Acetaldehyde

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ACETALDEHYDE
C₂H₄O/CH₃CHO\
Molecular mass: 44.1
Boiling point: 21°C
Melting point: -123°C
75-07-0

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ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in lowering of consciousness. The effects may be delayed.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, respiratory tract and kidneys , resulting in chronic alcohol-like intoxication. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
GAS OR COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can form explosive peroxides in contact with air. The substance may polymerize under the influence of acids, alkaline materials, such as sodium hydroxide, in the presence of trace metals (iron) with fire or explosion hazard. The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts violently with oxidants. Reacts violently with various organic substances, halogens, sulfuric acid and amines, causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 100 ppm; 180 mg/m³ as TWA (ACGIH 1991-1992).
TLV (as STEL): 150 ppm; 270 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1991-1992).

An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.

International Chemical Safety Cards

DANGER! EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE. HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION MAY OCCUR. MAY FORM EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES IN AIR. CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, LIVER AND KIDNEYS. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. POSSIBLE CANCER HAZARD. MAY CAUSE CANCER BASED ON ANIMAL DATA. Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of exposure

Inhalation:
Exposure to vapors causes irritation to the mucous membranes and respiratory tract, coughing, dizziness, light sensitivity, sore throat, and labored breathing. Large exposures may cause irregular heartbeat, narcosis, delayed pulmonary edema and death by respiratory failure.
Ingestion:
Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Toxic! May cause systemic poisoning with symptoms paralleling those of inhalation.
Skin Contact:
Vapor and liquid cause irritation, redness, and pain. Prolonged contact with liquid may cause erythema and burns, although rapid evaporation limits this possibility.
Eye Contact:
Vapors cause irritation, redness, and pain. Liquid splashes may cause burning sensation, severe irritation, blurred vision and temporary eye damage.
Chronic Exposure:
Repeated exposure to vapors may cause dermatitis and conjunctivitis. Liver and kidney damage is associated with chronic exposure to acetaldehyde. There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde to humans, but there is sufficient evidency for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde in animals.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin or eye disorders or impaired liver, kidney, or pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent. Alcoholics are specially affected because alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde in the blood and additional exposure to acetaldehyde can aggravate problems.

   **** SECTION 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY ****

Chemical Stability:
Unstable in air May undergo autopolymerization. 
Forms explosive peroxides on prolonged storage 
and exposure to air.
Conditions to Avoid:
Incompatible materials, ignition sources, 
exposure to air, acids, excess heat, 
reducing agents, alkaline materials, strong oxidants.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Air, acid anhydrides, alcohols, ketones, phenols, 
ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, 
halogens, phosphorus, isocyanates, stong
alkalies, amines, cobalt chloride, 
mercury (II) chlorate, mercury
(II) perchlorate, trace metals, 
acids, acetic acid, sulfuric acid,
strong oxidizing agents, strong 
reducing agents, strong bases,
strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane.
Hazardous Polymerization: May occur.

