VOL.: 19 (1979) (p. 47)
Acrylic acid
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Propenoic acid
Methyl acrylate
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Propenoic acid methyl ester
Ethyl acrylate
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Propenoic acid ethyl ester
Polyacrylic acid
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Propenoic acid homopolymer
Ethyl acrylate was tested in rats by oral administration; the reporting of the experiment was considered inadequate by the Working Group. No mutagenicity data on ethyl acrylate were available to the Working Group.
Acrylic acid is embryotoxic and teratogenic.
Acrylic acid is used primarily for the production of acrylates and polymers, and human exposure may be expected to occur. The use of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and polyacrylic acid in a variety of textile, surface coating and other applications suggests other occupational exposures. Because methyl and ethyl acrylate as well as polyacrylic acid components are permitted in some countries for use in contact with foods, the general population may be exposed; in addition, polyacrylic acid sodium salt has been used as a food additive in one country.
The Working Group noted the absence of data on carcinogenicity and mutagenicity for this group of substances and considered that suitable experiments should be undertaken. Even in the absence of such data in animals, because of the substantial production of these compounds and products containing them as well as the diversity of end-applications, research should be undertaken to identify exposed groups, to measure exposure levels and to conduct the appropriate epidemiological studies.
Subsequent evaluations: Vol 39 (1986) (Methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate); Suppl. 7 (1987) (Ethyl acrylate, p. 63: Group 2B) (Methyl acrylate, p. 66: Group 3) (Polyacrylic acid, p. 70: Group 3); Vol 71 (1999) (Acrylic acid); (Ethyl acrylate); (Methyl acrylate)
For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations