Medical Management Guidelines for Crotonaldehyde
(C4H6O)
CAS# 4170-30-3, 123-73-9 (trans isomer), 15798-64-8 (cis isomer)
UN# 1143
PDF Versionpdf icon[192 KB]
Synonyms include beta-methylacrolein;
propylene aldehyde; ethylene propionate; crotonic aldehyde;
but-2-enal; 2-butenal; crotonal; topanel; methyl acrolein;
butenal; crotonaldehyde inhibited; (E)-crotonaldehyde; (E)-2-butenal;
trans-2-butenal.
- Persons exposed only to crotonaldehyde vapor do not pose
secondary contamination risks. Persons whose clothing or
skin is contaminated with liquid crotonaldehyde can secondarily
contaminate others by direct contact or off-gassing vapor.
- At room temperature, crotonaldehyde is a clear, colorless
to straw-colored liquid with a pungent, suffocating odor.
It is highly flammable and burns to produce toxic gases
(carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide). It is volatile, producing
toxic concentrations at room temperature. Vapors may travel
to a source of ignition and flash back. The odor of crotonaldehyde
provides adequate warning of hazardous concentrations.
- Crotonaldehyde is highly toxic by all routes. Exposure
causes inflammation and irritation of the skin, respiratory
tract, and mucous membranes. Delayed pulmonary edema may
occur after inhalation. Systemic effects occur in animals
after oral exposure, but have not been reported in humans.
General Information
Description
Crotonaldehyde exists in two isomeric
forms (cis and trans) that have similar properties
and effects. Crotonaldehyde is produced commercially as a
mixture of the two isomers (>95% trans and <5%
cis). At room temperature, the mixture is a clear,
colorless liquid that turns yellow upon contact with air or
exposure to light. It has a pungent, suffocating odor. Crotonaldehyde
should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly
sealed containers. It is very flammable and may polymerize
violently. Crotonaldehyde should be stored separately from
alkaline materials such as caustics, ammonia, organic amines,
or mineral acids, strong oxidizers, and oxygen. Crotonaldehyde
is soluble in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and benzene.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation
Inhaled crotonaldeyhyde is highly toxic.
Crotonaldehyde is irritating to the upper respiratory tract
even at low concentrations. Its odor threshold of 0.035 to
0.12 ppm is lower than the OSHA permissible exposure limit
(2 ppm); thus, odor provides an adequate warning of potentially
hazardous concentrations. Crotonaldehyde vapor is heavier
than air, but asphyxiation in enclosed, poorly ventilated,
or low-lying areas is unlikely due to its strong odor.
Children exposed to the same levels of
crotonaldehyde vapor as adults may receive a larger dose because
they have greater lung surface area:body weight ratios and
higher minute volume:weight ratios. In addition, they may
be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location
because of their short stature and the higher levels of crotonaldehyde
vapor found nearer to the ground.
Skin/Eye Contact
Crotonaldehyde is highly toxic by the
dermal route. Direct contact with liquid crotonaldehyde causes
rapid and severe eye and skin irritation or burns. Exposure
to vapor produces inflammation of mucous membranes and it
is a potent lacrimator.
Because of their relatively larger surface
area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants
affecting the skin.
Ingestion
No information was located pertaining
to ingestion of crotonaldehyde by humans. Crotonaldehyde is
very irritating; thus, ingestion would probably produce chemical
burns of the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
In animal studies, ingestion has led to systemic toxicity.
Sources/Uses
Crotonaldehyde is generally produced
by aldol condensation of acetaldehyde, followed by dehydration.
A process involving direct oxidation of 1,3-butadiene to crotonaldehyde
with palladium catalysis has also been reported. Crotonaldehyde
is produced during the combustion of paper, cotton, and plastics,
and is a component of cigarette smoke.
Crotonaldehyde was formerly used in the
manufacture of n-butanol, but currently, the most extensive
use of crotonaldehyde is in the manufacture of sorbic acid.
Crotonaldehyde has also been used as a warning agent in fuel
gases, in the preparation of rubber accelerators, in leather
tanning, as an alcohol denaturant, and as a stabilizer for
tetraethyl-lead.
Standards and Guidelines
OSHA PEL (permissible exposure limit)
= 2 ppm.
NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to
life or health) = 50 ppm.
AIHA ERPG-2 (maximum airborne concentration
below which it is believed that nearly all persons could be
exposed for up to 1 hour without experiencing or developing
irreversible or other serious health effects or symptoms that
could impair their abilities to take protective action) =
10 ppm.
