ACRYLAMIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
2 2 2	Health	2	Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
	Flammability	2	Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur.
	Instability	2	Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special

White crystalline solid shipped either as a solid or in solution. A confirmed carcinogen. Toxic by skin absorption. Less dense than water and soluble in water. May be toxic by ingestion. Used for sewage and waste treatment, to make dyes, adhesives. The solid is stable at room temperature, but upon melting may violently polymerize. Toxic, irritating to skin, eyes, etc.

• Polymerizable

Very soluble in water.

Pure acrylamide will decompose at 347-572F giving ammonia, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Avoid strong oxidizers. Avoid heat, ultraviolet light. Hazardous polymerization may occur. It readily polymerizes when heated to the melting point or when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is known to polymerize with violence when heated. (EPA, 1998)

Classified as very toxic; probable oral lethal human dose is between 50 and 500 mg/kg or between 1 teaspoon and 1 ounce for a 150 lb. person. Polymerized acrylamide is not toxic, but the monomer can cause peripheral nerve damage. It is a cumulative neurotoxin and repeated exposure to small amounts may cause serious injury to the nervous system. The neurological effects may be delayed. Polymer inhibitors or stabilizers added to the monomer may also produce toxicity. The symptoms of acrylamide toxicity are consistent with mid-brain lesions and blocked transport along both motor and sensory axons. Individuals with nervous system diseases should not be exposed to acrylamide. (EPA, 1998)

Amides, such as ACRYLAMIDE, react with azo and diazo compounds to generate toxic gases. Flammable gases are formed by the reaction of organic amides/imides with strong reducing agents. Amides are very weak bases (weaker than water). Mixing amides with dehydrating agents such as P2O5 or SOCl2 generates the corresponding nitrile. The combustion of these compounds generates mixed oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Spontaneous, violent polymerization occurs at its melting point (86°C) [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 428]. Can polymerize vigorously if mixed with peroxides.

• Amides and Imides
• Acrylates and Acrylic Acids
• Polymerizable Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible); polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.

For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or foam. For large fires use water spray, fog or foam. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible); polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Acrylamide:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin:
• WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
• DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Acrylamide (50%)	79-06-1	Liquid			>480		>480	>480	>480	>480	>480
Acrylicamide (50%)	79-06-1	Liquid			>480		>480	>480	>480	>480	>480
Propenamide (50%)	79-06-1	Liquid			>480		>480	>480	>480	>480	>480

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Acrylamide Exposure: Acrylamide is a cumulative neurotoxin. Signs and symptoms of acute exposure may include drowsiness, fatigue, memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, tingling of fingers, loss of vibration and position senses, tremor, muscular weakness, disturbances of balance (especially with the eyes closed), and dysarthria (incoordination of the muscles used for speaking). Excessive sweating of the feet and hands may also occur. Contact with acrylamide may irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to acrylamide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to acrylamide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to acrylamide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ACRYLAMIDE
• ACRYLAMIDE MONOMER
• ACRYLAMIDE SOLUTION
• ACRYLIC ACID AMIDE (50%)
• ACRYLIC AMIDE
• ACRYLIC AMIDE 50%
• ETHYLENE CARBOXAMIDE
• ETHYLENECARBOXAMIDE
• PROPENAMIDE
• PROPENAMIDE (50%)
• 2-PROPENAMIDE
• PROPENOIC ACID, AMIDE
• VINYL AMIDE