Acrylamide

Acrylamide is a white odourless crystalline solid. It is soluble in water, ethanol, ether and chloroform. It occurs naturally in some foods and generally results from high heat cooking processes. It is also found in tobacco smoke.

Acrylamide is used to manufacture polyacrylamide chemicals used in water purification and sewage treatment, paper production, and some cosmetics and soap preparations. It is also used in molecular biology laboratories and in the formulation of Acrylamide grouting agents.

Read our Acrylamide Technical Fact Sheet.

Harms

Neurotoxin

Acrylamide is a potent neurotoxin affecting both the peripheral and central nervous system.

Skin and respiratory system irritation

It also irritates the skin and respiratory system. Depending on factors such as the concentration and duration of use, Acrylamide can result in different degrees of harm to workers.

Drowsiness and hallucinations

Brief exposure to high concentrations of Acrylamide can cause drowsiness and hallucinations. Symptoms of motor and sensory peripheral neuropathy have been observed.

Nerve damage and neurobehavioural changes

Breathing in Acrylamide can lead to nerve damage, resulting in excessive sweating, especially of the arms, hands, legs and feet. It can also lead to neurobehavioral changes, slurred speech, weight loss with normal appetite and fatigue.

Skin peeling or rash

Chronic skin exposure may result in a peeling, reddish rash (contact dermatitis).

Potentially cancer-causing

Other consequences which have been demonstrated in animals following repeated exposure, include cancer and infertility. Acrylamide is classified as potentially cancer-causing to humans.

Control measures

SafeWork NSW recommends you follow a hierarchy of controls (PDF 30kb) to eliminate or minimise a hazard.

Eliminate use if possible

Eliminate the use of Acrylamide if reasonably practicable.

Minimise vapours and mists

Adequate controls such as minimising the generation of vapours and mists and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can minimise any hazardous exposures and prevent illness in the workplace.

Other controls

Employ engineering controls, in particular:

• installation of automated debagging equipment, isolation, enclosure and extraction of the cutting process during polymer manufacture
• weighing and decanting of Acrylamide solid (powder) for electrophoresis gel preparation should take place using a fume hood/cupboard
• where Acrylamide is not used in a closed system (such as laboratories) or is present as a contaminant of workplace air (such as polymerisation vessels and gel processing machinery), good local exhaust ventilation should be ensured
• avoid skin contact by wearing chemical-resistant gloves and other PPE
• instruct and train workers in the correct fitting, use and maintenance of PPE
• follow instructions and controls outlined in safety data sheets and labels.

More information

Poisons Information Centre

In the event of suspected exposure, call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.

Safe disposal information

For information on safe disposal refer to:

• Information labels or Safety Data Sheets
• the Environment Protection Authority

Technical fact sheet

Our Acrylamide Technical Fact Sheet has more information or call us on 13 10 50.