ACRYLIC RESINS (MONOMERS)
Agent Name
ACRYLIC RESINS (MONOMERS)
Major Category
Plastics & Rubber
Synonyms
CLASSES; (Meth)acrylates; Acrylate plastic monomers; Acrylate resin monomers; Acrylic resins are polymers of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, BIS-GMA, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate and other esters of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and cyanoacrylic acid.
Description
Acrylates & methacrylates polymerize when exposed to light or oxygen. Hydroquinone or other inhibitors are added to technical products. At room temperature, low-molecular-weight acrylates & methacrylates are liquids with an acrid odor. [Zenz, p. 755]
Sources/Uses
Used in 1) plastics (skylights, house wares, lamps, watch crystals, etc.); 2) paints and lacquers; 3) glues and sealants; 4) paper, cardboard, leather and textile finishes; 5) printing inks, plates and photoresists; and 6) dental and orthopedic cements and prostheses; [Zenz, p. 755-6] Used in dentistry for "composite restorative materials, bonding agents and dentures." [Reference #2]
Comments
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in construction workers, dental workers, electronics workers, printers, and manicurists (artificial sculptured nails); [Marks] ACD after contact with resins and glues frequently reported in dental workers, hairstylists, and car workers; Also after exposure to inks (textile fabric printers); [Kanerva, p. 1738-46] "Allergic contact dermatitis from acrylic resins typically affects the fingertips." [Kanerva, p. 543] Occupational asthma has been reported in nurses regularly mixing methyl methacrylate for bone cement and in workers using ethyl and methyl cyanoacrylate glues. [Zenz, p. 761]
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: