Agent Name |
Acrylamide |
CAS Number |
79-06-1 |
Formula |
C3-H5-N-O |
Major Category |
Plastics & Rubber |
Synonyms |
Acrylamide monomer; Acrylic amide; Propenamide; 2-Propenamide; [NIOSH] |
Category |
Other Monomers |
Description |
White crystalline, odorless solid; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a polymer or copolymer to produce sealants, adhesives, fibers, paper sizing, molded parts, water coagulants, and textiles. [ACGIH] |
Comments |
Can cause sensorimotor neuropathy after occupational exposure; [ACGIH] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in laboratory workers using polyacrylamide gels for electrophoresis; [Kanerva, p. 1125] In high-dose reproductive studies of animals, acrylamide can cause testicular damage and increased fetal losses; exposed fetuses may suffer neurotoxic effects. [Frazier, p. 333-4] |
Reference Link |
OSHA: Acrylamide Exposure During Chemical Grouting Operations |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.03 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor |
PEL (OSHA) |
0.3 mg/m3 |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
60 mg/m3 |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Calculations based on an oral LD50 of 150 to 180 mg/kg for guinea pigs, rabbits, and rats [McCollister et al. 1964] indicate that a worker should be able to escape within 30 minutes without injury or irreversible health effects from 600 mg/m3. . . . the revised IDLH for acrylamide is 60 mg/m3 based on being 2,000 times the OSHA PEL of 0.03 mg/m3 that was promulgated in 1989 (2,000 is an assigned protection factor for respirators; only the most reliable respirators are recommended above 2,000 times the OSHA PEL). [Note: NIOSH recommends as part of its carcinogen policy that the "most protective" respirators be worn for acrylamide at concentrations above 0.03 mg/m3.] |
Vapor Pressure |
0.007 mm Hg |
Half Life |
Plasma (animal studies): 2 days; whole body (animal studies): 6-18 days; [TDR, p. 40] |
Reference Link |
HSDB: Acrylamide |
Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
Adverse Effects |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Neurotoxin |
Sensorimotor Neuropathy |
Reproductive Toxin |
Yes |
IARC Carcinogen |
Probable Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ACRYLAMIDE
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