Toxicity Acetonitrile is slightly toxic by acute exposure through oral intake, skin contact, and inhalation. However, acetonitrile can be converted by the body to cyanide. Acetonitrile is severely irritating to the eyes and slightly irritating to the skin.
Prolonged contact can lead to absorption through the skin and more intense irritation.
Acetonitrile is regarded as having adequate warning properties. Acetonitrile is not mutagenic in bacterial and animal cells and has not been found to be a carcinogen in humans. Single high-dose exposure in animals during pregnancy produced birth defects possibly due to the liberation of cyanide. Multiple oral doses during pregnancy did not produce birth defects. Repeated exposure in animals produced adverse lung effects.