ABSTRACT
2-Hydroxypropanenitrile may be released to the environment in waste effluents generated at sites of its industrial manufacture or use. If released to the atmosphere, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to exist almost entirely in the vapor phase where it will degrade relatively slowly (estimated half-life of 14.7 days) via reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. Based upon the vapor pressure, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to exist almost entirely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. It is expected to degrade in an average ambient atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of about 14.7 days. The miscibility of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile in water suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms should not be environmentally important. Occupational exposure to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile can occur through inhalation of vapor and dermal contact. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is extremely toxic by skin absorption, eye contact, and ingestion; extreme care must be exercised during handling to ensure protection against personal contamination.
