Acetaldehyde laser cleaning visualization showing process effects
Yi-Chun Lin
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials Processing
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Acetaldehyde Compound

Acetaldehyde Compound safety information for laser cleaning. Health hazards, exposure limits, and protective equipment requirements.

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number
75-07-0
Formula
C₂H₄O
Molecular Weight
44.05 g/mol

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

Respiratory Irritation
Yes
Eye Irritation
Yes
Suspected Carcinogen
Yes
Narcotic Effects
Yes
Detection Monitoring
SensorTypes
  • Photoionization detector (PID)
  • Electrochemical
  • Infrared
  • Metal oxide
DetectionRange
0-100 ppm typical
AlarmSetpoints
Low
10 ppm (NIOSH ceiling)
High
25 ppm (ACGIH ceiling)
Evacuate
2000 ppm (NIOSH IDLH)
ColorimetricTubes
  • Dräger Acetaldehyde 100/a
  • Gastec 92
AnalyticalMethods
MethodTechniqueDetectionLimit
NIOSH 2538GC-FID0.01 ppm
OSHA Method 68HPLC0.02 ppm
OdorThreshold
0.05-1 ppm - provides early warning
Environmental Impact
AquaticToxicity
Toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 50-150 mg/L.
Biodegradability
Readily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days). Oxidizes to acetic acid.
Bioaccumulation
Does not bioaccumulate. Log Kow: -0.34.
SoilMobility
High mobility. Volatilizes rapidly from soil.
AtmosphericFate
Photolyzes rapidly. Forms peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). Atmospheric half-life: 9 hours.
OzoneDepletion
false
ReportableReleases
Water
1000 lbs to navigable waters
Air
1000 lbs/day (CERCLA RQ)
Ppe Requirements
Respiratory
NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator for <25 ppm. SCBA for >25 ppm or unknown concentrations.
Eye Protection
Chemical safety goggles, face shield for splash hazard.
Skin Protection
Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves. Chemical-resistant clothing for liquid contact.
Reactivity
Stability
UNSTABLE. Polymerizes readily. Must be stabilized. Oxidizes in air.
Polymerization
Violent exothermic polymerization with acids, bases, or contaminants. Stabilizer required.
IncompatibleMaterials
  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Oxidizers
  • Halogens
  • Alcohols
  • Ammonia
  • Hydrogen cyanide
  • Phenols
  • Hydrogen sulfide
HazardousDecomposition
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Acetic acid
  • Acetaldehyde vapors
ConditionsToAvoid
  • Heat
  • Light
  • Air
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Sparks
  • Flames
  • Contamination
ReactivityHazard
EXTREMELY REACTIVE. Polymerizes violently. Reacts violently with oxidizers. Forms explosive peroxides with air. May self-heat and ignite.
Regulatory Classification
UnNumber
UN1089
DotHazardClass
3 (Flammable liquid)
DotLabel
Flammable Liquid
NfpaCodes
Health
2
Flammability
4
Reactivity
2
Instability
2
EpaHazardCategories
  • Flammability
  • Acute toxicity
  • Carcinogenicity (probable)
  • Eye irritation
SaraTitleIii
true
CerclaRq
1000 pounds (454 kg)
RcraCode
U001

Contaminants That Produce Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde is produced as a gaseous or particulate byproduct during laser ablation of contaminated surfaces. The generation rate and chemical form depend on the source contaminant and substrate combination. Proper exhaust ventilation and gas monitoring ensure safe working concentrations in laser cleaning enclosures.
No metadata available

Adhesive Residue / Tape Marks Laser Cleaning

No metadata available

Degraded Polymer Deposits

No metadata available

Paint Residue / Coating Failure Laser Cleaning

Chemical Properties

Molecular formula, CAS number, molecular weight, and chemical structure
Type
chemical_properties
Id
acetaldehyde-physical-data
Notes
Standard physical/chemical data from NIST

