Pure Form - Colorless or slightly yellow liquid. Odor - Extremely sharp. Uses - Chemical intermediate, manufacture of plastics, perfumes, paper, colloidal forms of metals, component of military poison gas mixtures and liquid fuels, antimicrobial agent, aquatic pesticide, warning agent in methyl chloride refrigerant. Acrolein should not be exposed to high temperatures, acids, alkali, or oxidizers. A violent polymerization reaction may result.
Caution is advised.
Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to acrolein may be severe and include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, pulmonary edema, and coma. Acrolein will irritate or burn the skin and mucous membranes. Acute exposure to acrolein may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.