Crotonaldehyde

Crotonaldehyde is a clear, colorless to straw colored liquid with a pungent and suffocating odor. It is also a flammable organic compound and is known to be found in various vegetation and meat products. The compound is known to be highly toxic through all routes of exposure and is also an irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes in humans. It has the ability to affect the immune system by inducing structural and immunological modifications in DNA. Acute exposure to crotonaldehyde requires decontamination and life support for the victims. They need to be first evaluated for vital signs such a: pulse, respiratory rate and record any trauma. This article discusses the uses, sources, as well as physical and toxicological properties of crotonaldehyde.