GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

SHOWA DENKO K.K.

GPS/JIPS Safety Summary
1. SUBSTANCE NAME
Acrylonitrile (CAS No.: 107-13-1)
2. GENERAL STATEMENT
Under normal temperatures, acrylonitrile takes the form of a clear and highly flammableliquid or vapor with a slightly irritating odor. It is a double bond, highly reactive organiccompound. Making use of this property, the substance has been utilized primarily as resin
source material for acrylic fibers, ABS resin, nitrile rubber and so forth, and as source
material for chemical synthesis. When handling the substance, it is important to keep it awayfrom heat, sparks, open flames, and other materials that could cause ignition. Additionally, itis recommended that one wear an appropriate protective mask and gloves when sampling formanufacture, etc. It may be fatal in the event the substance is swallowed, comes into contact
with skin, or its vapor is inhaled. Chronic or repeated exposure leads to disorders of thenervous system, respiratory organs, blood system, testis, kidney and liver. Moreover, thesubstance causes skin irritation and severe eye irritation, and allergic cutaneous reactions. In
addition, the substance is suspected of causing genetic defects and cancer. In order tominimize its effect on the environment and life forms, leakage prevention measures need tobe implemented.

3. CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Item
Chemical or genericname
Product name
CAS No.
Other Nos.
Chemical formula
Structural formula
Sources/references

Description
Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile
107-13-1
Japan: Chemical Substances Control Law (2)-1513
EC No./EINECS No.: 203-466-5
CH2CHCN
CH2=CH-CN
Sections 3 and 16 of the SDS issued by SHOWA DENKO K.K.

4. USES AND APPLICATIONS
Main uses

Acrylonitrile has been used mainly as resin source material foracrylic fibers, ABS resin, nitrile rubber, and so forth, and as source
material for chemical synthesis. Acrylic fibers perform excellent
functions for heat and moisture retention, and have also been used
as a source material for carbon fibers. ABS fibers have been widelyused in home appliances, automobiles, toys, etc.

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

5. PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance
Color
Odor
Relative density
Melting point/boilingpointLowerandupper
Flammability limits
Auto-ignition
temperature
Molecular weight
Vapor pressure
Solubility in water
Partition coefficient(n-octanol/water)
Sources/references

LiquidTransparent, colorless
Slight, irritating
0.8060 (20 ºC)-84 to -83 ºC /77 to 79 ºC
3 to 17 vol% (in the air)
480 ºC
53.1
14.7 kPa (25 ºC)
7.3 g/100 g (20 ºC)
Log Kow: 0.25
Section 9 of the SDS issued by SHOWA DENKO K.K.

6. HEALTH EFFECTS
Effect assessment
Acute toxicity (oral)
Acute toxicity (dermal)
Acute toxicity (Inharation : gases)
Acute toxicity (Inharation : vapors)
Acute toxicity (Inharation : dusts and mists)
Skin corrosion/irritation
Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Respiratory sensitization
Skin sensitization
Germ cell mutagenicity
Carcinogenicity
Reproductive toxicity

Results (GHS(Note 1) hazard classification)
Category 3
Category 2
Not applicable (Note 2)
Cateory 2
Classification not possible (Note 3)
Category 2
Category 2AClassification not possible
Category 1
Category 2
Category 2
Category 2
Category 1 (nervous system, liver)
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) Category 3 (respiratory tract irritaion,
narcotic effect)
Specific target organ toxicity (repeatedCategory 1 (nervous system, respiratoryexposure)organ, blood system, testis, kidney, liver)
Aspiration hazard
Classification not possible
Sources/references
Sections 2, 11 of the SDS issued by SHOWADENKO K. K.
(Note 1) GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals): It
is a system for classifying chemicals according to type and hazard level, and for indicatinglabel information pursuant to the globally unified rules for offering Safety Data Sheets.
(Note 2) Not applicable: when chemicals do not fall within the scope of classification because
the physical properties defined in the GHS do not apply.
(Note 3) Classification not possible: when unable to classify due to a lack of sufficiently
reliable data for defining the classification.

Page 2/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

7. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Effect assessment

Results (GHS hazard classification)

Hazardous to the aquatic environment
Acute hazard
Long-term hazard
Hazardous to the ozone layer

Category 2
Not classified (Note 4)
Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer (revised version):
not included in the list
Sources/references
Sections 2 and 12 of the SDS issued by
SHOWA DENKO K.K.
(Note 4) Not classified: when the hazards are believed to be less than even the lowest hazard
classification defined in the GHS.

