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757 Laboratory Safety
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Specific Chemical Hazards

Acrylamide

Acrylamide is usually found in research laboratories and is used to make polyacrylamide gels for separations of macromolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins).

This chart shows acrylamide exposure routes, symptoms, and target organs.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified acrylamide as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B); the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) lists acrylamide as a suspected human carcinogen.

To prevent worker exposure, employers must implement a written program for chemicals that workers are exposed to and that meet the requirements of the Hazard Communication standard. This program must contain provisions for worker training, warning labels and access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

For more information on acrylamide, visit the CDC Toxic Substance Portal .

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-4. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) lists _____ as a suspected human carcinogen.