Acetylene

Synonyms

Acetylen; Acetylene; Ethine; Ethyne; Narcylen; [ChemIDplus] UN1001

Category

Simple Asphyxiants

Description

Colorless gas with a faint, ethereal odor. [Note: Commercial grade has a garlic-like odor. Shipped under pressure dissolved in acetone.] [NIOSH] Vapor density = 0.91 (lighter than air); [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

A compressed gas used in the welding and cutting of metals; Was used as a general anesthetic in the 1920's; [ACGIH]

Comments

Acetylene is an explosive hazard and simple asphyxiant. [LaDou, p. 558] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] Acetylene is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

226 ppm

Odor Threshold High

2584 ppm

Explanatory Notes

NIOSH REL (ceiling) = 2500 ppm; Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = 0 deg F; A simple asphyxiant (See Appendix F.) and explosion hazard; [TLVs and BEIs]

burn readily

Acute solvent syndrome

Other Poison

Simple Asphyxiant

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asphyxiation, simple
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Gas Welding and Cutting

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Smoking cigarettes