Acrylamide

Other names: Polyquaternium-7, Acrylamide monomer, 2Propenamide, Propenamide, Polyacrylamide, Polyacrylamide

Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)

Acrylamide is an organic substance that carries a relatively high potential for endangering human health. The sources from which it enters the human body are varied and interfere with everyday life. Acrylamide enters our bodies from foods, especially baked goods, potato products, coffee and even children's cereals. However, it is also used in the cosmetics industry. Acrylamide is also known by the names Polyquaternium-7, Acrylamide monomer, 2Propenamide, Propenamide, Polyacrylamide, Polyacrylamide.

Acrylamide is an ingredient that is used to make polyacrylamide gels. These then find use in various fields such as drinking water purification, oil extraction, paper production and even in personal care products. Under the name Polyquaternium-7, this substance is often found in shampoos and shower gels, where it ensures their smoothness and improves the combability of hair. As a component of cosmetic products, acrylamide can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. In the food industry, acrylamide is mainly formed during high-temperature processing of starch-rich foods such as French fries. When these foods are prepared at temperatures above 120 degrees, the sugars react with a specific amino acid residue, leading to the formation of acrylamide. Although acrylamide has been shown to be present in these foods, it should be noted that the degree of danger to the human body depends on the amount of acrylamide-containing food consumed and not on the presence of acrylamide itself. Therefore, we can limit our intake of acrylamide by choosing healthier dietary habits.