Air quality test finds acrylonitrile at higher-than-normal levels in this Arkansas city
By Adam Roberts
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TONTITOWN, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E) has asked the Arkansas Health Department (ADH) to conduct an assessment of Tontitown.
A contractor conducted a study of the city’s air quality in May.
The study found levels of acrylonitrile at levels above the regular background ambient air across the U.S.
The study suggests the acrylonitrile isn’t coming from the landfill, but from another source.
The E&E asked the ADH to study the potential impacts of the compound in Tontitown.
The National Library of Medicine’s entry on acrylonitrile reads:
“Acrylonitrile is a colorless, liquid, man-made chemical with a sharp, onion- or garlic-like odor. It can be dissolved in water and evaporates quickly. Acrylonitrile is used to make other chemicals such as plastics, synthetic rubber, and acrylic fibers. A mixture of acrylonitrile and carbon tetrachloride was used as a pesticide in the past; however, all pesticide uses have stopped.”
It also states that prolonged exposure to the vapors or skin contact is harmful.
It found 35 other compounds in the air. It was determined that none were exclusively from the Eco-Vista landfill, but two likely had contributions from the landfill. Those were benzene and ethylbenzene.
Acrylonitrile was the only one found at elevated levels.
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