Acrylamide (or acrylic amide) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C₃H₅NO. Its IUPAC name is prop-2-enamide. It is a white, odourless crystalline solid that is highly water-soluble and also dissolves in ethanol, ether, and chloroform. It is thermally unstable and can react violently upon melting, releasing acrid fumes when heated. Acrylamide is chemically incompatible with acids, bases, oxidising agents, iron, and iron salts. Non-thermal decomposition can yield ammonia, while thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
What is Acrylamide used for?
Acrylamide is primarily synthesised via the hydrolysis of acrylonitrile using the enzyme nitrile hydratase. Most acrylamide is polymerised to form polyacrylamides, which serve a wide range of industrial and laboratory functions:
Water treatment (as flocculants and thickeners)
Gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in molecular biology
Papermaking and ore processing
Permanent press fabrics, cosmetics, grouting, soil conditioning, and sugar refining
Food packaging, plastic manufacturing, and even potting soils
In molecular biology, linear polyacrylamide (LPA) is used to precipitate small quantities of DNA. Minor quantities are also used in the production of dyes and other monomers.
Acrylamide is also used in the production of cosmetics, including some types of makeup products.
Sources & Route of Exposure
Sources of exposure
Diet: The primary route for the general population is ingestion of starchy foods (e.g., fries, chips) cooked at high temperatures (frying, grilling, baking).
Environmental: Presence near plastics and dye plants; contaminated drinking water
Inhalation: Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, contains acrylamide.
Occupational: Workers involved in acrylamide production, polyacrylamide gel use, and polymer manufacturing
Laboratory settings: Exposure during handling of polyacrylamide gels.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation
Dermal absorption
Ingestion
Once absorbed, acrylamide is widely distributed in the body and rapidly metabolised. Its primary toxic metabolite is glycidamide, which is eventually excreted in the urine.
Environmental presence:
Detected at hazardous waste sites, in surface and groundwater, and occasionally in drinking water at low concentrations.
Health Effects
Acute Effects
Neurotoxicity: Central and peripheral nervous system effects including drowsiness, hallucinations, and neurotoxic effects at low levels.
Animal studies: Oral exposure leads to neurotoxicity in rats; kidney effects in monkeys exposed via injection.
Chronic Effects
Humans and animals: Chronic oral exposure causes nerve damage, such as numbness and limb weakness.
Dermal exposure: May result in a red, exfoliative rash.
EPA Reference Dose (RfD): 0.0002 mg/kg/day, based on nerve toxicity in rats.
No established Reference Concentration (RfC) for inhalation.
Reproductive & Developmental Effects
Humans: No current data.
Animals: Studies show preimplantation loss, reduced fetal body weight, and decreased sperm counts in rats and mice after oral exposure.
Cancer Risk
Epidemiology: Two human studies were inconclusive due to limited sample sizes and inadequate exposure data.
Animal studies: Significant increases in:
Mammary, CNS, thyroid, uterine, and scrotal tumors
EPA Classification: Group B2 – Probable human carcinogen
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact
Remove contact lenses immediately if present.
Rinse eyes thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used.
Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact
Rinse the affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.
Apply emollient to soothe irritated skin. Cold water may be used.
Wash clothing before reuse and thoroughly clean shoes.
Get medical attention immediately.
Serious Skin Contact
Wash skin with disinfectant soap and apply an antibacterial cream.
If not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (note: only if safe to do so).
If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
Seek immediate medical help.
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Loosen restrictive clothing (collar, tie, etc.).
Seek immediate medical attention.
Exposure Controls & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use process inclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering methods to maintain airborne levels below exposure limits.
If operations generate dust, fume, or mist, ensure sufficient ventilation is provided.
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear splash goggles
Skin/Clothing: Wear a lab coat and protective gloves
Respiratory: Use a dust respirator (certified/approved equivalent)
Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill
Full body protection: Full protective suit, boots, gloves
Eye and respiratory: Splash goggles and dust respirator
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recommended to avoid inhalation
Important Note: Standard PPE may not be sufficient for certain conditions. Always consult a safety specialist before handling acrylamide, especially in large quantities or during emergency responses.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)for acrylamides:
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for acrylamide of 0.03 mg/m3 TWA; Skin; Appendix A3 (Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with Unknown Relevance to Humans)
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for acrylamide of 0.03 mg/m3 TWA; Skin; Appendix A - Potential Occupational Carcinogen
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set an 8-hour Time Average (TWA) exposure limit for acrylamide of 0.03 (mg/m3).
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