Acetaldehyde
Synonyms & Trade Names
Acetic aldehyde, Ethanal, Ethyl aldehyde
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A See Appendix C (Aldehydes)OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm (360 mg/m³) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid or gas (above 69°F) with a pungent, fruity odor.
Molecular Weight
44.1
Boiling Point
69°F
Freezing Point
-190°F
Solubility
Miscible
Vapor Pressure
740 mmHg
Ionization Potential
10.22 eV
Specific Gravity
0.79
Flash Point
-36°F
Upper Explosive Limit
60%
Lower Explosive Limit
4.0%
Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, alcohols, ammonia & amines, phenols, ketones, HCN, H₂S
[Note: Prolonged contact with air may cause formation of peroxides that may explode and burst containers; easily undergoes polymerization.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, nose, throat; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; conjunctivitis; cough; central nervous system depression; delayed pulmonary edema; In Animals: kidney, reproductive, teratogenic effects; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys, central nervous system, reproductive system
Cancer Site
[in animals: nasal cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health