IPCS INCHEM Home
0 ACETALDEHYDE
ICSC: 0009
Peer-Review Status: 27.11.2003 Validated
Acetic aldehyde
Ethanal
Ethyl aldehyde 
CAS #: 75-07-0 RTECS #: AB1925000
UN #: 1089
EC #: 605-003-00-6
EINECS #: 200-836-8
 		    Formula: C2H4O / CH3CHO
Molecular mass: 44.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.  Use water in large amounts, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!   
Inhalation Cough.  Use ventilation. Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain.  Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Remove vapour with fine water spray.  Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. 
EC Classification
Symbol: F+, Xn; R: 12-36/37-40; S: (2)-16-33-36/37 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: I 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1089.
NFPA Code: H2; F4; R2.  		Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cooled. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. 

IMPORTANT DATA
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
Contact with air generates explosive peroxides. The substance may polymerize under the influence of acids and alkaline hydroxides in the presence of trace metals (iron). This generates fire and explosion hazard. The substance is a strong reducing agent. It reacts violently with oxidants, strong acids, halogens and amines. This generates fire or explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 25ppm (ceiling value); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2003).
MAK: 50 ppm, 91 mg/m³; Carcinogen category: 5; Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: C; Germ cell mutagen group: 5; (DFG 2007). 

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 is mildly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract. This may result in tissue lesions. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 20.2°C
Melting point: -123°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.78
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 101
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point: -38°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 185°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 4-60
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.63   		The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.
Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Acetaldehyde (EHC 167, 1995)
       Acetaldehyde (HSG 90, 1995)
       ACETALDEHYDE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Acetaldehyde (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)