Physical Properties
Description: Clear, colorless
liquid that becomes yellow with exposure to light or air.
Warning properties: Sharp, pungent
odor at 0.035 to 0.12 ppm; adequate warning of acute or chronic
exposures.
Molecular weight: 70.09 daltons
Boiling point (760 mm Hg): 215.6°F
(102°C)
Freezing point: -105.7° F
(-76.5°C)
Vapor pressure: 19 mm Hg at 68°
F (20°C)
Gas density: 2.41 (air = 1)
Specific gravity: 0.85 (water
= 1)
Water solubility: 181 g/L at 20°C
Flammability: 55°F (13°C)
Flammable range: 2.1% to 15.5%
(concentration in air)
Incompatibilities
Crotonaldehyde reacts with caustics,
ammonia, organic amines, or mineral acids, strong oxidizers,
and oxygen.
Health Effects
- Crotonaldehyde is severely irritating to skin, eyes, and
mucous membranes. Inhalation of crotonaldehyde may result
in respiratory distress and delayed pulmonary edema. Contact
with the skin or eyes produces irritation and lacrimation,
and can result in chemical burns.
- The mechanism by which crotonaldehyde produces toxic symptoms
is not known, but the compound is highly reactive. No information
was found as to whether the health effects of crotonaldehyde
in children are different than in adults. Exposure to crotonaldehyde
produces severe respiratory problems and individuals with
pre-existing breathing difficulties or skin disease may
be more susceptible to its effects.
Acute Exposure
The mechanism by which crotonaldehyde
produces toxic symptoms is not known, but the compound is
highly reactive, cross-links DNA, and inhibits the activities
of some enzymes in vitro, including cytochrome P450
and aldehyde dehydrogenase. In vitro treatment of human
polymorphonuclear leukocytes with crotonaldehyde produced
a dose-related decrease in surface sulfhydryl and soluble
sulfhydryl groups and inhibition of superoxide production.
Onset of irritation is immediate, but pulmonary edema may
be delayed.
Children do not always respond to chemicals
in the same way that adults do. Different protocols for managing
their care may be needed.
Respiratory
Crotonaldehyde produces irritation of
the respiratory-tract. Relatively high-concentration inhalation
can lead to pulmonary edema.
Clinical cases of sensitization have
been reported.
Children may be more vulnerable because
of higher minute ventilation per kg and failure to evacuate
an area promptly when exposed.
Dermal
Crotonaldehyde is a skin irritant. Contact
with the liquid may cause second- and third-degree skin burns.
Skin contact may also result in allergic contact dermatitis.
Because of their relatively larger surface
area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants
affecting the skin.
Ocular/Ophthalmic
Crotonaldehyde liquid or vapor can cause
eye irritation and damage to the cornea.
Gastrointestinal
No cases involving ingestion were located.
Because crotonaldehyde is a known irritant, it is likely to
cause burns of the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
Potential Sequelae
After an acute, relatively high-concentration
exposure, persons may become sensitized to crotonaldehyde.
Chronic Exposure
Apart from rare cases of sensitization,
no adverse effects in humans chronically exposed to relatively
low concentrations of crotonaldehyde have been reported.
Chronic exposure may be more serious
for children because of their potential for a longer latency
period.
Carcinogenicity
The Department of Health and Human Services
has determined that crotonaldehyde may possibly be a human
carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer
has determined that crotonaldehyde is not classifiable as
to its carcinogenicity to humans.
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
No studies were located that address
reproductive or developmental effects of crotonaldehyde in
humans. Crotonaldehyde can cause degeneration of spermatocytes
in mice. No information was found as to whether crotonaldehyde
crosses the placenta, but it has been measured in breast milk.
Crotonaldehyde is not included in Reproductive and Developmental
Toxicants, a 1991 report published by the U.S. General
Accounting Office (GAO) that lists 30 chemicals of concern
because of widely acknowledged reproductive and developmental
consequences.
No teratogenic effects from acute exposure
have been reported.
Prehospital Management
- Victims exposed only to crotonaldehyde vapor do not pose
contamination risks to rescuers. Victims whose clothing
or skin is contaminated with liquid crotonaldehyde can secondarily
contaminate response personnel by direct contact or by off-gassing
vapor.
- Crotonaldehyde is a direct irritant to mucous membranes,
skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. Acute inhalation
exposure may lead to respiratory distress and noncardiogenic
pulmonary edema.
- There is no antidote for crotonaldehyde. Treatment consists
of respiratory and cardiovascular support.
