term exposure limit 50 mg/m3 1983 (r)
Germany, Federal Republic of Maximum work-site concentration Withdrawn 1984 (r)
(carcinogenicity)
Germany, Federal Republic of Technical reference concentration 13 mg/m3 1984 (r)
Hungary Maximum allowable concentration (TWA) 0.5 mg/m3 1978 (r)
Hungary Short-term exposure limit (30 min) 0.5 mg/m3 1978 (r)
Japan Maximum allowable concentration (TWA) 45 mg/m3 1985 (r)
Sweden Threshold limit value (TWA) 4 mg/m3 1985
Sweden Short-term exposure limit (15 min) 13 mg/m3 1985
United Kingdom Control limit (TWA) 4.0 mg/m3 1985 (r)
USA (ACGIH) Threshold limit value (TWA) 4.5 mg/m3 1984 (r)
USA (OSHA) Permissible exposure limit (TWA) 4.3 mg/m3 1981 (r)
USA (OSHA) Ceiling value (15 min) 22 mg/m3 1981 (r)
USSR Ceiling value 0.5 mg/m3 1977
AIR Ambient USSR Maximum allowable concentration 0.03 mg/m3 1984
(average per day)
WATER Surface USSR Maximum allowable concentration 2.0 mg/litre 1983
a TWA = time-weighted average over one working day (usually 8 h).
The International Maritime Organization classifies the compound
similarly (Class 3.1; Subsidiary Risk: Poison; Packing Group 1)
(1977 (r)).
The labels recommended by both organizations are:
In the USA, acrylonitrile, when carried in bulk, is classified as a
"cargo of particular hazard" for purposes of regulations governing
handling dangerous cargoes in or adjacent to waterfront facilities. A
permit is required for handling such cargo (1981 (r)).
6.4 Waste Disposal
In the USA, any solid waste (except domestic), that contains
acrylonitrile, must be listed as a hazardous waste (subject to
handling, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal regulations and
permit and notification requirements), unless it is found that the
waste cannot pose a threat to human health or the environment when
improperly managed (effective date: 1980). An owner or operator of
hazardous waste incineration must achieve 99.99% destruction and
removal efficiency for this substance, if it is designated as a
principal organic hazardous constituent in its EPA permit (effective
date: 1981). Permits are required for discharge of acrylonitrile
from any point source into USA waters (effective date: 1980). EPA
is required to set or has set standards for 21 major industries
(1981 (r)).