Abstract |
Acrylamide is a highly toxic compound as evidenced by an R.F. LD50 of 0.316 gm./kg. for rats by the oral route. It has the same order of acute toxicity as propylene chlorhydrin, and approximately 8 times that of acrylic acid, 10 times that of formamide, and 100 times that of acetamide. Skin penetration studies were not carried out because of the solid nature of the compound. A mist exposure was abruptly terminated when the compound polymerized in the bubbler held at 170 degrees C. No rats died as a result of the 30 minute exposure that was completed. Acrylamide as a 40% solution in acetone is non-irritant to rabbit skin and a 10% solution in propylene glycol does not damage rabbit eyes. Aside from the dangers of ingestion, this compound should not present any great hazard to persons handling it, unless it should prove to be a powerful sensitizer. |