Toxicity of Polyacrylamide and Acrylamide Monome

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present information gathered regarding, in general, the physical characteristics, and, in particular, the possible toxic nature of polyacrilamides. A short discussion of the properties and toxicity of the acrylamide monomer is also included. The United States government, specifically the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, already regulates several uses of polyacrylamide; criteria and standards have been established based on numerous toxicological studies of both polyacrylamide and acrylamide. These studies are reviewed and summarized. The regulations generally restrict both the amount of residual acrylamide monomer in the polyacrylamide and the amount of polymer that may be used in the specified application. By imposing this type of restriction, a maximum limit on the amount of acrylamide in contact with food or drinking water can be indirectly achieved.