Review of the toxicity of multifunctional acrylates

Multifunctional acrylates and methacrylates (MFA) represent a class of materials with considerable chemical reactivity that are used in many applications with opportunity for contact exposure. They represent appreciable eye and skin contact hazards, and several members of the class may be absorbed from skin to cause systemic effects. A number of MFAs have been identified as sensitizers. While the acute toxicity of MFAs is certain, the effects of repeated or chronic exposure are less clear. Data are presented that suggest that MFAs are not appreciable fetotoxic or teratogenic hazards and do not elicit a strong carcinogenic response following chronic dermal exposure. The use of these data for product safety purposes and research needs is discussed.