Acrylamide

1Identification

Name

Acrylamide

IUPAC name

prop-2-enamide

CAS number

79-06-1

EC number

201-173-7

Molecular formula

C3H5NO

Molecular weight

71.08 g/mol

InChIKey

HRPVXLWXLXDGHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C=CC(=O)N

PubChem CID

6579

Synonyms

2-Propenamide, prop-2-enamide, Propenamide, Acrylic acid amide, Acrylic amide, Ethylenecarboxamide, Vinyl amide, Akrylamid, Acrylagel, Propeneamide, Optimum, Amresco Acryl-40, Propenoic acid amide, Ethylene Carboxamide

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Acrylamide
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Acrylamide is used as a reactive monomer and intermediate in the production of organic chemicals and in the synthesis of polyacrylamides. Acrylamide is also used as a flocculent for sewage and waste treatment, soil conditioning agents, ore processing, paper and textile industries, and in the manufacture of dyes, adhesives, and permanent press fabrics.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used as a polymer or copolymer to produce sealants, adhesives, fibers, paper sizing, molded parts, water coagulants, and textiles. In the United States, 90% of acrylamide is used to produce polyacrylamide for water treatment (60%), pulp and paper production (20%) and mineral processing (10%); [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Monomers Processing aids, specific to petroleum production
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food Contaminant -> CONTAMINANT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Acrylamide is a colorless, odorless, crystalline solid that can react violently when melted. When it is heated, sharp fumes may be released.Acrylamide is used to make polyacrylamide, which is mainly used in treating waste water discharge from water treatment plants and industrial processes.In addition, acrylamide and polyacrylamides are used in the production of dyes and organic chemicals, contact lenses, cosmetics and toiletries, permanent-press fabrics, paper and textile production, pulp and paper production, ore processing, sugar refining, and as a chemical grouting agent and soil stabilizer for the construction of tunnels, sewers, wells and reservoirs.Acrylamide is formed in foods that a…
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Acrylamide can cause cancer according to The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It can cause developmental toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to The National Toxicology Program's Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Acrylamide appears as 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS06, GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• 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)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible); polymerization hazard]: TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• 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)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible); polymerization hazard]: Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. Substance may be transported hot.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• Acrylamide is a colorless, odorless, crystalline solid that can react violently when melted. When it is heated, sharp fumes may be released.Acrylamide is used to make polyacrylamide, which is mainly used in treating waste water discharge from water treatment plants and industrial processes.In addition, acrylamide and polyacrylamides are used in the production of dyes and organic chemicals, contact lenses, cosmetics and toiletries, permanent-press fabrics, paper and textile production, pulp and paper production, ore processing, sugar refining, and as a chemical grouting agent and soil stabilizer for the construction of tunnels, sewers, wells and reservoirs.Acrylamide is formed in foods that a…
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• The largest use for acrylamide is as an intermediate in the production of organic chemicals and in the synthesis of polyacrylamides. Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) oral exposures to acrylamide have resulted in damage to the nervous system in humans and animals. Human data are inadequate on acrylamide and cancer risk. In rats orally exposed to acrylamide, significantly increased incidences of tumors at multiple sites have been observed. EPA has classified acrylamide as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible); polymerization hazard]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Weakness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam extinguishers. ... The only respirators recommended for firefighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full face-pieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Combustion will produce irritants and toxic gases.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 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 tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Prompt cleanup and removal are necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Remove all ignition sources. Small spills: absorb with sand or other noncombustible absorbent materials and place into containers for later disposal. Small dry spills: with clean shovel place materials into clean, dry container and cover; move containers from spill area. Large spills: dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Light sensitive. Store under inert gas. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic hazardous materials or hazardous materials causing chronic effects.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separate from oxidizing materials and peroxides. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away from heat, sunlight, acids, and alkalies.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store separately in an area isolated from flammables, combustibles, or other yellow coded materials. ... Store in a secure poison location. ... Store only if stabilized, under inert gas. Before entering confined space where acrylamide may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly-closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible); polymerization hazard]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus Important additiona…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• ACRYLAMIDE SOLUTION is weakly basic. Can polymerize vigorously if mixed with peroxides. May react with azo and diazo compounds to generate toxic gases. Flammable gases may form by reaction with strong reducing agents. Combustion generates mixed oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Very soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Acids, oxidizing agents, iron and iron salts, copper, brass, free radical initiators.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Reacts violently with strong oxidizers. Reacts with reducing agents, peroxides, acids, bases, and vinyl polymerization initiators. Fine particles of dust form explosive mixture with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Spontaneously reacts with hydroxyl-, amino-, and sulfhydryl-containing compounds.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Neurological (Nervous System), Reproductive (Producing Children)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Nervous
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system. The effects may be delayed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the nervous system. This may result in peripheral nerve damage. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage to human germ cells. May cause toxicity to human reproduction or development. Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U007, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 2074, UN 3426

Shipping name

• UN 2074; Acrylamide; Acrylamide, solid
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• UN 3426: Acrylamide, solution
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Acrylamide, solid
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2074
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 6.1 Poisonous materials (49 eCFR § 173.132)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 3426 153P
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 2074 153P
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Acrylamide is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Acrylamide is included on this list. Effective date: 10/4/82; Sunset date: 10/4/92.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U007; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when acrylamide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Homopolymers and copolymers of acrylamide are indirect food additives for use only as a component of adhesives. /Homopolymers and copolymers of acrylamide/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6579 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.