Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, October 6^th, 2020

The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) describes acrylonitrile as a colorless, liquid, man-made chemical with a sharp, onion- or garlic-like odor that can be dissolved in water and evaporates quickly. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) calls acrylonitrile a toxic, colorless to pale-yellow liquid, harmful to the eyes, skin, lungs and nervous system. NIOSH also reports that it may cause cancer.

Acrylonitrile is used in many industries to make various useful plastics, rubbers and chemicals. Some examples of workers at potential risk of being exposed to acrylonitrile, according to NIOSH, include the following:
 

• Workers involved in the manufacturing of acrylic fibers and plastics
• Employees who work in the coatings and adhesive industries
• Workers in the manufacture of other chemicals like adiponitrile
• Factory workers producing nitrile rubber products

Exposure routes in the workplace could include inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact, with the level of exposure depending upon the dose, duration and work being done. For the general population, ATSDR asserts that unless a person lives near a factory where acrylonitrile is made or near a hazardous waste site that contains it, they are unlikely to be exposed.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies acrylonitrile as possibly carcinogenic. California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added it to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer for purposes of Proposition 65 back in 1987.

“There are NIOSH and OSHA occupational exposure limits for acrylonitrile to safeguard workers,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To protect workers and to help keep companies in compliance with exposure regulations, EMSL offers industrial hygiene laboratory testing services and sampling supplies for acrylonitrile and many other potential chemical hazards.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video acrylonitrile and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/voyBr2z5Uts.

To learn more about acrylonitrile or other industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.