Solvents and Toxicity Profile

The following pages provide brief information on a few selected solvents, including the manner of exposure and toxicological effects on laboratory animals and on humans. For purposes of easy and quick identification and reference by the nser, the solvents are listed in alphabetical order rather than according to the chemical classes to which they belong. The chemical class of each solvent may be fonnd in Appendix 4.1. For more detail on each of the chemical substances, refer to the literature.  

Synonyms and trade names acetic aldehyde, aldehyde, ethanol, ethylaldehyde Use and exposure Acetaldehyde is a highly flammable, volatile, colorless liquid with a characteristic and pungent odor. It is miscible in water. Exposure to acetaldehyde occurs during the production of acetic acid and various other industrial chemical substances—for instance, manufacture of drugs, dyes, explosives, disinfectants, phenolic and urea resins, rubber accelerators, and varnish. - -  

Acetaldehyde and cancer Laboratory animal studies indicate that exposure through inhalation to vapors of acetaldehyde causes nasal tumors in rats and laryngeal tumors in hamsters. However, no adequate data are available regarding acetaldehyde as a human carcinogen. The U.S. EPA has classified acetaldehyde as group 2B that is, it is a possible human carcinogen. - -  

Synonyms and trade names acetic acid anhydride, acetyl acetate, acetic oxide, acetyl oxide, ethanoic anhydride, acetyl ether, hydroxybiacetyl, acetanhydride, anhydride acetique, anhydrid kyseliny octove, anidride ace-tica, azijnzuuranhydride, octowy bezwodnik. 

Exposure limits The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommend permissible exposure limits (PELs) for acetic anhydride as 5 ppm as a ceiling limit.  

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