Physical Properties

Chemical and physical characteristics
BoilingPoint
20.2°C (68.4°F)
MeltingPoint
-123.5°C (-190.3°F)
VaporPressure
740 mmHg @ 20°C
VaporDensity
1.52 (Air=1)
SpecificGravity
0.788 @ 20°C
FlashPoint
-39°C (-38°F)
AutoignitionTemp
175°C (347°F)
ExplosiveLimits
LEL: 4%, UEL: 60%
Appearance
Colorless liquid, colorless gas >20°C
Odor
Pungent, fruity odor @ 0.05-1 ppm

Alternative Names

Synonyms and chemical identifiers
Synonyms
  • Acetic aldehyde
  • Ethanal
  • Ethyl aldehyde
  • CH3CHO
CommonTradeNames
    OtherIdentifiers
    RtecsNumber
    AB1925000
    EcNumber
    200-836-8
    PubchemCid
    177

    Health Effects

    Adverse health impacts from exposure to this compound
    Route
    inhalation
    Effect
    Respiratory tract irritation, coughing, and potential pulmonary edema at high exposures
    Severity
    high
    Onset
    immediate
    Route
    skin_contact
    Effect
    Skin irritation and dermatitis
    Severity
    moderate
    Onset
    short-term
    Route
    eye_contact
    Effect
    Severe eye irritation, pain, and possible corneal damage
    Severity
    severe
    Onset
    immediate
    Route
    ingestion
    Effect
    Gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and vomiting
    Severity
    moderate
    Onset
    immediate

    Personal Protective Equipment

    Required safety equipment for handling this compound
    Respiratory
    NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator for <25 ppm. SCBA for >25 ppm or unknown concentrations.
    Skin
    Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves. Chemical-resistant clothing for liquid contact.
    Eye
    Chemical safety goggles, face shield for splash hazard.
    MinimumLevel
    Level C for <25 ppm, Level B for >25 ppm
    SpecialNotes
    Probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). Extremely flammable. Irritating vapor. May polymerize explosively.

    Exposure Limits

    OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH exposure thresholds
    OshaPelPpm
    200
    OshaPelMgM3
    360
    AcgihTlvPpm
    25
    AcgihTlvMgM3
    45
    WorkplaceExposure
    OshaPel
    twa8Hr: 200 ppm
    stel15Min: null
    ceiling: null
    NioshRel
    twa8Hr: 25 ppm
    stel15Min: null
    ceiling: 37 ppm
    idlh: 2000 ppm
    AcgihTlv
    twa8Hr: 25 ppm
    stel15Min: 37 ppm
    ceiling: null
    BiologicalExposureIndices

    Storage Requirements

    Safe storage conditions and compatibility
    TemperatureRange
    Store below 20°C, refrigerate. Keep away from heat.
    Ventilation
    Outdoor storage strongly preferred. Indoor: explosion-proof ventilation. Gas detection mandatory.
    Incompatibilities
    • Acids
    • Bases
    • Alcohols
    • Ammonia
    • Halogens
    • Oxidizers
    • Phenols
    • Hydrogen cyanide
    ContainerMaterial
    Stainless steel or aluminum. Must be stabilized. Never use copper or iron containers.
    Segregation
    Separate from oxidizers and incompatibles by 20 feet. Flammable liquid storage cabinet.
    QuantityLimits
    Minimize quantities. Many facilities limit to <10 gallons.
    SpecialRequirements
    CRITICAL: Store with stabilizer. Check stabilizer regularly. Refrigerated storage required. Inert gas blanketing (nitrogen). Post "EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE" and "CANCER HAZARD" signs.

