| Agent Name |
Acetylene |
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| CAS Number |
74-86-2 |
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| Formula |
C2-H2 |
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| Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
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| Synonyms |
Acetylen; Acetylene; Ethine; Ethyne; Narcylen; [ChemIDplus] UN1001 |
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| Category |
Simple Asphyxiants |
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| Description |
Colorless gas with a faint, ethereal odor. [Note: Commercial grade has a garlic-like odor. Shipped under pressure dissolved in acetone.] [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
A compressed gas used in the welding and cutting of metals; Was used as a general anesthetic in the 1920's; [ACGIH] |
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| Comments |
Acetylene is an explosive hazard and simple asphyxiant. [LaDou, p. 518] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] Acetylene is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] |
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| Reference Link |
Volatile Substance Abuse |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
226 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
2584 ppm |
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| Explanatory Notes |
NIOSH REL (ceiling) = 2500 ppm; Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = 0 deg F; |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
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| Other Poison |
Simple Asphyxiant |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ACETYLENE
|
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