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Acrylamide

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.”

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