    Emergency Response

    Procedures for spills, exposure, and incidents
    FireHazard
    EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Wide explosive range. Vapors heavier than air - travel to ignition sources. May polymerize explosively in fire.
    FireSuppression
    EVACUATE - explosion hazard. Stop flow if safe. Use dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray to cool containers. Do not use water jet directly on liquid.
    SpillProcedures
    EVACUATE. Eliminate ignition sources. Ventilate area. SCBA for large spills. Contain with dry sand or earth. Neutralize with sodium bisulfite. Absorb with vermiculite.
    ExposureImmediateActions
    Remove to fresh air immediately. Eyes: flush with water for 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention - irritation and carcinogen exposure concern.
    EnvironmentalHazards
    Toxic to aquatic life. Rapidly volatilizes from water. Biodegrades quickly. Report spills.
    SpecialHazards
    PROBABLE HUMAN CARCINOGEN (IARC 2B). Respiratory tract carcinogen in animals. Extremely flammable. May polymerize violently when contaminated. Narcotic at high concentrations. Irritating to eyes and respiratory tract.

    Regulatory Classification

    DOT, UN, and NFPA hazard classifications
    UnNumber
    UN1089
    DotHazardClass
    3 (Flammable liquid)
    DotLabel
    Flammable Liquid
    NfpaCodes
    Health
    2
    Flammability
    4
    Reactivity
    2
    Special
    null
    Instability
    2
    EpaHazardCategories
    • Flammability
    • Acute toxicity
    • Carcinogenicity (probable)
    • Eye irritation
    SaraTitleIii
    true
    CerclaRq
    1000 pounds (454 kg)
    RcraCode
    U001

    Environmental Impact

    Toxicity, biodegradability, and environmental fate
    AquaticToxicity
    Toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 50-150 mg/L.
    Biodegradability
    Readily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days). Oxidizes to acetic acid.
    Bioaccumulation
    Does not bioaccumulate. Log Kow: -0.34.
    SoilMobility
    High mobility. Volatilizes rapidly from soil.
    AtmosphericFate
    Photolyzes rapidly. Forms peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). Atmospheric half-life: 9 hours.
    OzoneDepletion
    false
    ReportableReleases
    Water
    1000 lbs to navigable waters
    Air
    1000 lbs/day (CERCLA RQ)

    FAQ

    Common Questions and Answers
    As a laser cleaning operator, what are the key protection methods to prevent acetaldehyde exposure from vapor generation during surface treatment?
    Always prioritize engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove acetaldehyde vapors at the source, maintaining airborne concentrations below the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 200 ppm (as an 8-hour time-weighted average) and the NIOSH recommended limit of 25 ppm. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a full-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges if ventilation is inadequate. Monitor air quality periodically using portable gas detectors specific to acetaldehyde to ensure exposure stays within safe limits and conduct regular training on spill response and emergency eyewash stations.

    Detection & Monitoring

    Methods for detecting and measuring this compound
    SensorTypes
    • Photoionization detector (PID)
    • Electrochemical
    • Infrared
    • Metal oxide
    DetectionRange
    0-100 ppm typical
    AlarmSetpoints
    Low
    10 ppm (NIOSH ceiling)
    High
    25 ppm (ACGIH ceiling)
    Evacuate
    2000 ppm (NIOSH IDLH)
    ColorimetricTubes
    • Dräger Acetaldehyde 100/a
    • Gastec 92
    AnalyticalMethods
    • [object Object]
    • [object Object]
    OdorThreshold
    0.05-1 ppm - provides early warning

    Reactivity

    Chemical reactivity and incompatibilities
    Stability
    UNSTABLE. Polymerizes readily. Must be stabilized. Oxidizes in air.
    Polymerization
    Violent exothermic polymerization with acids, bases, or contaminants. Stabilizer required.
    IncompatibleMaterials
    • Strong acids
    • Strong bases
    • Oxidizers
    • Halogens
    • Alcohols
    • Ammonia
    • Hydrogen cyanide
    • Phenols
    • Hydrogen sulfide
    HazardousDecomposition
    • Carbon monoxide
    • Carbon dioxide
    • Acetic acid
    • Acetaldehyde vapors
    ConditionsToAvoid
    • Heat
    • Light
    • Air
    • Acids
    • Bases
    • Sparks
    • Flames
    • Contamination
    ReactivityHazard
    EXTREMELY REACTIVE. Polymerizes violently. Reacts violently with oxidizers. Forms explosive peroxides with air. May self-heat and ignite.

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