ACRYLAMIDE MSDS

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals Page: 1

©1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETCHEMICAL NAME

ACRYLAMIDE

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ONITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'SSUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NOREPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY ORFITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFOR-MATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC NEITHERASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ORLIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATIONHEALTH FIRE REACTIVE OTHER DEGREE OF HAZARD COLOR CODING OTHER CODES

3 2 20 = Minimum Hazard1 = Slight Hazard2 = Moderate Hazard3 = Serious Hazard4 = Severe Hazard

HEALTH = BLUEFIRE = REDREACTIVITY = YELLOWOTHER = WHITE

OX = OxidizerACID = AcidALK = AlkaliCOR = CorrosiveW = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATIONCharacterization

AldehydeRCRA Number

U007EPA Class

Toxic WasteDOT Proper Shipping Name

AcrylamideChemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

79-06-1DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

Combustible Solid; IMO: Poison BDOT Emergency Guide Code

55DOT Identification Number

UN 2074Chemical Formula

C3H5NOSynonyms

Acrylic amide; ethylenecarboxamide; propenamide; 2-propenamide; acrylamide monomer.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATIONHazardous Components (specific identity) OSHA Exposure Criteria NIOSH Exposure Criteria Immediately Dangerous to

Life and Health (IDLH)ACGIH Exposure Criteria

Acrylamide (derivation: Reaction ofacrylonitrile with sulfuric acid (84.5%) andneutralization).

PEL: 0.3 mg/m 3

(skin)

STEL: Not Established

REL: 0.3 mg/m 3

(skin)

Possible Cancer Agent

60 mg/m 3

TLV: 0.3 mg/m 3

(skin)

STEL: Not Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICSBoiling Point

347-572°°F (decomposes)Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

1.12Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

0.007 at 69°°F (20°°C)Molecular Weight

71.10Vapor Density (Air = 1)

2.45Melting Point

184°°F (85°°C)Solubility

Very misc ible ( 216% at 85°°F). Also miscible with alcohol, ether, and acetone; ins oluble in benzene andheptane.Appearance and Odor

Colorless to white, odorless crystalline solid.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATAFlash Point (method used)

280°°F (138°°C) closed cupExplosive Limits in Air % by Volume

LEL: N/A UEL: N/ANFPA Classification

Combustible SolidAutoignition Temperature

Not EstablishedExtinguishing Media

Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, water spray or foam.Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Wear full protective clothing and self-contained b reathing app aratus (SCBA). A combust ible solid (mayalso be dissolved in flammable liquids. Use a water spray to keep fire-exposed containers c ool. Poi-sonous gases are produced in fire.Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Potentially explosive react ion with strong oxidizing compounds. Contain ers may ex plode in fire. Fire-fighters should avoid contact with vapors produced during fire.



SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

StabilityConditions to Avoid

Normally stable, however it can polymerize when heated to its melting point, exposed to ultra-violet light,or in contact with a catalyst. Contact in a closed container can cause rupture of the container.

Stable

X

Unstable Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Strong oxidizers.

HazardousPolymerization

Conditions to Avoid

Keep away from fire, heat, ignition sources. Poisonous gases are produced during fire. Polymerizesviolently at its melting point.

May Occur

X

Will Not Occur Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

When heated to decomposition, acrylamide emits highly toxic fumes of NO x.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Primary Route(s) of Entry:Inhalation?

X

Absorption (skin)?

X

Ingestion?

XHealth Hazards

INHALATION: Nervous system effects, including numbness and weakness in the hands and feet, loss of balance, slurred speech, and heavy sweating. These changes may be permanent.

ABSORPTION: Skin contact can result in irritating rash. Can cause severe eye burns and/or irritation. Readily absorbed through unbroken skin. A highly toxic poison through absorption.

INGESTION: Central nervous system disorders; thyroid function, muscular weakness.Carcinogenicity

Suspected HumanConfirmed Animal

NTP Listed?

No

IARC Cancer Review Group?

Group 2B

OSHA Regulated?

29 CFR 1910.1000(Table Z-1)

Target Organs?

Lungs, eyes, sk in, CNS,thyroid, reproductive sys.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Respiratory impairments (bronchitis, asthma); Hypertension; Skin conditions; Reproductive disorders.Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Flush i mmediately with water for 15 minutes (minimum), seek medical attent ion. Skincontact: Remove all contaminated clot hing. I mmediately wash area with large am ounts of soap andwater. Seek medical assistance. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratoryassistance and CPR. Transfer to medical fac ility. If swallowed, seek medical attent ion immediately.Time onset of symptoms may be delayed 1-24 months, depending on exposure route and degree).

