Because of its ability to mix with water and its inability to bind well to soil, acrylamide that makes its way into the ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals are not likely to store acrylamide. Effects of acrylamide on human health and the environment depend on how much acrylamide is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the condition of the environment when exposure occurs. Exposure to acrylamide for short periods of time can adversely affect the human nervous system.
Effects range from drowsiness to incoordination, hallucinations, and confusion.
Direct contact with dissolved acrylamide irritates the skin. Acrylamide dust irritates the respiratory system. These effects are not likely to occur at levels of acrylamide that are normally found in the environment. Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming small amounts of acrylamide over long periods of time are not known. Workers repeatedly exposed to acrylamide have developed neurologic symptoms such as abnormal sensation, muscle weakness, and incoordination.