Figure 12.1 Vapor phase concentrations of acry. lamide-water solutions (10- 50% Industries Inc., 1995. Re- 35% 8 15% What Are the Symptoms of Acrylamide poisoning? The initial symptoms of acrylamide poisoning on the skin are peeling of the skin at the point of contact, followed by tingling and numbness in the d ans(touch ingestion, inhalation) continues, muscular weakness, difficulty maintaining balance, and clumsiness in walking and in the use of the hands may develop. A large, acute exposure can produce con fusion, disorientation, slurred speech and ataxia(severe loss of balance). Muscular weakness and numbness in the extremities may also follow. Anyone exposed to any form of acrylamide should be immediately examined by a medical doctor(Bio-Rad Laboratories, MSDS, 2000) What Is the Medical Response to Accidental Acrylamide Exposure? On your skin: Wash the affected skin several times with soap for at least 15 minutes under running water In your mouth: Rinse your mouth immediately with water and seek medical attention immediately Swallowed or inhaled: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting attention immediately. If breathed fresh air, and seek medical attention immediately(Bio-Rad Laboratories, MSDS, 2000) How Can You Dispose of Excess, Unusable Acrylamide? Check with your institutional or local county environmental area. The safest ElectrophoresisWhat Are the Symptoms of Acrylamide Poisoning? The initial symptoms of acrylamide poisoning on the skin are peeling of the skin at the point of contact, followed by tingling and numbness in the exposed area. If exposure by any means (touch, ingestion, inhalation) continues, muscular weakness, difficulty maintaining balance, and clumsiness in walking and in the use of the hands may develop. A large, acute exposure can produce con￾fusion, disorientation, slurred speech and ataxia (severe loss of balance). Muscular weakness and numbness in the extremities may also follow. Anyone exposed to any form of acrylamide should be immediately examined by a medical doctor (Bio-Rad Laboratories, MSDS, 2000). What Is the Medical Response to Accidental Acrylamide Exposure? On your skin: Wash the affected skin several times with soap for at least 15 minutes under running water. In your mouth: Rinse your mouth immediately with water and seek medical attention immediately. Swallowed or inhaled: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately. If breathed in, get to fresh air, and seek medical attention immediately (Bio-Rad Laboratories, MSDS, 2000). How Can You Dispose of Excess, Unusable Acrylamide? Check with your institutional or local county environmental regulators for the disposal requirements in your area. The safest Electrophoresis 335 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Temperature °C 10% 50% 25% 35% 15% 1000 100 10 1 Vapor Phase Concentration, ppm Figure 12.1 Vapor phase concentrations of acry￾lamide-water solutions (10– 50% acrylamide). Cytec Industries Inc., 1995. Re￾printed by permission of Cytec Inc