Acrolein laser cleaning visualization showing process effects
Alessandro Moretti
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Acrolein Compound

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

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number
107-02-8
Formula
C₃H₄O
Molecular Weight
56.06 g/mol

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

Severe Respiratory Irritation
Yes
Pulmonary Edema
Yes
Eye Irritation
Yes
Lacrimation
Yes
Detection Monitoring
SensorTypes
  • Electrochemical
  • Photoionization detector (PID)
  • Metal oxide semiconductor
  • Infrared
DetectionRange
0-10 ppm typical (must detect sub-ppm)
AlarmSetpoints
Low
0.1 ppm (OSHA PEL/NIOSH REL)
High
0.3 ppm (NIOSH STEL)
Evacuate
2 ppm (NIOSH IDLH) - IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS
ColorimetricTubes
  • Dräger Acrolein 0.5/a
  • Gastec 92
AnalyticalMethods
MethodTechniqueDetectionLimit
NIOSH 2501GC-FID0.002 ppm
OSHA Method 78HPLC0.01 ppm
OdorThreshold
0.16-1.0 ppm - provides warning BUT overlaps toxic range. DO NOT rely on odor alone.
Environmental Impact
AquaticToxicity
Very toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.09-0.28 mg/L. Toxic at parts-per-million levels.
Biodegradability
Readily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days). Oxidizes to acrylic acid and CO2.
Bioaccumulation
Low bioaccumulation. Log Kow: 0.01. Does not accumulate.
SoilMobility
High mobility. Volatilizes rapidly from soil. Does not adsorb.
AtmosphericFate
Photolyzes rapidly via hydroxyl radicals. Atmospheric half-life: 7-20 hours. Contributes to ozone formation.
OzoneDepletion
false
ReportableReleases
Water
1 lb to navigable waters - IMMEDIATELY reportable
Air
1 lb/day (CERCLA RQ)
Ppe Requirements
Respiratory
Full-face pressure-demand SCBA or supplied-air respirator for >0.1 ppm. Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge acceptable for ≤0.1 ppm with escape provisions.
Eye Protection
Chemical safety goggles, full face shield. Extremely irritating to eyes.
Skin Protection
Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, chemical-resistant suit. Acrolein causes severe skin burns - minimize exposure.
Reactivity
Stability
UNSTABLE. Polymerizes readily, especially when contaminated or exposed to light, heat, acids, or bases. MUST be stabilized.
Polymerization
Violent exothermic polymerization possible. Stabilizer (hydroquinone) required. Check stabilizer level before handling.
IncompatibleMaterials
  • Strong oxidizers
  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Ammonia
  • Amines
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Metal salts (iron, copper)
  • Light
  • Air
HazardousDecomposition
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Formaldehyde
  • Acrolein vapors
  • Acrylic acid
ConditionsToAvoid
  • Heat
  • Light
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Contamination
  • Sparks
  • Flames
ReactivityHazard
EXTREMELY REACTIVE. Polymerizes violently. Reacts violently with oxidizers. Strong reducing agent. Corrosive. May explode in fire.
Regulatory Classification
UnNumber
UN1092
DotHazardClass
6.1 (Toxic), 3 (Flammable liquid)
DotLabel
Poison, Flammable Liquid
NfpaCodes
Health
4
Flammability
3
Reactivity
3
Instability
2
EpaHazardCategories
  • Acute toxicity (fatal if inhaled)
  • Flammability
  • Skin corrosion
  • Serious eye damage
  • Suspected carcinogen
SaraTitleIii
true
CerclaRq
1 pound (0.454 kg)
RcraCode
P003

Contaminants That Produce Acrolein

Acrolein 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

Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup Laser Cleaning

No metadata available

Machining Coolant Residue

No metadata available

Quenching Oil Residue

No metadata available

Degraded Polymer Deposits

Chemical Properties

Molecular formula, CAS number, molecular weight, and chemical structure
Type
chemical_properties
Id
acrolein-physical-data