**** SECTION 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION ****

RTECS#:
CAS# 75-07-0: AB1925000
LD50/LC50:
CAS# 75-07-0: 
Inhalation, rat: LC50 =24 gm/m3/4H; 
Oral, rat: LD50 = 661 mg/kg; 
Skin, rabbit: LD50 = 3540 mg/kg.
Carcinogenicity:
  Acetaldehyde -
ACGIH: A3-animal carcinogen
California: carcinogen - initial date 4/1/88
NIOSH: occupational carcinogen
  NTP: Suspect carcinogen
 OSHA: Possible Select carcinogen
 IARC: Group 2B carcinogen
Epidemiology:
Inhalation, rat: TCLo = 735 ppm/6H/2Y-I 
(Tumorigenic - Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria - 
Sense Organs and Special Senses (Olfaction) - tumors).; 
Inhalation, hamster: TCLo = 2040 ppm/7H/52W-I 
(Tumorigenic - equivocal tumorigenic agent by 
RTECS criteria - Sense Organs and
Special Senses (Olfaction) - tumors and Lungs, 
Thorax, or Respiration
- tumors).
Teratogenicity:
Oral, rat: TDLo = 4800 mg/kg 
(female 1-20 day(s) after conception)
Effects on Embryo or Fetus - fetotoxicity 
(except death, e.g., stunted fetus) and 
Specific Developmental Abnormalities - respiratory
system and hepatobiliary system.; 
Oral, rat: TDLo = 5040 mg/kg(female 1-21 day(s) 
after conception) Specific Developmental
Abnormalities - Central Nervous System and 
Endocrine System and Urogenital System.; 
Oral, rat: TDLo = 5040 mg/kg (female 1-21 day(s)
after conception) Effects on Newborn - 
growth statistics (e.g.%, reduced weight gain).
Reproductive Effects:
Intraperitoneal, rat: TDLo = 50 mg/kg 
(female 12 day(s) after conception) 
Fertility - post-implantation mortality 
(e.g. dead and/or resorbed implants per total
 number of implants).; Intravenous, mouse:
TDLo = 4 gm/kg (female 6 day(s) after conception) 
Fertility - post-implantation mortality 
(e.g. dead and/or resorbed implants per
total number of implants).
Neurotoxicity:
No data available.
Mutagenicity:
DNA Damage: Human, Lymphocyte = 1560 umol/L.; 
DNA Inhibition: Human Cells - not otherwise 
specified = 30 mmol/L.; Mutation test systems -
not otherwise specified: = Human Cells - not 
otherwise specified = 30 mmol/L.; 
DNA Inhibition: Human, HeLa cell = 10 mmol/L.; 
Cytogenetic Analysis: Human, 
Leukocyte = 1000 ppm/72H (Continuous).; 
Sister Chromatid Exchange: 
Human, Lymphocyte = 1200 umol/L.; Mutation in
Mammalian Somatic Cells: Human, Fibroblast = 5 mmol/L.
Other Studies:
No data available.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde.

There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde.

Overall evaluation

Acetaldehyde is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). http://193.51.164.11/htdocs/monographs/Vol71/005-acetaldehyde.html

ACETALDEHYDE
(Group 2B)

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 71 (1999) (p. 319)

CAS No.: 75-07-0
Chem. Abstr. Name: Acetaldehyde

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Exposure data

Exposure to acetaldehyde may occur in its production, and in the production of acetic acid and various other chemical agents. It is a metabolite of sugars and ethanol in humans and has been detected in plant extracts, tobacco smoke, engine exhaust, ambient and indoor air, and in water.

5.2 Human carcinogenicity data

An increased relative frequency of bronchial and oral cavity tumours was found among nine cancer cases in one study of chemical workers exposed to various aldehydes. Oesophageal tumours have been associated with genetically determined, high metabolic levels of acetaldehyde after drinking alcohol.

Three case–control studies assessed the risk of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal and oesophageal cancer following heavy alcohol intake, according to genetic polymorphism of enzymes involved in the metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde (alcohol dehydrogenase 3) and in the further metabolism of acetaldehyde (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and glutathione S-transferase M1). Despite limitations in the study design and the small size of most of the studies, these studies consistently showed an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers among subjects with the genetic polymorphisms leading to higher internal doses of acetaldehyde following heavy alcohol intake as compared to subjects with other genetic polymorphisms.

5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data

Acetaldehyde was tested for carcinogenicity in rats by inhalation exposure and in hamsters by inhalation exposure and by intratracheal instillation. It produced tumours of the respiratory tract following inhalation, particularly adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas of the nasal mucosa in rats and laryngeal carcinomas in hamsters. In hamsters, it did not cause an increased incidence of tumours following intratracheal instillation. Inhalation of acetaldehyde enhanced the incidence of respiratory-tract tumours produced by intratracheal instillation of benzo[a]pyrene.

5.4 Other relevant data

Acetaldehyde is metabolized to acetic acid. During inhalation exposure of rats, degeneration of nasal epithelium occurs and leads to hyperplasia and proliferation.

Acetaldehyde causes gene mutations in bacteria and gene mutations, sister chromatid exchanges, micronuclei and aneuploidy in cultured mammalian cells, without metabolic activation. In vivo, it causes mutations in Drosophila melanogaster but not micronuclei in mouse germ cells. It causes DNA damage in cultured mammalian cells and in mice in vivo. Acetaldehyde–DNA adducts have been found in white blood cells from human alcohol abusers.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde.

