Agent Name |
Acetaldehyde |
CAS Number |
75-07-0 |
Formula |
C2-H4-O |
Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
Synonyms |
Acetaldehyd [German]; Acetaldehyde; Acetaldehyde (natural); Acetic aldehyde; Acetic ethanol; Acetylaldehyde; Aldehyde acetique [French]; Aldeide acetica [Italian]; Ethanal; Ethyl aldehyde; Octowy aldehyd [Polish]; [ChemIDplus] UN 1089 |
Category |
Aldehydes |
Description |
Colorless liquid or gas (above 69 degrees F) with a pungent, fruity odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used in synthesis of organic chemicals, resins, dyes, pesticides, disinfectants, cosmetics, gelatin, glue, lacquers, varnishes, casein products, explosives, and pharmaceuticals; also used as a hardener in photography, a flavoring agent, and a leather preservative; [NIOSH OSH Guideline] |
Comments |
Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause dermatitis or burns. [NIOSH Guidelines for Chemical Hazards] May cause pulmonary edema after acute, heavy inhalation exposure; [ICSC] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in a textile worker; [Kanerva, p. 1125] If left on clothes, can cause reddening of skin; [CHRIS] Acetaldehyde is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
Ceiling (ACGIH) |
25 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
200 ppm |
MAK |
50 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
2000 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the statements by Patty [1963] and ACGIH [1971] that all rats survived a 4-hour exposure to 8,000 ppm, but all rats died from a 16,000 ppm exposure [Smyth 1956]. Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH. |
Vapor Pressure |
902 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
0.0028 ppm |
Odor Threshold High |
1000 ppm |
RD50 |
4946 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 13,300 ppm/4H |
Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.067 ppm); |
Half Life |
No reports found; [TDR, p. 11] |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
Adverse Effects |
Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ACETALDEHYDE
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