Physical Properties

Chemical and physical characteristics
BoilingPoint
52.7°C (127°F)
MeltingPoint
-87.7°C (-126°F)
VaporPressure
210 mmHg @ 20°C
VaporDensity
1.94 (Air=1)
SpecificGravity
0.84
FlashPoint
-26°C (-15°F)
AutoignitionTemp
234°C (453°F)
ExplosiveLimits
LEL: 2.8%, UEL: 31%
Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor
Pungent, acrid, disagreeable odor - IMMEDIATE WARNING at 0.1 ppm

Alternative Names

Synonyms and chemical identifiers
Synonyms
  • Acrylaldehyde
  • 2-Propenal
  • Prop-2-enal
  • Aqualin
  • Biocide
CommonTradeNames
  • Magnacide
  • Slimicide
OtherIdentifiers
RtecsNumber
AS1050000
EcNumber
203-453-4
PubchemCid
7847

Health Effects

Adverse health impacts from exposure to this compound
Route
inhalation
Effect
Severe irritation of the respiratory tract, including coughing, shortness of breath, and potential pulmonary edema at high concentrations
Severity
severe
Onset
immediate
Route
skin_contact
Effect
Severe skin irritation, burns, and blistering upon direct contact
Severity
severe
Onset
immediate
Route
eye_contact
Effect
Intense eye irritation, lacrimation, pain, and possible corneal damage or permanent vision impairment
Severity
severe
Onset
immediate
Route
ingestion
Effect
Gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Severity
high
Onset
immediate

Personal Protective Equipment

Required safety equipment for handling this compound
Respiratory
Full-face pressure-demand SCBA or supplied-air respirator for >0.1 ppm. Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge acceptable for ≤0.1 ppm with escape provisions.
Skin
Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, chemical-resistant suit. Acrolein causes severe skin burns - minimize exposure.
Eye
Chemical safety goggles, full face shield. Extremely irritating to eyes.
MinimumLevel
Level B minimum for any concentration >0.1 ppm or unknown concentrations
SpecialNotes
EXTREMELY IRRITATING at sub-ppm levels. Eye and respiratory irritation immediate. Lachrymator (tear gas properties). Self-rescue respirators may be inadequate - use supplied air.

Exposure Limits

OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH exposure thresholds
OshaPelPpm
0.1
OshaPelMgM3
0.25
NioshRelPpm
0.1
NioshRelMgM3
0.25
AcgihTlvPpm
0.1
AcgihTlvMgM3
0.23
WorkplaceExposure
OshaPel
twa8Hr: null
stel15Min: null
ceiling: 0.1 ppm
NioshRel
twa8Hr: 0.02 ppm
stel15Min: null
ceiling: 0.1 ppm
idlh: 2 ppm
AcgihTlv
twa8Hr: 0.025 ppm
stel15Min: null
ceiling: null
BiologicalExposureIndices

Storage Requirements

Safe storage conditions and compatibility
TemperatureRange
Store below 25°C, refrigerate if possible. Keep away from heat.
Ventilation
Outdoor storage preferred. Indoor: explosion-proof ventilation with emergency backup. Gas detection mandatory.
Incompatibilities
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Ammonia
  • Amines
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Metal salts
  • Light (polymerization catalyst)
ContainerMaterial
Stainless steel or glass with PTFE seals. Stabilized with hydroquinone. Never use copper or brass.
Segregation
Isolate from all other chemicals. Separate from oxidizers by 20 feet. Flammable storage cabinet.
QuantityLimits
Minimize on-site quantities. Many facilities limit to <10 gallons.
SpecialRequirements
CRITICAL: Store with stabilizer (hydroquinone 0.1-0.25%). Check stabilizer regularly. Gas detection system MANDATORY. Keep refrigerated. Store away from light. Emergency eyewash/shower within 10 seconds. Post "EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE" and "POISON" 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 in fire, releasing toxic gases.
FireSuppression
EVACUATE - extremely toxic fumes. Use unmanned equipment. Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray to cool containers from safe distance. Do not use water directly on liquid.
SpillProcedures
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. Extremely hazardous. SCBA MANDATORY. Eliminate ignition sources. Ventilate area. Contain with sand/earth. Neutralize with sodium bisulfite solution. Absorb with inert material. Dispose as hazardous waste.
ExposureImmediateActions
Remove to fresh air immediately. Severe eye/respiratory irritation likely. Flush eyes with water for 15+ minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly. Seek medical attention immediately - potential for delayed pulmonary edema.
EnvironmentalHazards
Toxic to aquatic life. Volatilizes rapidly from water. Report spills >1 lb. Keep out of waterways.
SpecialHazards
EXTREMELY TOXIC AND IRRITATING. Lachrymator - causes immediate tearing. Severe respiratory irritant - can cause pulmonary edema (delayed 24-48 hours). Polymerizes violently when contaminated. Suspected carcinogen. Fire produces deadly acrolein and formaldehyde.