There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde.

Overall evaluation

Acetaldehyde is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluations: Vol. 36 (1985); Suppl. 7 (1987)

Synonyms

Acetic aldehyde
‘Aldehyde’
Ethanal
Ethylaldehyde

Last updated: 12 April 1999

Note

A Colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors. It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It has a general narcotic action and also causes irritation of mucous membranes. Large doses may cause death from respiratory paralysis.

Mallinckrodt Baker -- ACETALDEHYDE 75-07-0
Safety Card --ACETALDEHYDE 75-07-0 AB1925000
Safety Card -- BUTYL ETHYL ACETALDEHYDE 123-05-7 MN7525000
Fisher - Acetaldehyde, 99.5% (GC)
Fisher - Acetaldehyde-d4, 99+ atom % d
Fisher - Acetaldehyde ammonia trimer, 98%
Fisher - (Triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetaldehyde, 97%
Fisher - (4-Pyridylmethylamino)-acetaldehyde diethylacetal
Good Scents Company - PHENYL ACETALDEHYDE DIMETHYL ACETAL FCC
Good Scents Company - PHENYL ACETALDEHYDE FCC
Sigma -- ACETALDEHYDE-D4 1632-89-9
Sigma -- ACETALDEHYDE ACS REAGENT 75-07-0
CHEM SERVICE -- ACETALDEHYDE, F2322

Mallinckrodt Baker -- ACETALDEHYDE 75-07-0
Mallinckrodt Baker -- Methylacetaldehyde 123-38-6
Safety Card --ACETALDEHYDE 75-07-0 AB1925000
Safety Card -- BUTYL ETHYL ACETALDEHYDE 123-05-7 MN7525000
Safety Card -- METHYLACETALDEHYDE 123-38-6 UE0350000
Safety Card -- TRICHLOROACETALDEHYDE MONOHYDRATE 302-17-0 FM8750000
Fisher - Trimethylacetaldehyde
Fisher - Acetaldehyde, 99.5% (GC)
Fisher - Tribromoacetaldehyde, 97%
Fisher - Acetaldehyde-d4, 99+ atom % d
Fisher - Phenylacetaldehyde, 80-90% (gc)
Fisher - Acetaldehyde ammonia trimer, 98%
Fisher - Aminoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 99%
Fisher - Aminoacetaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal, 99%
Fisher - Chloroacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 99%
Fisher - Chloroacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 99%
Fisher - Methoxyacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 97%
Fisher - Phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 98%
Fisher - Chloroacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 97%
Fisher - Acetylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 90-96%
Fisher - Bromoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 99% (gc)
Fisher - Bromoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 99% (gc)
Fisher - Trifluoroacetaldehyde ethyl hemiacetal, 90%
Fisher - Methylaminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 97%
Fisher - Diethylaminoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 99%
Fisher - (Triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetaldehyde, 97%
Fisher - Phenylacetaldehyde (50% wt in isopropyl alcohol)
Fisher - (4-Pyridylmethylamino)-acetaldehyde diethylacetal
Fisher - Diethyl Phosphonoacetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal, Tech. 90%
Fisher - Trimethylacetaldehyde, ca 80%, Remainder 20% Tert.-Butanol
Fisher - Bromoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 97%, stabilized with 0.2% potassium carbona
Fisher - Bromoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 97%, stabilized with 0.2% potassium carbona
Acros - Phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal 101-48-4
Acros - Phenylacetaldehyde 122-78-1
Good Scents Company - PHENYL ACETALDEHYDE DIMETHYL ACETAL FCC
Good Scents Company - PHENYL ACETALDEHYDE FCC
Sigma -- ACETALDEHYDE-D4 1632-89-9
Sigma -- ACETALDEHYDE ACS REAGENT 75-07-0
CHEM SERVICE -- ACETALDEHYDE, F2322

ACETALDEHYDE (Group 2B)

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

ACETALDEHYDE
(Group 2B)