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USESteps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Collect powd ered material in most convenient way poss ible and deposit in sealed containers. Havewater source available in case of fire. Restrict those not involved in clean-up from enter ing area. No-tify appropriate authorities, as required by SARA III, if applicable.Preferred Waste Disposal Method

Incineration (with after burner and scrubber).Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Acrylamide is a combust ible solid. Store to avoid contact with strong oxidiz ers such as c hlorine, di-oxide and bromine since violent react ions occur. Store in tightly closed contain ers in cool, well-ventilated area away from heat.Other Precautions and Warnings

Sources of ignition are prohibited wh ere acrylamide is used, ha ndled, or stored. Prior to working withacrylamide, personnel should be trained on its proper handling and storage.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTRespiratory Protection (specify type)

When potential for exposures above 0.3 mg/m3 exist, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved s upplied air respi-rator with full f acepiece, hood, or helmet in continuous flow mode, or use a full f ace piece operated inpressure demand or other positive pressure mode.Ventilation

Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.Protective Gloves

NeopreneEye Protection

Chemical/Dust Goggles or Face MaskOther Protective Clothing

Rubber ApronWork/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thor oughly after using chemical; n ever br ing food, drink, or smoking materialsinto vicinity of chemicals.



ACRYLAMIDEC3H5NO CAS: 79-06-1

2CH CH CO

NH2

32

2

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Acrylamide is a colorless-to-white, crystalline solidmaterial. Its uses include waterproofing; as a soil sta-bilizer; in the production of polymers used in papermanufacturing and flocculating processes; in grout usedto repair leaking sewer pipes; and as an additive to en-hance oil recovery. It is also used in the synthesis ofdyes; as a cross-linking agent; in the making of adhe-sives; in sewage and waste treatment; and in perma-nent-press fabrics.

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTHGeneral Assessment

Exposure to acrylamide results in neurological effectsthrough systemic exposures and skin and mucousmembrane irritation from local exposures. It is a con-firmed carcinogen in animals and is suspected of havingcarcinogenic potential in humans as well. Exposurecan occur by inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion.In industry, most common route of entry is absorption,followed by inhalation, then ingestion. Known expo-sures in humans have resulted in symptoms which indi-cate involvement of the central, peripheral, and auto-nomic nervous systems.

Inhalation effects to the central nervous systeminclude symptoms of intoxication such as confusion;disorientation; and hallucinations. Other symptomsinclude abnormal fatigue, memory difficulties, and diz-ziness. The effects on the peripheral nervous systeminclude muscle weakness; numbness in feet, hands,lower legs, and lower arms; stupor; and difficulties inwalking and standing. Autonomic effects include ex-cessive sweating and difficulties in defecation. Acuteexposures seem to affect the central nervous systemwhile repeated, long-term exposures effect the periph-eral nervous system.

Most exposures occur through skin absorption.Symptoms include local irritation and blistering. The

skin on the palms of the hands and heels of the feet maybegin to peel in conjunction with a blue coloring of thehands and feet.

Time of symptom onset may vary from one to 24months to as much as 8 years. In the work place,acrylamide is an extremely dangerous poison because itcan be absorbed through unbroken skin.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects mayoccur immediately or shortly after exposure to acryla-mide:

Skin: Irritation/rash or burning feeling upon contactwith skin. Possible dermatitis.

Eye: Severe irritation; may cause burns.

Lung: Irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs follow-ing exposure.

CNS: Inhalation of acrylamide powders may causesleepiness, dizziness, weakness, stupor, fatigue.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects mayoccur at some time after exposure to acrylamide andcan last for months or even years:

Cancer Hazards: Acrylamide is a known carcinogen inexperimental animals. Its carcinogenicity is consideredsuspect in humans. It may cause skin tumors and alsotumors of the lung.

Reproductive Hazard: There is some evidence to showthat exposure to acrylamide causes damage to the testes(male reproductive glands) in laboratory animals.

Other Chronic Effects: Acrylamide can cause damageto the central nervous system, peripheral nervous sys-tem, and autonomic nervous system. There may bepermanent symptoms such as tingling of the hands andfeet following long-term exposures.



Ä Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with acrylamide.Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for ahazardous substance, engineering controls are the mosteffective method of reducing exposures. The best pro-tection is to enclose operations and/or provide localexhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.While not always operationally feasible, isolating op-erations can also reduce exposure. Using respiratoryprotection is less effective than the controls mentionedabove, but is still advisable whenever working with oraround acrylamide. A self-contained breathing appa-ratus (SCBA) with full facepiece and pressure demandis the recommended respiratory protection of choice. Ifa full facepiece is not available, then chemical/dustgoggles should be worn to protect the eyes. Whenevera chemical splash hazard exists, a face shield and arubber apron should be worn. To prevent hand andskin exposures, neoprene or butyl rubber gloves shouldbe worn.

Administrative controls should also be in place tominimize the potential for human exposures. Thesemay include written procedures or policies which spec-ify the methods and techniques that will be practicedwhenever personnel are to work with acrylamide.

