Evaluation of Occupational Acrylamide Exposures

Abstract

Abstract Since commercial production of acrylamide began in 1954, there have been at least 60 reported cases of acrylamide poisoning resulting in peripheral neuropathy in workers. All of these cases except one have involved occupational exposure to acrylamide monomerfrom either acrylamide and/or Polyacrylamide manufacturing, or acrylamide grouting. Because of a lack of adequate exposure data for these reported cases of acrylamide intoxication and for current work environment conditions, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have undertaken a study to evaluate exposures in four acrylamide-polyacrylamide manufacturing plants and atone sewergrouting site. Ninety-one personal eight-hourtime-weighted average (TWA) exposures from 81 workers in the manufacturing plants had airborne acrylamide levels ranging from 0.001 to 0.392 mg/m3 with a geometric mean of 0.036 mg/m3. The mean exposure level for monomer operators was 0.065 mg/m3; polymer operators, 0.031 mg/m3; and mainte...