Question: The cited reference notes “Acrylonitrile (AN) is an important industrial chemical used in the manufacture of acrylic and modacrylic fibers, resins, plastics, elastomers, adiponitrile, and nitrile rubber for various consumer goods. The primary routes of potential human industrial exposures to AN are inhalation and dermal contact.” What are the potential sources for nonindustrial AN exposures?
Answer: The cited article reports “Potential nonindustrial AN exposures arise from the burning of biomass (eg, wild fires and fuel wood) and as a component of tobacco smoke.” (Marsh GM and Zimmerman SD. Mortality among chemical plant workers exposed to acrylonitrile. 2015 JOEM 57(2): 134-145)
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