Hot Zone
Rescuers should be trained and appropriately
attired before entering the Hot Zone. If the proper equipment
is not available, or if rescuers have not been trained in
its use, assistance should be obtained from a local or regional
HAZMAT team or other properly equipped response organization.
Rescuer Protection
Crotonaldehyde is highly toxic via all
routes, and it is severely irritating to the eyes, mucous
membranes, respiratory tract, and skin. Crotonaldehyde is
highly flammable, can form explosive mixtures with air, and
burns to produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases.
Crotonaldehyde vapor may travel to a source of ignition and
flash back.
Respiratory Protection: Positive-pressure,
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is recommended in
response situations that involve exposure to potentially unsafe
levels of crotonaldehyde.
Skin Protection: Chemical-protective
clothing is recommended because crotonaldehyde can cause skin
irritation, burns, and sensitization. Fully encapsulating,
vapor protective clothing should be worn to deal with spills
or leaks with no fire.
ABC Reminders
Quickly establish a patent airway, ensure
adequate respiration and pulse. If trauma is suspected, maintain
cervical immobilization manually and apply a cervical collar
and a backboard when feasible.
Victim Removal
If victims can walk, lead them out of
the Hot Zone to the Decontamination Zone. Victims who are
unable to walk may be removed on backboards or gurneys; if
these are not available, carefully carry or drag victims to
safety.
Consider appropriate management of anxiety
in victims with chemically-induced acute disorders, especially
children who may suffer separation anxiety if separated from
a parent or other adult.
Decontamination Zone
Patients exposed only to crotonaldehyde
vapor who have no skin or eye irritation may be transferred
immediately to the Support Zone. Other patients will require
decontamination as described below.
Rescuer Protection
If exposure levels are determined to
be safe, decontamination may be conducted by personnel wearing
a lower level of protection than that worn in the Hot Zone
(described above).
ABC Reminders
Quickly establish a patent airway, ensure
adequate respiration and pulse. Stabilize the cervical spine
with a collar and a backboard if trauma is suspected. Administer
supplemental oxygen as required. Assist ventilation with a
bag-valve-mask device if necessary.
Basic Decontamination
Victims who are able may assist with
their own decontamination. Quickly remove and double-bag contaminated
clothing and personal belongings.
Flush exposed skin and hair with copious
amounts of water. Use caution to avoid hypothermia when decontaminating
victims, particularly children or the elderly. Use blankets
or warmers after decontamination as needed.
Flush exposed or irritated eyes with
tepid water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if easily
removable without additional trauma to the eye. Continue eye
irrigation during other basic care and transport. If pain
or injury is evident, continue irrigation while transferring
the victim to the Support Zone.
In cases of ingestion, do not induce
emesis. If the victim is alert, asymptomatic, and has
a gag reflex, administer a slurry of activated charcoal at
a dose of 1 g/kg (infant, child, and adult dose). A soda can
and a straw may be of assistance when offering charcoal to
a child.
Victims who are conscious and able to
swallow should be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water (not
to exceed 15 mL/kg in a child). If the victim is symptomatic,
delay decontamination until other emergency measures have
been instituted.
Consider appropriate management of chemically
contaminated children at the exposure site. Provide reassurance
to the child during decontamination, especially if separation
from a parent occurs.
Transfer to Support Zone
As soon as basic decontamination is complete,
move the victim to the Support Zone.
Support Zone
Be certain that victims have been decontaminated
properly (see Decontamination Zone, above). Victims
who have undergone decontamination or have been exposed only
to vapor pose no serious risks of secondary contamination
to rescuers. In such cases, Support Zone personnel require
no specialized protective gear.
ABC Reminders
Quickly establish a patent airway, ensure
adequate respiration and pulse. If trauma is suspected, maintain
cervical immobilization manually and apply a cervical collar
and a backboard when feasible. Administer supplemental oxygen
as required and establish intravenous access if necessary.
Place on a cardiac monitor.
Additional Decontamination
Continue irrigating exposed skin and
eyes, as appropriate.
In cases of ingestion, do not induce
emesis. If the victim is alert, asymptomatic, and has
a gag reflex, administer a slurry of activated charcoal at
a dose of 1 g/kg (infant, child, and adult dose) if it has
not already been administered. A soda can and a straw may
be of assistance when offering charcoal to a child.
Victims who are conscious and able to
swallow should be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water (not
to exceed 15 mL/kg in a child) if it has not been given previously.
