Industrial Hygiene Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 11^th, 2020

The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) describes acrylamide as a colorless, odorless, crystalline solid that can react violently when melted. Acrylamide is used to make polyacrylamides, which are mainly used in treating wastewater discharge from water treatment plants and industrial processes.

In addition, the agency reports that acrylamide and polyacrylamides are used in the production of dyes and organic chemicals, contact lenses, cosmetics and toiletries, permanent-press fabrics, textile production, pulp and paper production, ore processing, sugar refining, and as a chemical grouting agent and soil stabilizer for the construction of tunnels, sewers, wells and reservoirs. Acrylamide is also formed in foods that are rich in carbohydrates when they are fried, grilled or baked. The ATSDR asserts that for the general population, exposure to acrylamide occurs mainly through eating contaminated food although it can also occur by breathing secondhand smoke.

Workers can be exposed if they are involved in the production or use of acrylamide and acrylamide containing products. Occupational exposure routes listed by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) include inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, as well as skin and/or eye contact. Symptoms of exposure may include irritation of the eyes and skin; ataxia, numb limbs and paresthesia; muscle weakness; absent deep tendon reflexes; hand sweating; lassitude and drowsiness; reproductive effects; and the potential for occupational cancers.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have all concluded that acrylamide is likely to be carcinogenic to humans. California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added acrylamide to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer for purposes of Proposition 65 in 1990, and for developmental and reproductive toxicity in 2011.

“There are NIOSH and OSHA occupational exposure limits for acrylamide meant to protect workers,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The EPA regulates acrylamide levels in drinking water and the FDA also regulates the amount of it in a variety of materials that come in contact with food products. At EMSL, we offer testing for acrylamide and countless other regulated chemicals.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video acrylamide and potential exposure that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/lsNsJJuT0uw.

To learn more about acrylamide or other food safety, industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.