CHEMICAL HAZARD BULLETIN NO.

260

1000177814 1-LT BT
ACETONITRILE
(Methyl Cyanide)
Health 3 CAS: 75-05-8
COLORLESS LIQUID, WITH ETHER-LIKE ODOR.
Fire 4 EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HIGHLY TOXIC AND REACTIVE. UN: 1648
Reactivity 3 IRRITANT TO THE RESPIRATORY TRACT, EYES, AND GUIDE: 127
SKIN. SKIN NOTATION. EAC: •2WE
LIQUID/VAPOR/ The product is >99% essay of methyl cyanide (Skin, TLV=40ppm).
MISTS:
EFFECTS OF OVER-EXPOSURE:

health
INHALATION: Inhalation of vapor and mists irritate the respiratory tract. May cause CNS depression,
and cause liver and kidney damage. May cause reproductive and fetal effects.
Metabolized to cyanide in the body, which may cause headache, dizziness, weakness,
unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and possible death

hazards
EYE/ SKIN: Eye: Causes eye irritation. Lachrymator (substance which increases the flow of tears).
May produce superficial reversible injury. Skin: Causes mild skin irritation. Harmful if
absorbed through the skin. May be metabolized to cyanide; impairing cellular
respiration. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.
INGESTION: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause
effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. Metabolism may release cyanide, which
may result in headache, dizziness, weakness, collapse, unconsciousness and possible
death.
WEAR RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The flashpoint is 6°C (43°F); with explosive limits of 4 and 16%. Fire fighters must wear SCBA and
protective clothing. Fire produces hydrogen cyanide, and carbon and nitrogen oxides, and also toxic gases,
vapors, fumes, and smoke. Closed containers may rupture in fire conditions. Cool containers exposed to fire and
reactivity
flames with water spray until well after the fire is out.
REACTIVITY: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). Incompatible with oxidizing agents, metals,
bases, amines. Heat, flames, and sources of ignition.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: DRY POWDER, WATER SPRAY/FOG, FOAM, OR CO2
USAGE: Laboratory reagent. Avoid breathing vapor and mists and avoid eye and skin contact. NO
SMOKING. Provide adequate and local exhaust ventilation.

handling,
STORAGE/ Store in a ventilated, cool, dry area, away from incompatible materials and conditions.
TRANSPORT: Keep tightly closed when not in use. For transportation, use DOT-IMO Class 3 and 6.1
hazardous warning labels (diamond): FLAMMABLE, POISONOUS, LIQUID N.O.S.

storage &
SPILLS/ Evacuate unauthorized personnel. For large spills, dike to prevent entry into sewer. For
LEAKS: small spills, absorb in dry sand or earth. Shovel and place into clean, dry, labeled
containers. Flush with plenty of water to clean spillage area. Toxic to aquatic organisms.

disposal
DISPOSAL: For proper disposal methods and locations for the chemical or chemical contaminated
material, contact the Environmental Engineering Division at 874-6426 or 874-6428.
SAFETY Provide ventilation to control overexposure and eye and skin contact. Safety goggles
EQUIPMENT: (1000129810) and neoprene (1000129418) or PVC (1000129492) gloves and an apron
(1000128583) must be worn when handling this material. APR 1000128163) or SCBA
(1000127427) should be worn if conditions warrant. Maintain an eyewash fountain and
emergency shower (1000128433) where the material is being stored/used.
USE CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES IF APPLICABLE
INHALATION: Move affected person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing
has stopped, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Keep person warm and quiet.

first aid
EYE / SKIN Flush eyes with large amounts of water for 15 minutes. Lift eyelids occasionally. Wash
CONTACT: skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes promptly,
and wash clothing before re-use.
INGESTION: DO NOT induce vomiting. Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause chemical
pneumonitis, which can be fatal. Wash out mouth thoroughly. Drink one-two glasses of
water to dilute. Keep person warm and quiet.
GET MEDICAL AID IMMEDIATELY (CALL 110)

For further information call Industrial Hygiene: 872-2619 (DH), 678-4868 (RT), 572-1449 (ABQ) or 427-0155 (JID)
Hazard Ratings: 0=Insignificant, 1=Slight, 2=Moderate, 3=High, 4=Extreme
First Print: 12/18/2004