If the victim is symptomatic, delay decontamination until
other emergency measures have been instituted.
Advanced Treatment
In cases of respiratory compromise, secure
airway and respiration via endotracheal intubation. If not
possible, perform cricothyrotomy if equipped and trained to
do so.
Treat patients who have bronchospasm
with an aerosolized bronchodilator such as albuterol. Administer
corticosteroids as indicated to patients who have persistent
wheezing or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol
for children who develop stridor. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25%
racemic epinephrine solution, repeat every 20 minutes as needed,
cautioning for myocardial variability.
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive,
or having seizures or cardiac arrhythmias should be treated
according to advanced life support (ALS) protocols.
If evidence of shock or hypotension is
observed, begin fluid administration. For adults with systolic
pressure less than 80 mm Hg, bolus perfusion of 1,000 mL/hour
intravenous saline or lactated Ringer's solution may be appropriate.
Higher adult systolic pressures may necessitate lower perfusion
rates. For children with compromised perfusion, administer
a 20 mL/kg bolus of normal saline over 10 to 20 minutes, then
infuse at 2 to 3 mL/kg/hour.
Transport to Medical Facility
Only decontaminated patients or patients
not requiring decontamination should be transported to a medical
facility. "Body bags" are not recommended.
Report to the base station and the receiving
medical facility the condition of the patient, treatment given,
and estimated time of arrival at the medical facility.
If crotonaldehyde has been ingested,
prepare the ambulance in case the victim vomits toxic material.
Have ready several towels and open plastic bags to quickly
clean up and isolate vomitus.
Multi-Casualty Triage
Consult with the base station physician
or the regional poison control center for advice regarding
triage of multiple victims.
Patients who are seriously symptomatic
(as in cases of chest tightness or wheezing), patients who
have histories or evidence of significant exposure, and all
patients who have ingested crotonaldehyde should be transported
to a medical facility for evaluation. Others may be discharged
at the scene after their names, addresses, and telephone numbers
are recorded. Those discharged should be advised to seek medical
care promptly if symptoms develop (see Patient Information
Sheet below).
Emergency Department Management
- Hospital personnel in an enclosed area can be secondarily
contaminated by direct contact or by off-gassing vapor from
soaked skin or clothing. Patients do not pose contamination
risks after contaminated clothing is removed and the skin
is washed.
- Crotonaldehyde is irritating to mucous membranes, skin,
eyes, and the respiratory tract. Acute inhalation exposure
may lead to respiratory distress and noncardiogenic pulmonary
edema.
- There is no antidote for crotonaldehyde. Treatment consists
of respiratory and cardiovascular support
Decontamination Area
Unless previously decontaminated, all
patients suspected of contact with crotonaldehyde liquid and
all victims with skin or eye irritation require decontamination
as described below. Because crotonaldehyde reacts with the
skin, don gloves and/or protective clothing before treating
patients. All other patients may be transferred immediately
to the Critical Care Area.
Be aware that use of protective equipment
by the provider may cause anxiety, particularly in children,
resulting in decreased compliance with further management
efforts.
Because of their relatively larger surface
area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants
that affect the skin. Also, emergency room personnel should
examine children's mouths because of the frequency of hand-to-mouth
activity among children.
ABC Reminders
Evaluate and support airway, breathing,
and circulation. In cases of respiratory compromise secure
airway and respiration via endotracheal intubation. If not
possible, surgically create an airway.
Treat patients who have bronchospasm
with an aerosolized bronchodilator such as albuterol. Administer
corticosteroids as indicated to patients who have persistent
wheezing or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol
for children who develop stridor. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25%
racemic epinephrine solution, repeat every 20 minutes as needed,
cautioning for myocardial variability.
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive,
or have seizures or ventricular arrhythmias should be treated
in the conventional manner.
Basic Decontamination
Patients who are able may assist with
their own decontamination. Remove and double-bag contaminated
clothing and all personal belongings.
Because crotonaldehyde can cause burns,
ED staff should don chemical-resistant jumpsuits (e.g., of
Tyvek or Saranex) or butyl rubber aprons, rubber gloves, and
eye protection if the patient's clothing or skin is wet. After
the patient has been decontaminated, no special protective
clothing or equipment is required for ED personnel.
Flush exposed skin and hair with water
for 2 to 3 minutes (preferably under a shower), then wash
thoroughly with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with water. Use
caution to avoid hypothermia when decontaminating victims,
particularly children or the elderly. Use blankets or warmers
after decontamination as needed.
