ACRYLONITRILE, STABILIZED

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
3 4 2	Health	4	Can be lethal.
	Flammability	3	Can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions.
	Instability	2	Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special

A clear colorless liquid with a strong pungent odor. Flash point 32°F. Prolonged exposure to the vapors or skin contact harmful. Density 6.7 lb / gal. Vapors heavier than air. Combustion produces toxic oxides of nitrogen. Requires storage and handling in closed systems. Used in insecticides and to make plastics, fibers and other chemicals.

Rate of onset: Immediate

Persistence: Minutes to hours

Odor threshold: 17 ppm

Source/use/other hazard: Plastics, coatings, adhesives industries; dyes; pharmaceuticals; flam gas.

• Highly Flammable
• Polymerizable

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Materials are too dangerous to health to expose fire fighters. A few whiffs of vapor could cause death or vapor or liquid could be fatal on penetrating the fire fighter's normal full protective clothing. The normal full protective clothing and breathing apparatus available to the average fire department will not provide adequate protection against inhalation or skin contact with these materials. Explosion hazard is moderate. It is flammable and explosive at normal room temperatures. Can react violently with strong acids, amines, strong alkalis. Vapors may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back. Dilute solutions are also hazardous (flash point of a solution of 2 percent in water is 70F). When heated or burned, toxic hydrogen cyanide gas and oxides of nitrogen are formed. Avoid strong acids, amines, alkalis. Incompatible with strong oxidizers (especially bromine) copper and copper alloys. Unstable, moderate hazard is possible when it is exposed to flames, strong acids, amines and alkalis. May polymerize spontaneously in the container, particularly in absence of oxygen or on exposure to visible light. If polymerization occurs in containers, there is a possibility of violent rupture. (EPA, 1998)

It is classified as very toxic. Probable oral lethal dose for human is 50-500 mg/kg (between 1 teaspoon and 1 oz.) for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Irritant skin dose -- 500 mg. Toxic concentrations have been reported at 16 ppm/20 min. Acute toxicity is similar to that due to cyanide poisoning, and the level of cyanide ion in blood is related to the level of poisoning. Inhalation or ingestion results in collapse and death due to tissue anoxia (lack of oxygen) and cardiac arrest (heart failure). (EPA, 1998)

ACRYLONITRILE produces poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas on contact with strong acids or when heated to decomposition. Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents (dibenzoyl peroxide, di-tert-butylperoxide, bromine) [Sax, 9th ed., p. 61]. Rapidly ignites in air and forms explosive mixtures with air. Polymerizes violently in the presence of strong bases or acids. Underwent a runaway reaction culminating in an explosion on contact with a small amount of bromine or solid silver nitrate [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 404].

• Nitriles
• Acrylates and Acrylic Acids
• Polymerizable Compounds

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

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [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 1093 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

In advanced or massive fires, fire fighting should be done from a safe distance or a protected location. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.

Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or foam. Large fires: water spray, fog or foam. Stay away from ends of tanks. Do not get water inside container. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water from the side until well after fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [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, 2024)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Acrylonitrile:

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, 2024)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Acrylonitrile	107-13-1	Liquid		imm	36*/48	31	73*/92	108	>480	>480	>480
Cyanoethylene	107-13-1	Liquid		imm	36*/48	31	73*/92	108	>480	>480	>480
Propenenitrile, 2-	107-13-1	Liquid		imm	36*/48	31	73*/92	108	>480	>480	>480
Propenoic acid nitrile	107-13-1	Liquid		imm	36*/48	31	73*/92	108	>480	>480	>480
Vinyl cyanide	107-13-1	Liquid		imm	36*/48	31	73*/92	108	>480	>480	>480

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, 2024)

Warning: Effects, including skin reactions, may be delayed. Caution is advised. Vital signs should be monitored closely. Heart palpitation may begin within minutes after exposure.

Note: Acrylonitrile is very readily absorbed through the skin.

Signs and Symptoms of Acrylonitrile Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to acrylonitrile may include hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), followed by hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Cherry-red mucous membranes and blood, cardiac arrhythmias, and other cardiac abnormalities are common. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) is not a consistent finding. Tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) may be followed by respiratory depression. Lung hemorrhage and pulmonary edema may also occur. Headache, vertigo (dizziness), agitation, and giddiness may be followed by combative behavior, convulsions, paralysis, protruding eyeballs, dilated and unreactive pupils, and coma. Acrylonitrile is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Lacrimation (tearing) and a burning sensation of the mouth and throat are common. Excessive salivation, nausea, and vomiting may also occur.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to acrylonitrile 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 acrylonitrile.
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. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with acrylonitrile-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.
3. RUSH to a health care facility!
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to acrylonitrile.
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. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with acrylonitrile-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.
3. RUSH to a health care facility!
4. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
5. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
6. Wash exposed skin areas twice with soap and water.
7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

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. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with acrylonitrile-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.
2. RUSH to a health care facility!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
5. 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.
6. 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. (EPA, 1998)

• ACRITET
• ACRYLON
• ACRYLONITRILE
• ACRYLONITRILE MONOMER
• ACRYLONITRILE, STABILIZED
• AN
• CARBACRYL
• CYANOETHENE
• CYANOETHYLENE
• ENT 54
• FUMIGRAIN
• MILLER'S FUMIGRAIN
• NCI-C50215
• PROPENENITRILE
• 2-PROPENENITRILE
• PROPENONITRILE
• TL 314
• VCN
• VENTOX
• VINYL CYANIDE