MAL Environmental

Acrylonitrile is a colourless, volatile, highly flammable liquid that can be dissolved in water and has a sharp, onion or garlic-like odour. Acrylonitrile is primarily used in the production of nitril polymers. These in turn are used to make materials such as plastics, synthetic rubbers and acrylic fibres. Exposure to acrylonitrile can occur from inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye absorption.
Acrylonitrile is a respiratory, skin, and eye irritant and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Inhalation of acrylonitrile vapours primarily affects the nervous system and lungs, and can cause nose and throat irritation, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, impaired judgment, and convulsions. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage and is a suspected causative agent of toxic epidermal necrosis.