Environmental
fate/dynamics
Mobility in soil
Persistence/degradability
Bioaccumulation
potential
Conclusion about
PBT/vPvB

Sources/references

Results
No reliable data available.
Readily biodegradable.
Bioaccumulation potential is presumed to be low.
The criteria for persistent bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT;
remaining persistently in the environment and possessing highbioaccumulation potential and toxicity) and very persistent andvery bioaccumulative (vPvB; remaining very persistently in theenvironment and possessing very high bioaccumulation potential)
chemicals are believed to inapplicable.
Section 12 of the SDS issued by SHOWA DENKO K.K. and Section
8 of the Chemical Safety Report of REACH

8. EXPOSURE

Occupational
exposuresConsumer
exposures
Environmental
exposures
Precautions

Exposure potentials through main uses
Since the company’s product is produced in a closed process, thepotential for occupational exposure is extremely limited. However, thereis the potential for inhalation and contact with the skin and eyes during
sampling, filling and transport. However, since the company’s product isconsumed almost entirely as source material, the substance remaining inacrylic fibers and ABS resins is extremely low in level.
The substance is not used in any case by general consumers.
Since the substance is normally manufactured and used in a closed
process, its emission into the environment is extremely limited.
If there is the potential for exposure during use in other applications,please implement appropriate measures by referring to the risk
management recommendations.

Page 3/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

9. RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Occupational
exposuresConsumer
exposures
Environmental
exposures
Sources/references

Risk management recommendations
Technical measures
・Install a wash stand, eye washer and safety shower at places that
manufacture, store or handle the product. Additionally, make certain to
implement antistatic measures and use explosion-proof electrical,
ventilating and lighting equipments. In order to keep concentrations
below the administrative level, install ventilation systems if mist isgenerated during the processes that handle the product. If handled
outdoors, work on the windward side. Restrict entry by unauthorized
persons to places where the product is handled.
Local exhaust and total ventilation
・For controlling and restricting environmental concentrations below thefollowing recommended values, install local exhaust or total ventilation
systems at places where the product is manufactured, stored orhandled. Additionally, seal the process, conduct local exhaust andimplement other measures within the facility to maintain air
concentration levels below the administrative level.
Allowable exposure limit
・Concerning the product, the Japan Society for Occupational Healthhas announced (2012) a recommended value of 2 ppm (skin absorption),and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists(ACGIH) has announced (2013) 2 ppm (the time-weighted averagevalue; TWA) (skin absorption) as the recommended value of allowable
exposure limit under the working environment. Implement control andrestriction measures so as to maintain concentrations below thesevalues.
Protective equipment(1) Respiratory protection
Chemical-cartridge respirators for organic gases or cyanide gas,
air-supplied respirators, air respirators(2) Hand protection
Protective gloves (rubber)(3) Eye protection
Goggle-type protective eyewear(4) Skin and body protection
Protective boots (rubber), protective aprons (rubber), protective
clothing (impermeable/antistatic-treated)
Precautions
・ Managers are asked to provide workers training concerning theselection and use of appropriate protective equipment, worksite
management, etc.
The substance is not used by general consumers.
Do not drain leakage into rivers or sewerages. Moreover, do not releasesuch substances into the environment.
Sections 6, 7, 8, and 13 of the SDS issued by SHOWA DENKO K.K.

Page 4/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

10. STATE AGENCY REVIEW
Hazard assessment
International Chemical
Safety Cards
OECD HPV
REACH

Situations of review
ICSC No. :0092,
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.display?p_lang=en&p_ca
rd_id=0092
http://webnet.oecd.org/hpv/ui/handler.axd?id=a6c33d76-c932-4
a52-b3de-870e14fd2b06
http://apps.echa.europa.eu/registered/data/dossiers/DISS-9d84
4a2d-b384-4b16-e044-00144f67d249/DISS-9d844a2d-b384-4b16-e044-00144f67d249_DISS-9d844a2d-b384-4b16-e044-00144f
67d249.html

