Acrylonitrile (2-propenenitrile): Health effects
Description
Acrylonitrile is a central nervous system depressant and a respiratory irritant. Within the body it is converted to cyanide and many of the effects are related to the effect cyanide has in preventing the absorption of oxygen into the blood. Conversion is slow so effects may not occur for a number of days. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, feelings of apprehension and nervous irritability, muscle weakness, cyanosis, and convulsions sneezing, nausea, vomiting, weakness. Acrylonitrile is an irritant to the skin and eyes and will cause damage with prolonged exposure and is a suspected causative agent of toxic epidermal necrosis.
Entering the body
Exposure to acrylonitrile is likely to be by breathing. Ingestion, absorption through the skin or absorption of the vapours through the eyes is also possible.
Exposure
The primary source of exposure is through breathing vapours. Exposure is most likely for those working in industries where acrylonitrile is used. Studies have detected acrylonitrile in some houses.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia recommends an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 2 ppm (4.3 mg/m3)
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