a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet burnt taste and sweetish ethereal odor, that might resemble sweaty feet. Formula CH3CN, CAS number 75-05-8 Acetonitrile vapors have been detected in feces, breath, blood and saliva of healthy individuals. At higher concentrations, it is a hazardous chemical substance and, if inhaled, can produce serious acute (short term) toxicity, including loss of consciousness or death. Toxicity depends on the amount, route (inhalation, contact, and ingestion), time and frequency of exposure(s); acute symptoms are usually abdominal pain, convulsions, labored breathing, weakness, unconsciousness and redness in the skin and eyes. With prolonged exposure, the liver, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system may be affected. Environmental sources of acetonitrile include grass or other biomass burning and automobile exhaust. Acetonitrile poisoning can also occur by drinking contaminated water or by ingesting contaminated foods.
