National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Acetaldehyde: Environmental effects

Description

In sufficient concentrations acetaldehyde can effect animals in a similar way to humans.

Entering the environment

Because acetaldehyde rapidly evaporates it most likely to be transported in air though it degrades rapidly and is therefore unlikely to be transported far.

Where it ends up

It will rapidly evaporate from water or land. In the atmosphere, acetaldehyde will degrade in a matter of hours by photochemical oxidation and reaction with hydroxyl radicals. It can leach into the ground. It degrades readily in soil, sewage, and natural waters.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist