Fate and Effects of Acrolein

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Abstract
Acrolein, an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, is a highly reactive, irritating chemical derived from a variety of sources. It occurs as a product of organic pyrolysis, a metabolite of various compounds, a reaction intermediate, a contaminant in some foods and drinks, and a residue in water when used for the control of aquatic plants, algae, bacteria, and mollusks (Izard and Libermann 1978). Valued for its lacrimatory and vesicant properties, it was used by the French during World War I as the warfare agent “papite.” Highly flammable, and with a pungent, choking, disagreeable odor, acrolein is capable of spontaneous polymerization, and therefore it can be difficult to handle.