Acetonitrile: Health effects
Description
Acetonitrile is toxic to humans. Ingestion is highly unlikely under normal conditions. Inhalation of acetonitrile may cause irritation of mucous membranes and inhalation of higher concentrations can produce flushing of the face, chest tightness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, shortness of breath and death. Cyanosis (blue-grey discolouration of the skin and lips) may be a delayed symptom. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to acetonitrile results in cyanide poisoning from metabolic release of cyanide after absorption. The major effects consist of those on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headaches, numbness and tremors. Other manifestations of repeated exposure may be enlargement of the thyroid gland or damage to liver and kidneys. Skin contact may also produce cyanide poisoning and dermatitis. Acetonitrile vapour can cause redness of the eyes.
Entering the body
Exposure may occur by inhalation of vapour and by skin contact. Absorption through intact skin occurs rapidly. Ingestion is unlikely.
Exposure
Only occupational exposure in industries using acetonitrile is relevant.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia has set the exposure standard for acetonitrile to 40 ppm (equivalent to 67 milligram/m3) (TWA). The short-term exposure level (STEL) is 60 ppm (equivalent to 101 milligram/m3). Worksafe Australia also issued a skin absorption notice which indicates that absorption through the skin may be a significant source of exposure.
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