All personnel should receive training on the use,hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, andother precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazardCommunication), prior to the first assignment in anarea where acrylamide is used or stored.

Medical testing of personnel with frequent or po-tentially high exposure (half the PEL or greater or sig-nificant skin contact), should be offered before begin-ning work and at regular intervals thereafter. Thesetests should include:

; Examination of the nervous systems. Nerve con-duction tests should be considered.

Other methods to reduce exposure include:

; Where possible, enclose operations and use localexhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is notused, respiratory protection should be mandatory.

; Always ensure that proper protective clothing isworn when using chemical substances and thatpersonnel are trained on its use and care.

; Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure toacrylamide and at the end of the work shift or be-fore eating, drinking, or smoking.

; Hazard warning information should be posted inthe work area. In addition, as part of an on-goingeducation and training program, all information onthe health and safety hazards of acrylamide shouldbe communicated to all exposed or potentially ex-posed workers.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENTGeneral Assessment

The environment is at risk of exposure during trans-portation, storage, disposal, or destruction of acryla-mide. In almost every scenario, the threat of environ-mental exposure is contingent upon the proper handlingof the chemical substance. Accidental spills, large orsmall, can result in fire, explosion, and possible con-tamination of the surrounding environmental mediums(water, soil, and, to a lesser degree, air).

Acrylamide is considered a combustible solid and apoison. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agentsand contact can cause fire or explosion. These charac-teristics require special consideration during any emer-gency situation involving a leak or spill of acrylamide.Should acrylamide ever come into contact with incom-patible substances such as chlorine dioxide or bromineeither during use, transportation, or storage, the forma-tion of highly toxic and/or highly explosive commodi-ties is extremely possible.

The proper disposal/destruction method for acry-lamide is to burn it in a chemical incinerator equippedwith an afterburner and air scrubber. Acrylamide canenter the environment mainly through the effluents ofindustrial process, and spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the deathof animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth ratein plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after ani-mals or plants are exposed to acrylamide. This chemi-cal has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. No dataare available on the short-term effects of acrylamide toplants, birds, or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortenedlife span, reproductive problems, lower fertility, andchanges in appearance or behavior in exposed animals.These effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) totoxic chemicals.



Acrylamide has moderate chronic toxicity inaquatic life. No data are available on the long-termeffects of acrylamide to plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility

Acrylamide is highly soluble in water. Concentrationsof 1000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter ofwater.

� Persistence in the Environment

Acrylamide is slightly persistent in the aquatic envi-ronment, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. Thehalf-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes forone half of the chemical to be degraded. Approxi-mately 95% of acrylamide will eventually end up inwater; the remainder will end up in air.

O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioac-cumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contami-nated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contami-nated food. These chemicals can become concentratedin the tissues and internal organs of animals as well ashumans.

The concentration of acrylamide found in fish tis-sues is expected to be about the same as the averageconcentration of acrylamide in water from which thefish was taken.

Ä Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likeli-hood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or spillto the environment. The correct use of DOT labeling(per the MSDS) on all containers, trucks, and rail carswill enable emergency responders to react properly andquickly to any disaster thereby reducing the potentialrisk to the environment and to personnel.

Storage of acrylamide should be segregated fromincompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of cross-contamination or contact. Buildings designated forstorage should be equipped with appropriate fire pro-tection systems (alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting,portable extinguishers).

If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,fire department, emergency response and/or hazardousmaterials spill personnel should be notified immedi-ately. Clean-up should be attempted only by thosetrained in proper spill containment procedures. Con-taminated soils should be removed for incineration and

replaced with clean soil. If acrylamide should contactthe water table, aquifer, or navigable waterway, time isof the essence. It is highly miscible in water and, there-fore, total containment and remediation may not be en-tirely possible. When such spills occur, the local orstate emergency response authorities must be notified.A comprehensive emergency response or disaster pre-paredness/recovery plan should be in place prior to anyoperations involving the use, transportation, storage, ordisposal of acrylamide.

If acrylamide is spilled or leaked, the followingspecific steps are recommended:

; Restrict persons not wearing protective clothingfrom area of spill or leak until cleanup is completeand area can be opened for normal work.

; Remove all ignition sources and ventilate area.

; Collect powdered material in the most convenientmanner possible and deposit in sealed containers.Use non-sparking tools.

; It may be necessary to dispose of acrylamide as ahazardous waste. The responsible state agency orthe regional office of the federal EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) should be contacted forspecific recommendations.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESSGeneral Assessment

Accidents or mishaps involving acrylamide can presenta significant threat to business operations. The loss ordamage of equipment or facilities can significantly ef-fect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result from per-sonnel injury/death, public exposures, and/or environ-mental contamination will also require a serious expen-diture of resources.

