Acrolein is a clear or yellow liquid that evaporates quickly and burns easily. It has a strong, unpleasant smell. It reacts quickly when exposed to other substances. Acrolein is also called propylene aldehyde, 2- propenal, 2-propen-1-one, prop-2-en-1-al, acrylaldehyde, acrylic aldehyde, allyl aldehyde, ethylene aldehyde, and aqualine.

It enters the air from the burning of fossil fuels and tobacco smoke. It forms when animal and vegetable fats are heated. The toxic gas is also a by-product of fires and can be dangerous to fire fighters. It is mostly used to make acrylic acid. It is also used to control plant and algae growth in irrigation canals. Acrolein kills or controls microorganisms and bacteria in oil wells, liquid hydrocarbon fuels, cooling-water towers and water treatment ponds.

Inhalation of low levels of acrolein can irritate the nose, nasal cavity, windpipe and voice box. Fluid build up in the lungs can also occur from breathing acrolein. In cases of severe breathing exposure, death could occur with damage to the lungs and respiratory system.
Eating or drinking acrolein can cause burns to the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. If acrolein gets in the eyes, it can cause severe irritation or burns. Exposure to acrolein vapors can irritate the mucus membranes. Exposure to high levels of acrolein can also affect the
central nervous system.

Material safety datasheet MSDS