11. REGULATORY INFORMATION/GHS CLASSIFICATION-LABELING INFORMATION
Regulatory information only in Japan
Applicable laws
Regulatory situations
Chemical Substances
・Priority Assessment Chemical Substance, paragraph 5,Control Law Article 2 of the Act (acrylonitrile)・Former Type II Monitoring Chemical Substance (Paragraph5, Article 2 of the former Act) (Abolished as of April 1, 2011)
Act on the Confirmation, Class I designated chemical substance, paragraph 2, Article 2
etc. of Release Amounts of of the Act, Appended Table 1, Article 1 of the Enforcement
Specific Chemical Substances Ordinance; conditions for application: products containing 1
in the Environment and mass% or more (acrylonitrile)
Promotion of Improvements
to the Management ThereofIndustrial Safety and・Existing chemicals recognized to have undergone
Health Act
mutagenicity, Article 57-5 of the Act, Notification by the
Director of Labor Standards Bureau; conditions forapplication: materials containing the chemical, excluding
those with a content of 1 wt% or less (Guideline of theNotification by the Director of Labor Standards Bureau
No.312-3 of 1993 to Directors of Prefectural Labor Bureau)(acrylonitrile)
・Criteria regarding assessment of the results of working
environment measurements, paragraph 1, Article 65-2 of theAct (acrylonitrile)・Hazardous substances, inflammable substances, item 4,Appended Table 1 of the Enforcement Ordinance (othersubstances whose flash point is 0 ºC or more and below 30 ºC)・Class II specified chemical substance (specified class IIsubstance), items 2, 3, paragraph 1, Article 2 of Ordinance on
Prevention of Dangers Due to Specified Chemical Substances;conditions for application: preparations and others, excluding
those with the content of 1% or less (Appended Table 1 of theOrdinance) (acrylonitrile)・Material to be labeled, Article 57-1 of the Act, Article 18 of
the Enforcement Ordinance; conditions for application:
preparations containing 1 wt% or more (Appended Table 2 ofOrdinance on Industrial Safety and Health) (acrylonitrile)・Material to be notified, Article 57-2 of the Act, Appended
Table 9, Article 18-2 of the Enforcement Ordinance;
Page 5/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

Poisonous and Deleterious
Substances Control Act

Fire Service Act

High Pressure Gas Safety
Act

Air Pollution Control Act

Water Pollution Control Act
Sewerage Act

Act on the Prevention ofMarine Pollution andMaritime DisasterWaste Management andPublic Cleansing Act

Act on Control of Export,
Import and Others ofSpecified Hazardous Wastes
and Other Wastes
Civil Aeronautics Act

conditions for application: preparations and others containing
0.1 wt% or more (Item 634, Appended Table 9 of theOrdinance, Appended Table 2-2, Article 34-2 of Ordinance on
Industrial Safety and Health) (acrylonitrile)
Deleterious substance, Appended Table 2, Article 2 of the Act;
conditions for application : technical product (pure industrialproduct) (acrylonitrile); Article 2, Cabinet Order for the
Designation of the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances;conditions for application : preparations containing thesubstance (organic cyanogen compounds and preparationscontaining them)Category IV inflammable liquids, Class I petroleum,non-water-soluble liquids (Appended Table 1 of hazardous
materials, Category IV, paragraph 7, Article 2 of the Act);
conditions for application: liquids containing the substance
whose flash point is below 21 ºC under 1 atm. (Remark 12,Appended Table 1 of the Act)・Inflammable gas, Article 2-1 of Regulations for Safety
Precautions for High-Pressure Gas (acrylonitrile)・Poisonous gas, Article 2-2 of Regulations for Safety
Precautions for High-Pressure Gas (acrylonitrile)
・Volatile organic compound, paragraph 4, Article 2 of the Act(Notification by the Ministry of the Environment to thePrefectural governments); conditions for application: exhaust(volatile organic compounds)
・Hazardous air pollutants, substances requiring priority
action (the ninth response by Central Environment Council);conditions for application: exhaust (acrylonitrile)・Substances covered in self-initiated management guidelines,
notification of Ministry of the Environment; conditions forapplication: exhaust (acrylonitrile)
・Specified substance, paragraph 4, Article 2 of the Act, Article
3-3 of the Enforcement Ordinance (acrylonitrile)・Substances for which water quality standards have been
stipulated, paragraph 2, Article 12-2 of the Act, Article 9-4 of
the Enforcement Ordinance (cyanogen compounds)
・Hazardous liquid substance (Class Y substance), Appended
Table 1 of the Enforcement Ordinance (acrylonitrile)・Hazardous material, Appended Table 1-4 of the Enforcement
Ordinance (acrylonitrile)
・Specially managed industrial waste, paragraph 5, Article 2of the Act, Article 2-4 of the Enforcement Ordinance;
conditions for application: waste oil, waste acid, waste alkali
and processed materials thereof containing 1 mg/liter(cyanogen) or more, sludge and its processed materials fromwhich 1 mg/liter (cyanogen) or more elutes (specified
hazardous industrial waste containing cyanogen compounds)
・Hazardous substances contained in waste, item 1-b,paragraph 1, Article 2 of the Act, Notification No.1 of 1998 of
three Ministries; conditions for application: waste, 0.1 wt% ormore (organic cyanogen compounds)
・Inflammable liquid, Appended Table 1 specifying thehazardous substances, Article 194 of the Enforcement
Regulations (UN No.1093: acrylonitrile (stabilized))
Page 6/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

Ship Safety Act

Act on Port Regulations

Road Act

Foreign Exchange andForeign Trade Act

Labor Standards Act

Soil Contamination
Countermeasures Act
UN classification
UN No.

