Acrolein health effects

Carson BL, Beall CM, Ellis HV II, et al. 1982. Acrolein Health Effects. Report. Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City. EPA 460/3-81-034. NTIS PB82-161282. 

B. L. Carson, C. M. Beall, H. V. Ellis, L. H. Baker, and B. L. Herndon, Acrolein Health Effects, 2xHS PB82-161282 EPA-460/3-81 -034. Gov. Rep. Announce. Index 12, 9—12 (1981). [A 121-page review of health effects literature primarily related to inhalation exposure.]... 

Existing Information on Health Effects of Acrolein 5-1 Frequency of Sites with Acrolein Contamination... 

Human Health Effects from Breathing Acrolein ... 

Animal Health Effects from Eating or Drinking Acrolein... 

This Statement was prepared to give you information about acrolein and to emphasize the human health effects that may result from exposure to it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified 1177 sites on its National Priorities List (NPL). Acrolein (pronounced aero lean) has been found at 7 of these sites. However, we do not know how many of the 1177 NPL sites have been evaluated for acrolein. As EPA evaluates more sites, the number of sites at which acrolein is found may change. The information is important for you because acrolein may cause harmful health effects and because these sites are potential or actual sources of human exposure to acrolein. 

If you are exposed to a hazardous substance such as acrolein, several factors will determine whether harmful health effects will occur and what the type and severity of those health effects will be. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the route or pathway by which you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the other chemicals to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics such as age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, life style, and state of health. 

The health effects of longterm exposure of humans to air containing specific levels of acrolein are not known. 

The health effects of short - term exposure of human to food containing acrolein are not known. 

This chapter contains descriptions and evaluations of studies and interpretation of data on the health effects associated with exposure to acrolein. Its purpose is to present levels of significant exposure for acrolein based on toxicological studies, epidemiological investigations, and environmental... 

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate information on the health effects of acrolein is available. Where adequate information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the National Toxicology Program (NTP), is required to assure the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine such health effects) of acrolein. 

As seen from Figure 2-5, very little information is available regarding the health effects of exposure of humans to acrolein. Experimental studies in humans have attempted to determine the thresholds for eye, nose, and throat irritation. Information on humans accidentally exposed to acrolein also indicates that acrolein irritates the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and that severe respiratory effects can persist long after exposure occurs. 

Acrolein degrades quickly in soils and in plant tissues, regardless of mode of administration. Most terrestrial crop plants easily tolerate 25,000 pg acrolein/L of irrigation water, and some can tolerate 70,000 to 80,000 pg/L without adverse effects. Terrestrial plants were adversely affected at atmospheric concentrations of 500 pg acrolein/L air, but this concentration exceeds the recommended value of 110 pg/L (0.25 mg/m3) air for protection of human health in occupational settings. 

Feron, V.J. and A. Kruysse. 1977. Effects of exposure to acrolein vapor in hamsters simultaneously treated with benzol a pyrene or diethylnitrosamine. Jour. Toxicol. Environ. Health 3 379-394. 

EPA. 1985. Health environmental effects profile for acrolein. ECAO-CIN- P150. US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Cincinnati, OH, 1-17. 

Weber-Tschopp A, Fischer T, Gierer R, et al. 1977. [Experimental irritating effects of acrolein on man.] Int Arch Occup Environ Health 40 117-130. (German)... 

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