Acrylamide

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Overview
NIOSH Chemical Resources
Related NIOSH Resources
Selected Publications
Related Resources
International Resources

Overview

CAS No. 79-06-1

Acrylamide (CH₂=CHCONH₂) is a white, crystalline solid. It can be harmful to the eyes, skin, and nervous and reproductive systems. Workers may be harmed from exposure to acrylamide. The level of harm depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Acrylamide is used in many industries. It is used to treat waste water from treatment facilities, and in the manufacture of paper, contact lenses, some dyes, chemicals, and fabrics Examples of workers at risk of being exposed to acrylamide include the following:

Workers who manufacture certain cosmetics and toiletries
Employees exposed to certain types of dyes and organic chemicals
Manufacturing workers who make polyacrylamide
Construction workers involved in constructing tunnels, wells, and sewers

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses acrylamide, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to acrylamide. Useful search terms for acrylamide include “acrylamide monomer,” “acrylic amide,” “propenamide,” and “2-propenamide.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

Related NIOSH Resources

NIOSHTIC-2 search results on acrylamide—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Profile Value: Acrylamide—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.
NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.

Selected Publications

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure Standard for Acrylamide —DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-112. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures to acrylamide.
NIOSH Skin Notation (SK) Profiles: Acrylamide
NIOSH and NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard – Acrylamide: A Review of the Literature
Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Acrylamide

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 21, 2019

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health