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Chemical Datasheet

ACROLEIN, STABILIZED

6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard 3 - Flammable liquid

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 107-02-8   (ACROLEIN)
  • 1092
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
  • Flammable Liquid
  • ARL
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Acrolein
  • ACROLEIN
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
3
4 3
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 3 Can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions.
Yellow Instability 3 Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A colorless to yellow volatile liquid with a disagreeable choking odor. Flash point below 0°F. Initially irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Very toxic by inhalation. Less dense than water (7.0 lb / gal). Vapors heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals, plastics, and as a herbicide.

Rate of onset: Immediate

Persistence: Minutes to hour

Odor threshold: 1 ppm

Source/use/other hazard: Herbicide; tox and corrosive fumes.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. A dangerous fire risk [Hawley]. Water soluble. Reacts slowly and exothermically with water to give 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde. Water solutions of mineral acids (even weakly acidic solutions) and metal ions can initiate polymerization. A hazard can develop from this reaction if acrolein is stored over a layer of water.
Fire Hazard
Under fire conditions, polymerization may occur. If inside a container, violent rupture of the container may take place. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes. Alkalis or strong acids act as catalysts, causing a condensation reaction and liberating energy. Reaction may be very rapid and violent. Readily converted by oxygen to hazardous peroxides and acids. Unstable, avoid exposure to alkalis, strong acids, oxygen, elevated temperatures, such as fire conditions. (Polymerization inside container could cause violent rupture of container under fire conditions.) (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Extremely toxic; probable oral human lethal dose is 5-50 mg/kg, between 7 drops and one teaspoon for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Inhalation of air containing 10 ppm of acrolein may be fatal in a few minutes. Death from cardiac failure accompanied by hyperemia and hemorrhage of the lungs and degeneration of the bronchial epithelium is possible. Acrolein causes acute respiratory and eye irritation; severe gastrointestinal distress with slowly developing pulmonary edema (lungs fill up with fluid); and skin irritation. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
ACROLEIN can react violently with oxidizing agents. Polymerizes exothermically on contact with small amounts of acids (including sulfur dioxide), alkalis, volatile amines and pyridines, salts, thiourea, oxidizing agents (air) and on exposure to light and heat. Polymerization initiated by amines and pyridines occurs after a deceptive induction period. Water solutions of mineral acids and metal ions can initiate polymerization. The inhibitor (usually hydroquinone) greatly reduces tendency to polymerize. Undergoes Diels-Alder reaction with itself to give acrolein dimer. This can become a runaway reaction at 90°C [Kirk-Othmer, 4th Ed, Vol. 1]. Mixing in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: 2-aminoethanol, ammonium hydroxide, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylenediamine, ethyleneimine [NFPA 1991].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1092 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
In advanced or massive fires, fire fighting should be done from safe distance or from protected location. Use dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective, but should be used to keep fire-exposed containers cool. If a leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to disperse vapors. If it is necessary to stop a leak, use water spray to protect men attempting to do so. Water spray may be used to flush spills away from exposures and to dilute spills to nonflammable mixtures.

Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Acrolein:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Acrolein 107-02-8 Liquid 25*/178 75*/101 75*/101 >480 >480 >480
Acrolein (10 g/m2) 107-02-8 Liquid >480 >480
Acrolein (90%) 107-02-8 Liquid 24
Prop-2-en-1-al 107-02-8 Liquid 25*/178 75*/101 75*/101 >480 >480 >480
Prop-2-en-1-al (10 g/m2) 107-02-8 Liquid >480 >480
Prop-2-en-1-al (90%) 107-02-8 Liquid 24
> indicates greater than.
* indicates based on lowest single value.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Warning: Acrolein is highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Acrolein Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to acrolein may be severe and include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, pulmonary edema, and coma. Lacrimation (tearing), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Acrolein will irritate or burn the skin and mucous membranes. Eye contact may cause irritation, swelling, discharge, and/or corneal injury.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to acrolein may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to acrolein.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to acrolein.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible (and place in plastic bag).
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • CH2CHCHO
Flash Point: -15°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 2.8 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 31 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: 453°F (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: -126°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 135.71 to 210 mmHg at 50 to 68 °F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 1.94 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 0.8389 to 0.8621 at 32 to 68 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point: 126°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 56.06 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 10.13 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 2 ppm (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Acrolein (107-02-8)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes 0.03 ppm 0.44 ppm 6.2 ppm
30 minutes 0.03 ppm 0.18 ppm 2.5 ppm
60 minutes 0.03 ppm 0.1 ppm 1.4 ppm
4 hours 0.03 ppm 0.1 ppm 0.48 ppm
8 hours 0.03 ppm 0.1 ppm 0.27 ppm
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Acrolein (107-02-8) 0.05 ppm star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1. 0.15 ppm 1.5 ppm
star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Acrolein (107-02-8) 0.03 ppm 0.1 ppm 1.4 ppm LEL = 28000 ppm
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
2-Propenal 107-02-8 500 pounds 1 pound 1 pound X P003 5000 pounds
Acrolein 107-02-8 500 pounds 1 pound 1 pound 313 P003 5000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Acrolein; [2-Propenal or Acrylaldehyde] 107-02-8 1.00 % 5000 pounds toxic

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Acrolein (2-Propenal) 107-02-8 150 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

Alternate Chemical Names