Is Acrylic Resin safe when breathed in?

Ethyl acrylate, a monomer used in acrylic resins, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); however, cancer bioassay studies in animals by inhalation did not show an increase in tumor incidence, and some reviews suggest it is unlikely to pose a human cancer hazard under realistic exposure conditions.

Why here

Acrylic resins are polymers derived from acrylic monomers, and residual monomers or their volatile compounds can be released and inhaled.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of ethyl acrylate, particularly in occupational settings where exposure to the monomer or its volatile compounds may occur. The IARC classification is based on various routes, but inhalation studies in animals did not show increased tumor incidence.

Inhalation of dust, gas, fumes, or vapors from acrylic resin can irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, and throat, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and wheezing.

Why here

Acrylic resins can release volatile chemical compounds, dust, or fumes during processes like polymerization, thermal decomposition, sanding, cutting, or general use, which can then be inhaled.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of acrylic resin dust, gas, fumes, or vapors, particularly in poorly ventilated environments or during activities that generate airborne particles.

Some individuals may experience allergic hypersensitivity reactions to acrylic resin upon inhalation, which can manifest as shortness of breath or aggravate existing respiratory issues like asthma.

Why here

Volatile compounds, dust, or fumes from acrylic resins can trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals when inhaled.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of acrylic resin dust, fumes, or vapors, particularly for individuals with pre-existing sensitivities or allergies.

Some components or byproducts associated with plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which can be present in certain resins or released from plastic products, are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to hormonal disruption upon inhalation in animal studies.

Why here

Acrylic resins are a type of plastic, and some plastics or their additives, including potential contaminants or decomposition products, may have endocrine-disrupting properties that could be relevant via inhalation.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of volatile compounds or particulate matter from resins, particularly if they contain endocrine-disrupting additives or monomers, at levels observed in certain occupational or environmental settings. For example, inhalation of 3D printing emissions containing BPA at an average of 2.5 mg/m³/day increased circulating estradiol levels in rats.

Acrylic resins can emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethyl acrylate, formaldehyde, styrene, toluene, and benzene, some of which are classified as carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. Ethyl acrylate is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and formaldehyde is classified as Carc1B by the EU.

Why here

These carcinogenic VOCs and HAPs are released into the indoor air during the application, curing, and off-gassing of acrylic resin-containing products, leading to inhalation exposure.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of airborne ethyl acrylate, formaldehyde, styrene, toluene, or benzene emitted from acrylic resin products. Regulatory bodies like the EPA and California OEHHA have set reference exposure limits for styrene around 900 μg/m³.

Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound that can be emitted from some acrylic resin systems, is recognized as an endocrine disruptor by the European Union.

Why here

Formaldehyde can be released into indoor air from acrylic resin-based materials, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential inhalation exposure.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of airborne formaldehyde emitted from acrylic resin products. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment sets the threshold for chronic relative exposure limit at 7 ppb (volume) per person per year.

Acrylic resins, particularly during their curing process, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as methyl methacrylate, which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and eye irritation in indoor environments.

Why here

These VOCs are released into the indoor air during the application and curing of acrylic resin-based products, leading to direct inhalation exposure.

What would have to be true

Inhalation of airborne VOCs, with methyl methacrylate concentrations exceeding 100 ppm for acute symptoms, or prolonged exposure at 25-50 ppm for more serious conditions. Total VOC (TVOC) concentrations can reach 45-116 μg/m³ under realistic room conditions and over 128,000 μg/m³ in poorly ventilated enclosed chambers.

Acrylates and methacrylates, common components of acrylic resins, are strong contact irritants and allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, manifesting as rashes, eczema, nail dystrophy, and periungual dermatitis, particularly with prolonged or repeated dermal exposure.

Why here

Dermal leave-on products, especially those in the beauty industry like artificial nails, eyelashes, and hair extensions, involve direct and prolonged skin contact, increasing the risk of sensitization and allergic reactions to unpolymerized monomers.

What would have to be true

Direct and repeated skin contact with unpolymerized acrylate or methacrylate monomers, such as those found in artificial nail products or medical adhesives.

Acrylic copolymers, including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and styrene/acrylates copolymer, are non-biodegradable solid synthetic polymers that contribute to microplastic pollution, with some nano forms already restricted in EU cosmetics.

Why here

While much focus has been on rinse-off products, microplastics from leave-on cosmetic and personal care products are understudied, and their potential health and environmental risks require urgent research, as these particles can be released into the environment.

What would have to be true

Release of acrylic microparticles from leave-on cosmetic products into the environment through washing or shedding from the skin.

Styrene acrylates copolymer, used in cosmetics, may contain residual styrene, which is classified as a "reasonably anticipated human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC Group 2A: probably carcinogenic to humans) and the National Toxicology Program. Additionally, ethyl acrylate, a component of some acrylic resins, is classified by IARC as a carcinogen (IARC Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans).

Why here

While the full polymer is considered to have low absorption, the presence of residual, unreacted monomers like styrene and ethyl acrylate in dermal leave-on cosmetic formulations could lead to skin exposure to these suspected carcinogens.

What would have to be true

Dermal exposure to cosmetic products containing styrene acrylates copolymer with residual styrene, or products containing ethyl acrylate. Trace amounts of residual styrene have been detected in stick-on nail products.