Where It Comes From
Made in chemical manufacturing; released during production/use; also formed in outdoor air from other pollutants and found in vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke. [1]
How You Are Exposed
Mostly by breathing air at or near workplaces or urban areas; liquid contact can irritate skin/eyes; inhalation is the main route. [1][2]
Why It Matters
Causes eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation; high exposures may cause coughing, headache, dizziness; repeated exposure harmed liver and kidneys in animals; not classifiable for cancer. [1][2]
Who Is at Risk
Workers in chemical, plastics, coatings, and resin production; people near industrial sites; smokers and those around secondhand smoke; people with asthma or lung disease. [1][2]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Avoid tobacco smoke; improve ventilation around chemical odors; keep away from idling vehicles; at work, use closed systems, local exhaust, PPE, and wash hands after handling. [1][2]
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Butyraldehyde (CASRN 123-72-8) Hazard Summary. Technology Transfer Network Air Toxics. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/butyrald.pdf
- [2]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: n-Butyraldehyde. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/