Environmental Health & Safety

Laboratory Safety Sub Committee

HARVARD UNIVERSITY SAFETY ALERT

ACRYLAMIDE

Several of our laboratories use acrylamide (acryl amide, propenamide). A suspected carcinogen, acrylamide is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, absorbed though the skin, or contacted by the eyes. It can polymerize violently at temperatures above 65¡C. Repeated skin contact (even by 1.0% solutions) may cause irreversible nervous system disturbances. Consequently, rubber gloves, goggles and lab coats should always be worn when working with acrylamide or acrylamide solutions and all work with solid acrylamide should be done in a hood. Prevent contamination of acrylamide with readily oxidizable materials and polymerization accelerators. Store away from heat and flame. As with all laboratory chemicals, do not mouth pipet acrylamide solutions and be sure that such solutions are clearly labeled.

Symptoms of exposure to acrylamide include skin irritation, difficulty with breathing, drowsiness, fatigue, tingling of the fingers, and loss of balance. Onset of symptoms is sometimes delayed for one or two days. In case of exposure by inhalation, remove to fresh air, then call UHS, or, if breathing is difficult, call the Harvard Police for immediate medical attention. For eye or skin exposure, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention. In case of ingestion, call the Harvard Police for immediate medical attention.

As with all accidents, report any exposure as soon as possible to your Lab Supervisor and Lab Director.

Dispose of acrylamide properly, depending on other chemicals or isotopes present.

Additional safety information on acrylamide and other chemicals can be obtained by calling the the Building Safety Officer.or the E.H.&S. office.

Phone Numbers
Office	Days	Nights,Weekends
POLICE	5-1212	5-1212
UNIV. HEALTH SERVICES	5-5711	5-5711
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY	5-2852	5-5560
CMB SAFETY OFFICE	5-7767	5-5560
CMB DIRECTOR'S OFFICE	5-2302	5-5560