EPA is committed to reducing environmental releases of chemicals through source reduction and other practices that reduce creation of pollutants. It occurs naturally in coal tar and cigarette smoke. US demand for acetonitrile is likely to follow trends of general growth of the US economy. The largest users of acetonitrile are companies that use the chemical to extract inorganic and organic chemicals. It is used mainly to extract butadiene.
Companies also use acetonitrile to make pesticides.
Exposure to acetonitrile can occur in the workplace or in the environment following releases to air, water, land, or groundwater. Exposure can also occur when people smoke cigarettes. Acetonitrile enters the body when breathed in with contaminated air or when consumed with contaminated food or water. It can also be absorbed through skin contact. It does not remain in the body due to its breakdown and removal in expired air or urine.