The facts on Acrylonitrile

Last update April 9, 2024

This factsheet is under development. Only limited information is available.

Limit values

1 mg/m³

2022/431

Read all national directives

Austria

4,5 mg/m³ (TWA)
18 mg/m³ Short term

Belgium

4,4 mg/m³

Bulgaria

EU directive

National directive

Croatia

EU directive

Czech Republic

EU directive

Cyprus

EU directive

Denmark

EU directive

Estonia

4 mg/m³ (TWA)
8 mg/m³ Short term

Finland

4,4 mg/m³ (TWA)
8,8 mg/m³ short term

France

4,5 mg/m³ (TWA)
32,5 mg/m³ short term

Germany

2,6 mg/m³ (tolerance)
0,26 mg/m³ (acceptance)

Greece

EU directive

Hungary

4,3 mg/m³ (TWA)

Iceland

EU directive

Ireland

4,5 mg/m³ (TWA)

Italy

EU directive

Latvia

EU directive

Lithuania

EU directive

Luxembourg

EU directive

National directive

Malta

EU directive

Netherlands

EU directive

North Macedonia

7 mg/m³ (TWA)
28 mg/m³ short term

National directive

Norway

4 mg/m³ (TWA)

National directive

Poland

2 mg/m³ (TWA)
10 mg/m³

National directive

Portugal

EU directive

National directive

Romania

5 mg/m³ (TWA)
10 mg/m³

Serbia

EU directive

Slovakia

EU directive

Slovenia

EU directive

Spain

4,4 mg/m³ (TWA)

National directive

Sweden

4,5 mg/m³ (TWA)
13mg/m³

Turkey

EU directive

References: cancer.gov, EFSA, IARC, EC, NIOSH, OSHA, CAREX

Possible substitutions

Guidance for Employers’ obligations of the substitution of carcinogenic substances

The Guidance The Netherlands Labour Authority have developed a comprehensive document tailored to provide employers or inspectorates guidance on how to interpret the extent of the obligations to search for alternatives for using carcinogenic substances. This resource offers a step-by-step plan, consisting of 3 diagrams, which describe 3 different situations:...

Surface treatment of metals and plastic

The EU have created a document that describes the best available techniques for surface treatment of metals and plastics. The document includes substitution possibilities for EDTA, PFOS, zinc cyanide, copper cyanide and hexavalent chromium, and more!

Restoration of old manor using eco-friendly paint based on casein

The restoration of a several centuries old manor required the use of materials that matched the historic ambiance. The substitution – Casein paints Casein paints were used for interior wall decoration. When restoring historic monuments, highly breathable paints that protected the original materials were required. Casein paints fulfilled this requirement,...

Factsheets for identifying and substituting carcinogens

The “Fiches d’Aide au Répérage des Cancérogènes” (FAR) and the “Fiches d’Aide à la Substitution des Cancérogènes” (FAS) have been created by the French Prevention Network (Prevention Departments of Occupational health and pension insurance funds – the CARSATs- and INRS). These factsheets, compiled by OSH and technology experts, are short...

SUBSPORT - Substitution Support Portal

In order to eliminate the risk of the exposure to hazardous substances, substitution of these hazardous chemicals is needed. However, finding a safer substitute without professional help can be a challenging task. Solution The Substitution Support Portal (SUBSPORTplus) is a portal for anyone interested in substituting hazardous chemicals. Companies wanting...

Non-CMR based lubricants - INTERFLON

Introduction and problem setting Every year at least 100.000 people die due to exposure to carcinogens. Legislation forces companies to substitute CMR-products, and often companies know which substances and/or processes have to be substituted and/or adjusted. Interflon is the fabricator of non-CMR-containing lubricants, and is known worldwide. Solution Since 1991...

Substitution of dangerous substances

You would like to reduce the risks of working with dangerous substances in your company. Where to start and which aspects require most attention? Toxic can help with user friendly software tools and in depth whitepapers about different aspects of working safely with hazardous substances. For example: How to create...

Occupational Cancer – A Workplace Guide (February 2012)

Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer affecting different parts of the body. Although some cancers seem to develop for no apparent reason, most are a result of exposure to a carcinogen, lifestyle issues, genetic defects,...

Possible measures

Creating Control Guidance Sheets (CGSs)

Control Guidance Sheets (CGSs) are essential tools designed to help employers manage and mitigate the risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace. These documents serve as practical...

Managing the risks of carcinogens in the workplace through an educational game

True to the motto ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ it is necessary to start with integrating activities that raise awareness in primary schools and in vocational educational...

The Occupational Hygiene Risk Management (OHRM) tool and guidance

Setting and problem In the ideal world, hazardous or dangerous substances should not be used at work. However, it is the combination of hazard and exposure that determines the final...

Please note that this substance or some of it's compounds are listed in Annex XIV (REACH regulation). This substance some of it's compounds are only allowed to be used, imported, or brought into the market, if authorisation requirements of REACH are fulfilled.

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Occupations involved

Dyers

Dyers and Finishers

Electrical Engineer

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager

Machine Operators

Pharmaceutical chemist

Pharmaceutical engineer

Pharmacist

Production technician

Research and development (R&D) engineer and scientist

Sewing machine Operator

Textile technologist

Weavers and knitter

ECHA registration

CAS number 107-13-1

EC number 203-466-5

Annex VI of CLP 1B

Number of registrations (2023) 134

Tonnage band registred (2023) ≥ 1.000.000 to < 10.000.000

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) works for the safe use of chemicals. It implements the EU’s groundbreaking chemicals legislation, benefiting human health, the environment and innovation and competitiveness in Europe.

View ECHA Profile

View ECHA Substance Infocard

GESTIS Database

The data pool may be used for the purpose of occupational health and safety or to obtain information on the hazards posed by chemical substances.

Go to GESTIS Substance

General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
Every year, almost 100.000 people die from cancer that was caused by exposure at work
Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.

The facts on Acrylonitrile

The facts on Acrylonitrile

Limit values

Possible substitutions

Possible measures

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