Acrylates & Human Health

Acrylic acid and its esters are widely used in the production of polymers around the world. Because of this, many toxicology studies have been conducted to assess their potential to cause adverse health effects.  As a group they have been well-studied, with datasets to provide a basis for proper handling and use recommendations and to satisfy global regulatory requirements.

BAMM focuses on regulatory and technical issues facing the following substances: acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. All of these chemicals have a common chemical structure. The esters of acrylic acid differ in alkyl chain length.

For more detailed information read the Acrylate Category Summary document. In addition, the Acrylate REACH Task Force prepared a Category Justifcation Document for use under EU REACH.