Media attention surrounding an injury, death, orenvironmental damage can also result in a loss of prof-its and loss of current as well as future business.

Ä Recommended Controls for Risk-Reduction

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,and environmental specialists should be involved in thedevelopment of any safety, health, or environmentalprocedures. A company official should be pre-designated as a public relations officer with specifictraining in dealing with the press. Corporate plans andpolicies should be developed, approved, and imple-mented long before any need for such arises.



REFERENCESAhlbom, A. 1993. Biostatistics for Epidemiologists. New York: CRC

Press/Lewis Publishers.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1988. Docu-mentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological ExposureIndices, 5th Edition (with updates). Cincinnati: ACGIH

Asante-Duah, D. K. 1993. Hazardous Waste Risk Assessment. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Bloom, A. D. and F. J. DeSerres. 1995. Ecotoxicity and Human Health.New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Brusick, D. J. 1994. Methods for Genetic Risk Assessment. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Bueche, J. R. 1972. Principles of Physics, 2nd Edition. New York:McGraw-Hill.

Burrell, R., D. K. Flaherty, and L. J. Sauers. 1992. Toxicology of the Im-mune System. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Calabrese, E. J., E. M. Kenyon. Air Toxics and Risk Assessment. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Calabrese, E. J. 1994. Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Cockerman, L. G., B. S. Shane. 1994. Basic Environmental Toxicology.New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Cothern, C. R., N. P. Ross. 1994. Environmental Statistics, Assessment,and Forecasting. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Cothern, R. R. 1993. Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Cothern, C. R. 1995. Handbook for Environmental Risk Decisionmaking.New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Danse, I. R. 1991. Common Sense Toxics in the Workplace. New York:Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Gardner, R. W. 1994. Chemical Intolerance. New York: CRC Press/LewisPublishers.

Hallenbeck, W. H. 1993. Quantitative Risk Assessment for Environmentaland Occupational Health, 2nd Edition. New York: CRCPress/Lewis Publishers.

Hogan, K. A. 1990. Mortality patterns and acrylamide exposures. Journal ofOccupational Medicine, 32:947-949.

Hosty, J. W., and P. Foster. 1990. A Practical Guide to Chemical SpillResponse. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Howard, P. H. 1995. Handbook of Environmental Fate and ExposuresData for Organic Chemicals, Vol. I-IV. New York: CRCPress/Lewis Publishers.

Howard, P. H., et. al. 1991. Handbook of Environmental DegradationRates. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

James, A., and M. Lord. 1992. Index of Chemical and Physical Data. NewYork: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Johnson, K. A., et. al. 1984. Acrylamide: A Two-Year Drinking WaterChronic Toxicity-Oncogenicity Study in Fischer 344 Rats. Spon-sored by American Cyanamid Company, Dow Chemical U.S.A.,Nalco Chemical Company and Standard Oil Company, Ohio.

Jones, F. E. 1994. Toxic Organic Vapors in the Workplace. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Keith, L. H. and M. M. Walker. 1995. Handbook of Air Toxics. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Landis, W. G., M. H. Yu. 1995. Introduction to Environmental Toxicol-ogy. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Langerman, N. 1994 Precautionary Labels for Chemical Containers. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Lauwerys, R. R., P. Hoet. 1993. Industrial Chemical Exposure. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12thEdition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials,Volumes 1, 2, and 3, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Rein-hold.

Lide, D. R. 1995. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 76th Edition. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Manahan, S. E. 1994. Environmental Chemistry, 6th Edition. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Manahan, S. E. 1992. Toxicological Chemistry, 2nd Edition. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Mellström, G. A., J. E. Wahlberg, and H. I. Maibach. 1994. ProtectiveGloves for Occupational Use. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Pub-lishers.

Meyer, E. 1990. Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice Hall.

Mycock, J. C., J. D. McKenna, and L. Theodore. 1995. Handbook of AirPollution Control Engineering and Technology. New York: CRCPress/Lewis Publishers.

Nelson, G. O. 1992. Gas Mixtures. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publish-ers.

Ott, W. R. 1995. Environmental Statistics and Data Analysis. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Patnaik, P. 1992. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties ofChemical Substances. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Philp, R. B. 1995. Environmental Hazards and Human Health. NewYork: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Proctor, N. H., and J. P. Hughes. 1991. Chemical Hazards of the Work-place. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Quigley, D. R. 1994. Handbook of Emergency Chemical Management.New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Sherman, J. D. 1988. Chemical Exposure and Disease. New York: VanNostrand Reinhold.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occu-pational Safety and Health. 1994. NIOSH Pocket Guide to ChemicalHazards. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

World Health Organization. 1985. Environmental Health Criteria 49:Acrylamide, pp 1-121. The International Programme on ChemicalSafety. WHO: Geneva.

Documents

ACRYLAMIDE MSDS