International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 60 (1994) (p. 435)
CAS No.: 924-42-5
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-propenamide

5.1 Exposure data

N-Methylolacrylamide is a bifunctional monomer used in the production of thermoplastic polymers and as a cross-linking agent in adhesives and binders for paper products and textiles. No data were available on occupational exposure to this compound.

5.2 Human carcinogenicity data

No data were available to the Working Group.

5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data

N-Methylolacrylamide was tested by oral gavage in one experiment in mice and one experiment in rats. In mice, it increased the incidences of Harderian gland adenomas, hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas and alveolar-bronchiolar lung adenomas and carcinomas in animals of each sex and the incidence of benign granulosa-cell tumours of the ovary in females. In rats, no increase in tumour incidence was observed.

5.4 Other relevant data

N-Methylolacrylamide is absorbed by rats and mice after oral administration; no information was available regarding dermal application or inhalation. N-Methylolacrylamide administered to rats intravenously was distributed rapidly in body water; its distribution in tissues and subcellularly is similar to that of acrylamide. N-Methylolacrylamide reacts with glutathione, protein sulfhydryls and haemoglobin at rates similar to those of acrylamide, but it is not known if it is converted to acrylamide or an epoxide. Neurotoxicity developed in rats and mice exposed subchronically to N-methylolacrylamide.

No data were available on the genetic and related effects of N-methylolacrylamide in humans.

N-Methylolacrylamide did not induce micronuclei in mouse bone marrow in vivo but did induce chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro and weakly increased the frequency of sister chromatid exchange. It was not mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of N-methylolacrylamide.

There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of N-methylolacrylamide.

Overall evaluation

N-Methylolacrylamide is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Synonyms

• N-MAM P
• N-Methanolacrylamide
• Monomethylolacrylamide
• NMA

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations