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About Acrylonitrile | The NCI Study | The Oxford Acrylonitrile is a building block chemical used to make acrylic fiber for clothing, blankets, carpeting and other fabrics; rugged plastics for computer and TV housings; and nitrile rubber for oil-resistant hoses at gasoline stations and under your car's hood. Each year, more than 10 billion pounds of acrylonitrile is produced worldwide at more than 50 manufacturing sites, including six in the U.S. The chemical process for making AN involves mixing and heating propylene, ammonia, air and a catalyst, in a large reactor vessel. This process can yield more than 80% acrylonitrile, as well as 10-15% useful chemical co-products. Wastes by-products from the process are managed according to strict government regulations and voluntary industry standards to protect people and the environment. In 1997-98, four major health studies of acrylonitrile (AN) workers were completed, all of which support the conclusion that AN does not increase cancer risk or risk from any other cause of death. Based on these results, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reduced AN's classification from category 2A (probable human carcinogen) to 2B (possible human carcinogen). The IARC rating is used in many countries to determine how chemicals should be regulated. Despite the lower classification, AN producers and users are committed to following current industry standards to minimize exposure to this chemical. Today's regulated exposure levels are much lower than those in effect during time periods used in the studies (1950's through early 1980's), and provide an additional level of assurance for workers and the public. About Acrylonitrile | The NCI Study | The Oxford |
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