Acetonitrile

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Highly flammable. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Irritating to eyes.

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes eye irritation. Skin: Causes skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin. May cause dermatitis. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), convulsions, and death. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. May cause central nervous system depression. Inhalation: May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), convulsions, tachycardia, dyspnea (labored breathing), and death. Causes irritation of mucous membrane. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Causes upper respiratory tract irritation. Inhalation may lead to dizziness, weakness, and drowsiness, leading to stupor, unconsciousness, and even death. Inhalation may lead to hematemesis, convulsions, shock, coma, and possible death. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause Chronic: effects similar to those of acute inhalation and ingestion. May cause liver and kidney damage. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Chronic exposure may cause dizziness, dry throat, sleepiness, anorexia, and nausea.