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Putrescine is a crystalline, slightly poisonous compound with the chemical formula C4H12N2. It is found in small amounts in virtually all living things. Putrescine is a diamine, characterized by a fishy to putrid odor, and is often associated with decaying flesh. It is a volatile liquid at room temperature and is less dense than water. While smaller amines can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes, putrescine itself is not highly toxic in low concentrations.12

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