Flush exposed eyes with plain tepid water
for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if easily removable
without additional trauma to the eye. If pain or injury is
evident, continue irrigation while transporting the patient
to the Critical Care Area.
In cases of ingestion, do not induce
emesis. If the victim is alert, asymptomatic, and has
a gag reflex, administer a slurry of activated charcoal at
a dose of 1 g/kg (infant, child, and adult dose) if it has
not already been administered. A soda can and a straw may
be of assistance when offering charcoal to a child.
Victims who are conscious and able to
swallow should be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water (not
to exceed 15 mL/kg in a child) if it has not been given previously
(see Critical Care Area below for more information
on ingestion exposure).
Critical Care Area
Be certain that appropriate decontamination
has been carried out (see Decontamination Area above).
ABC Reminders
Evaluate and support airway, breathing,
and circulation as in ABC Reminders above under Decontamination
Zone. Establish intravenous access in seriously ill patients
if this has not been done previously. Continuously monitor
cardiac rhythm.
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive,
or have seizures or cardiac arrhythmias should be treated
in the conventional manner.
Inhalation Exposure
Administer supplemental oxygen by mask
to patients who have respiratory symptoms. Treat patients
who have bronchospasm with an aerosolized bronchodilator such
as albuterol. Administer corticosteroids as indicated to patients
who have persistent wheezing or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol
for children who develop stridor. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25%
racemic epinephrine solution, repeat every 20 minutes as needed,
cautioning for myocardial variability.
Skin Exposure
If the skin was in contact with liquid
crotonaldehyde, chemical burns may occur; treat as thermal
burns.
Because of their relatively larger surface
area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants
affecting the skin.
Eye Exposure
Continue irrigation for at least 15 minutes.
Test visual acuity. Examine the eyes for corneal damage and
treat appropriately. Immediately consult an ophthalmologist
for patients who have corneal injuries.
Ingestion Exposure
Do not induce emesis. If the victim
is alert, asymptomatic, and has a gag reflex, administer a
slurry of activated charcoal at a dose of 1 g/kg (infant,
child, and adult dose) if it has not already been administered.
A soda can and a straw may be of assistance when offering
charcoal to a child.
Victims who are conscious and able to
swallow should be given 4 to 8 ounces of milk or water (not
to exceed 15 mL/kg in a child) if it has not been given previously.
Consider endoscopy to evaluate the extent
of gastrointestinal-tract injury. Extreme throat swelling
may require endotracheal intubation or cricothyrotomy. Gastric
lavage is useful in certain circumstances to remove caustic
material and prepare for endoscopic examination. Consider
gastric lavage with a small nasogastric (NG) tube if: (1) a
large dose has been ingested; (2) the patient's condition
is evaluated within 30 minutes; (3) the patient has oral lesions
or persistent esophageal discomfort; and (4) the lavage can
be administered within one hour of ingestion. Care must be
taken when placing the gastric tube because blind gastric-tube
placement may further injure the chemically damaged esophagus
or stomach.
Because children do not ingest large
amounts of corrosive materials, and because of the risk of
perforation from NG intubation, lavage is discouraged in children
unless performed under endoscopic guidance.
Toxic vomitus or gastric washings should
be isolated, e.g., by attaching the lavage tube to isolated
wall suction or another closed container.
Antidotes and Other Treatments
There is no antidote for crotonaldehyde.
Treatment is supportive of respiratory and cardiovascular
function.
Laboratory Tests
Routine laboratory studies for all exposed
patients include CBC, glucose, and electrolyte determinations.
Patients who have respiratory complaints may require pulse
oximetry (or ABG measurements), chest radiography, and peak-flow
spirometry.
Disposition and Follow-up
Consider hospitalizing patients who have
histories of significant inhalation exposure and are symptomatic
(e.g., chest tightness or wheezing) or who have ingested crotonaldehyde.
Delayed Effects
Pulmonary edema may be delayed after
inhalation exposure.
Patient Release
Patients who remain asymptomatic for
8 to 12 hours after exposure may be discharged with instructions
to seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop (see the
Crotonaldehyde--Patient Information Sheet below).
Follow-up
Obtain the name of the patient's primary
care physician so that the hospital can send a copy of the
ED visit to the patient's doctor.
If significant inhalation or skin contact
has occurred, monitor pulmonary function. In rare cases individuals
may be permanently sensitized and may need to be removed from
future work with crotonaldehyde; patients should consult an
occupational medicine or pulmonary specialist before returning
to work that entails exposure to crotonaldehyde.
