Acrylamide Department of Environmental Health and Safety Acrylamide Acrylamide is a common research laboratory chemical. Widely used as a cross linking agent for electrophoresis separation procedures, acrylamide is a basic requirement for various biochemical techniques. This familiarity may cause some lab personnel to overlook the hazardous nature of this toxic substance.
Acrylamide is an odorless powder that exists as white crystals.
In this form the monomer is extremely dangerous because the dust can easily become airborne and enter the respiratory system. Apart from the respiratory irritation that may result, the monomer is readily absorbed through the mucus membranes into the blood stream. Direct contact with dissolved acrylamide may lead to an exfoliative, reddish rash and can also introduce the monomer into the circulation. Oral exposure is also considered a risk if the employee touches the face with a contaminated glove. Acrylamide is a powerful central and peripheral nervous system toxicant.