Where It Comes From
Made and used as a cross‑linking monomer in resins for paper, textile finishes, adhesives, and coatings. [1][2]
How You Are Exposed
Mostly at work through skin contact with liquid monomer or inhaling mists during production or finishing; the public may have very low exposure from residual monomer in treated goods. [1][2]
Why It Matters
Irritates eyes/skin and can cause allergic skin sensitization; may irritate the respiratory tract; harmful to aquatic life; long‑term health data are limited. Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC and not listed in NTP’s Report on Carcinogens as of 2025. [1][3][4]
Who Is at Risk
Workers in monomer manufacturing, resin/formulation, textile finishing, and paper mills; people with skin allergies or eczema. [1][2]
How to Lower Your Exposure
At work—use closed systems and local exhaust, wear chemical‑resistant gloves and eye/skin protection, and practice good hygiene; at home—wash new wrinkle‑resistant textiles before use and avoid skin contact with uncured resins or industrial products containing acrylamide monomers. [1][2][5]
References
- [1]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). N‑Methylolacrylamide: Classification and uses (CLP/registration dossier). https://echa.europa.eu/
- [2]National Library of Medicine. PubChem Compound Summary: N‑Methylolacrylamide (CAS 924‑42‑5). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/N-Methylolacrylamide
- [3]IARC. Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications
- [4]NTP. Report on Carcinogens—Listing of Substances. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/cancer/roc
- [5]CDC/NIOSH. Hierarchy of Controls. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/