Acetaldehyde
Synonyms & Trade Names
Acetic aldehyde, Ethanal, Ethyl aldehydeExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A See Appendix C (Aldehydes)OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm (360 mg/m³) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid or gas (above 69°F) with a pungent, fruity odor.Molecular Weight
44.1Boiling Point
69°FFreezing Point
-190°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
740 mmHgIonization Potential
10.22 eVSpecific Gravity
0.79Flash Point
-36°FUpper Exposive Limit
60%Lower Explosive Limit
4.0%
Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, alcohols, ammonia & amines, phenols, ketones, HCN, H₂S [Note: Prolonged contact with air may cause formation of peroxides that may explode and burst containers; easily undergoes polymerization.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, nose, throat; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; conjunctivitis; cough; central nervous system depression; delayed pulmonary edema; In Animals: kidney, reproductive, teratogenic effects; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys, central nervous system, reproductive systemCancer Site
[in animals: nasal cancer]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division