Acetonitrile

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Physical State: Liquid with faint pungent odor. Color: Clear, colorless Emergency WARNING! Overview: Flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe eye irritation. Do not ingest. Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Keep container closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling. Effects may be delayed.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion.

Potential health effects

Eye Contact: Contact causes severe irritation with reversible corneal changes. Vapors may cause irritation. Skin Contact: Contact is not expected to result in irritation. May be absorbed through the skin to cause effects similar to indigestion. Effects may be delayed. May cause damage to the following organs: respiratory system, central nervous system. Inhalation: Effects may be delayed. May cause damage to respiratory system, nervous system, kidney and liver. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. Effects may be delayed. May cause headache, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, cyanosis, rapid heart beat, unconsciousness, and possible death. May cause damage to respiratory system, nervous system, kidney and liver.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Individuals with preexisting disease of the nervous system, respiratory system, kidney or liver may be at increased risk from exposure to this chemical. over-exposure: Overexposure Nasal and eye irritation, flushing of the face, headache, nausea, vomiting, signs/ symptoms: weakness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulty and convulsions. Effect may be delayed. See toxicological information, section 11.