Regulatory Classification

DOT, UN, and NFPA hazard classifications
UnNumber
UN1092
DotHazardClass
6.1 (Toxic), 3 (Flammable liquid)
DotLabel
Poison, Flammable Liquid
NfpaCodes
Health
4
Flammability
3
Reactivity
3
Special
null
Instability
2
EpaHazardCategories
  • Acute toxicity (fatal if inhaled)
  • Flammability
  • Skin corrosion
  • Serious eye damage
  • Suspected carcinogen
SaraTitleIii
true
CerclaRq
1 pound (0.454 kg)
RcraCode
P003

Environmental Impact

Toxicity, biodegradability, and environmental fate
AquaticToxicity
Very toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.09-0.28 mg/L. Toxic at parts-per-million levels.
Biodegradability
Readily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days). Oxidizes to acrylic acid and CO2.
Bioaccumulation
Low bioaccumulation. Log Kow: 0.01. Does not accumulate.
SoilMobility
High mobility. Volatilizes rapidly from soil. Does not adsorb.
AtmosphericFate
Photolyzes rapidly via hydroxyl radicals. Atmospheric half-life: 7-20 hours. Contributes to ozone formation.
OzoneDepletion
false
ReportableReleases
Water
1 lb to navigable waters - IMMEDIATELY reportable
Air
1 lb/day (CERCLA RQ)

FAQ

Common Questions and Answers
As a laser cleaning operator, what personal protective equipment (PPE) should I use to protect against acrolein exposure from vaporized materials?
Prioritize respiratory protection with a full-facepiece respirator equipped with an organic vapor cartridge and acid gas cartridge, as acrolein is a highly irritating toxic gas that can cause severe eye, nose, and lung damage even at low levels. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles to prevent skin and eye contact, and ensure the workspace has adequate ventilation or local exhaust systems to minimize exposure. Always follow OSHA guidelines, keeping exposures below the permissible limit of 0.1 ppm over an 8-hour workday, and conduct regular air monitoring to verify safety.

Detection & Monitoring

Methods for detecting and measuring this compound
SensorTypes
  • Electrochemical
  • Photoionization detector (PID)
  • Metal oxide semiconductor
  • Infrared
DetectionRange
0-10 ppm typical (must detect sub-ppm)
AlarmSetpoints
Low
0.1 ppm (OSHA PEL/NIOSH REL)
High
0.3 ppm (NIOSH STEL)
Evacuate
2 ppm (NIOSH IDLH) - IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS
ColorimetricTubes
  • Dräger Acrolein 0.5/a
  • Gastec 92
AnalyticalMethods
  • [object Object]
  • [object Object]
OdorThreshold
0.16-1.0 ppm - provides warning BUT overlaps toxic range. DO NOT rely on odor alone.

Reactivity

Chemical reactivity and incompatibilities
Stability
UNSTABLE. Polymerizes readily, especially when contaminated or exposed to light, heat, acids, or bases. MUST be stabilized.
Polymerization
Violent exothermic polymerization possible. Stabilizer (hydroquinone) required. Check stabilizer level before handling.
IncompatibleMaterials
  • Strong oxidizers
  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Ammonia
  • Amines
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Metal salts (iron, copper)
  • Light
  • Air
HazardousDecomposition
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Formaldehyde
  • Acrolein vapors
  • Acrylic acid
ConditionsToAvoid
  • Heat
  • Light
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Contamination
  • Sparks
  • Flames
ReactivityHazard
EXTREMELY REACTIVE. Polymerizes violently. Reacts violently with oxidizers. Strong reducing agent. Corrosive. May explode in fire.

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