Toxicity Acrolein is a highly toxic and corrosive substance. Inhalation of acrolein can cause moderate to severe eye, nose, and respiratory system irritation after a few minutes of exposure to concentrations as low as 0.25 ppm. This substance is a powerful lacrimator, and eye contact with acrolein liquid or vapor can cause severe burns.
Skin contact can cause severe redness, swelling, burns with blistering, and corrosion.
Acrolein can be absorbed through the skin, leading to systemic effects including delayed pulmonary edema. Ingestion of acrolein can cause gastrointestinal distress, pulmonary congestion, and edema. Acrolein has been reported to be a weak skin sensitizer in some individuals. This substance is regarded as having adequate warning properties. Acrolein is mutagenic in bacteria but did not cause increased tumor incidence in animals exposed chronically by injection or inhalation.