Production and Applications of Crotonaldehyde
Crotonaldehyde is an important industrial chemical primarily used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals and polymers. On a global scale, over 200,000 metric tons of crotonaldehyde are produced annually. The key production method involves oxidation of butadiene which takes place in vapor or liquid phases using oxidizing agents like nitric acid, air or hydrogen peroxide. Some of the major applications of crotonaldehyde include use in the manufacture of crotonic acid, crotonates, amines, thiols and esters. Crotonaldehyde derivatives are further utilized in production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, surfactants and polymeric materials.
Health Hazards of Crotonaldehyde Exposure
While playing a critical role in various industrial processes, exposure to crotonaldehyde poses health risks to workers. Crotonaldehyde is a volatile liquid with an acrid odor even at low concentrations. Inhalation and dermal absorption are the primary routes through which workers can get exposed to this chemical. Crotonaldehyde are Short-term exposure to high concentrations causes immediate irritation to eyes, nose and respiratory tract leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Prolonged or repeated contact with skin can lead to dermatitis. Studies indicate crotonaldehyde is possibly carcinogenic to humans though limited evidence is available currently. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified crotonaldehyde in Group 2B, i.e. possibly carcinogenic to humans. Inhalation exposure at workplace is required to be strictly controlled and kept below permissible exposure limits to protect worker health.
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