・Inflammable liquids, Appended Table 1 specifying thehazardous substances, Article 3 of Regulations for theCarriage and Storage of Dangerous Goods in Ship (UNNo.1093: acrylonitrile (containing stabilizing agent)・Other hazardous materials, inflammable liquids, Article
21-2 of the Act, Article 12 of Enforcement Regulations,
Appended table specifying the types of hazardous materials(acrylonitrile)・Restrictions on vehicle traffic, Article 19-13 of theEnforcement Ordinance, Appended Table 2 of Notification
No.12 of Japan Expressway Holding and Debt Repayment
Agency (acrylonitrile)
・Item 4 of Appended Table 1 of Export Trade Control Order,
Article 3 of Ordinance of Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry Specifying Goods and Technologies Pursuant toProvisions of the Appended Table 1 of the Export TradeControl Order and the Appended Table of the Foreign
Exchange Order; conditions for application: polymers of
butadiene and acrylic acid only (polymers of butadiene,acrylonitrile and acrylic acid), (reactive products oftetraethylenepentamine, acrylonitrile and glycidol)・“Approval 2-2” of items requiring import approval of item 2,paragraph 1, Article 4 of Import Trade Control Order;conditions for application: 0.1 wt% or more (wastes) (organiccyanogen compound)・Item (2), Appended Table 1-16 of Export Trade Control Order(Nitrile-function compounds)
・Appended Table 2 (export approval) of Export Trade Control
Order; conditions for application: 0.1 wt% or more (wastes)(organic cyanogen compounds)
・Chemical substances causing illness or injury, paragraph 2,Article 75 of the Act, Article 35 and item 4-1, Appended Table
1-2 of the Enforcement Regulations (acrylonitrile)
・Specified hazardous substance, paragraph 1, Article 2 of theAct, Article 1 of the Enforcement Ordinance (cyanogencompound)Class III (flammable liquids P.G 1)
UN1093

GHS classification, label information
Hazards
Physical chemical hazards
Flammable liquids
Pyrophoric liquids
Health hazards
Acute toxicity (oral)
Acute toxicity (dermal)
Acute toxicity (Inharation : vapors)
Skin corrosion/irritation
Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Skin sensitization
Germ cell mutagenicity
Carcinogenicity

Classification results (hazard information)
Category 2
Not classified
Category 3
Category 2
Category 2
Category 2
Category 2ACategory 1
Category 2
Category 2
Page 7/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

Reproductive toxicity
Specific target organ toxicity (singleexposure)Specific target organ toxicity(repeated exposure)
Hazardous to the aquaticenvironment
Acute hazard
Long-term hazard
GHS label elements
Pictogram or symbol

Signal word
Hazard statement

Category 2
Category 1 (nervous system, liver)
Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation, narcoticeffect)
Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory organ,
blood system, testis, kidney, liver)

Category 2
Not classifiedDanger
Highly flammable liquid and vapourToxic if swallowed
Fatal in contact with skin
Fatal if inhaled
Causes skin irritation
Causes serious eye irritation
May cause allergic skin reaction
Suspected of causing genetic defects
Suspected of causing cancer
Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn
child
Causes damage to organs (nervous system, liver)May cause respiratory irritation
May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Causes damage to organs (nervous system,respiratory organ, blood system, testis, kidney,liver) through prolonged or repeated exposure
Toxic to aquatic life

12. CONTACT INFORMATION
Company nameAddress
Department
Telephone, fax

SHOWA DENKO K.K.
Muza Kawasaki Central Tower 23rd floor, 1310 Omiya-cho,
Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
Organic Product Group, Ammonia and Derivatives Department,
Basic Chemicals Division+81-44-520-1348/+81-44-520-1349

13. DATE OF ISSUE AND REVISION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Date of issue: September 27, 2013
Revisions:
Date of revision
Revisedsection

Revised item

VersionSpecial instructions: none
Page 8/9

GPS Safety Summary Reference No.: JIPS_MSP_IC‐1032

14. DISCLAIMER
This Safety Summary which is a translation of original Safety Summary prepared inJapanese, has been prepared as a part of the efforts by GPS/JIPS: Japan Initiative of ProductStewardship by the chemical industry. This Safety Summary is meant to provide an outline ofinformation related to the safe handling of the subject substance rather than provide expert
information regarding the risk assessment processes, the effect on human health or theenvironment, etc. Moreover it is not a replacement for the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), theChemical Safety Report (CSR), or other risk assessment documents. To the greatest extent
possible, the Safety Summary contains accurate statements based on laws, materials,
information and other data available at the time of issue. However, it does not cover all suchdata. Additionally, it does not intend to provide a guarantee in any way.

Page 9/9