Patients who have corneal injuries should
be reexamined within 24 hours.
Reporting
If a work-related incident has occurred,
you may be legally required to file a report; contact your
state or local health department.
Other persons may still be at risk in
the setting where this incident occurred. If the incident
occurred in the workplace, discussing it with company personnel
may prevent future incidents. If a public health risk exists,
notify your state or local health department or other responsible
public agency. When appropriate, inform patients that they
may request an evaluation of their workplace from OSHA or
NIOSH. See Appendix III for a list of agencies that may be
of assistance.
Patient Information Sheet
This handout provides information and
follow-up instructions for persons who have been exposed to
crotonaldehyde.
Print this handout onlypdf icon[57 KB]
What is crotonaldehyde?
Crotonaldehyde is a colorless to pale-yellow
liquid with a strong, pungent odor. It is used most extensively
in the manufacture of sorbic acid, but has also been used
as a warning agent in fuel gases, in the preparation of rubber
accelerators, in leather tanning, as an alcohol denaturant,
and as a stabilizer for tetraethyl-lead.
What immediate health effects can be caused by exposure to crotonaldehyde?
Low levels of crotonaldehyde in the air
can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause cough,
chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Higher levels can
cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, which may cause death.
If liquid crotonaldehyde comes in contact with the skin or
eyes, it can cause severe burns. Generally, the more serious
the exposure, the more severe the symptoms.
Can crotonaldehyde poisoning be treated?
There is no antidote for crotonaldehyde,
but its effects can be treated and most exposed persons get
well. Seriously exposed persons may need to be hospitalized.
Are any future health effects likely to occur?
In rare cases, after exposure to crotonaldehyde,
certain persons can become sensitized so that even small exposures
to crotonaldehyde or other irritants can trigger skin irritation.
Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor that you have
been exposed to crotonaldehyde. The Department of Health and
Human Services has determined that crotonaldehyde may possibly
be a human carcinogen.
What tests can be done if a person has been exposed to crotonaldehyde?
Specific tests for the presence of crotonaldehyde
in blood are not available. If a severe exposure has occurred,
respiratory function tests and a chest x-ray may show whether
damage has been done to the lungs. Testing is not needed in
every case; however, lung complications such as pulmonary
edema may develop some time after exposure.
Where can more information about crotonaldehyde be found?
More information about crotonaldehyde
can be obtained from your regional poison control center;
your state, county, or local health department; the Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR); your doctor,
or a clinic in your area that specializes in occupational
and environmental health. If the exposure happened at work,
you may wish to discuss it with your employer, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Ask the person
who gave you this form for help in locating these telephone
numbers.
Follow-up Instructions
Keep this page and take it with you to
your next appointment. Follow only the instructions
checked below.
Print instructions onlypdf icon[57 KB]
[ ] Call your doctor or the Emergency
Department if you develop any unusual signs or symptoms within
the next 24 hours, especially:
- coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of
breath, or chest pain
- increased pain or a discharge from your eyes
- increased redness or pain or a pus-like discharge in the
area of a skin burn
[ ] No follow-up appointment is necessary
unless you develop any of the symptoms listed above.
[ ] Call for an appointment with Dr.____
in the practice of ________.
When you call for your appointment, please
say that you were treated in the Emergency Department at _________
Hospital by________and were advised to be seen again in ____days.
[ ] Return to the Emergency Department/Clinic
on ____ (date) at _____ AM/PM for a follow-up examination.
[ ] Do not perform vigorous physical
activities for 1 to 2 days.
[ ] You may resume everyday activities
including driving and operating machinery.
[ ] Do not return to work for _____days.
[ ] You may return to work on a limited
basis. See instructions below.
[ ] Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke
for 72 hours; smoke may worsen the condition of your lungs.
[ ] Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
for at least 24 hours; alcohol may worsen injury to your stomach
or have other effects.
[ ] Avoid taking the following medications:
________________
[ ] You may continue taking the following
medication(s) that your doctor(s) prescribed for you: _______________________________
[ ] Other instructions:
____________________________________
_____________________________________________________
- Provide the Emergency Department with the name and the
number of your primary care physician so that the ED can
send him or her a record of your emergency department visit.
- You or your physician can get more information on the
chemical by contacting: ____________ or _____________, or by
checking out the following Internet Web sites:
___________;__________.
Signature of patient _______________ Date ____________
Signature of physician _____________ Date ____________
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences
4770 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341-3717
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO 888-232-6348 (TTY)
Email: Contact CDC-INFO
ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.