Peripheral neuropathy with sympathetic overactivity from industrial contact with acrylamide

This paper describes the experimental and clinical findings of acrylamide intoxication in a human being. It is believed that this is the first such case to be recorded in the medical literature.Acrylamide is widely used as a "chemical grout". It is pumped into dirt, clay and stone walls of excavations in a liquid state together with a catalyst, and it then polymerizes to make a watertight shield.This chemical is neurotoxic in its non-polymerized form and can be absorbed through the intact skin, mucous membranes and lungs. In spite of warnings with regard to its handling, this worker became careless, and developed a contact dermatitis and a polyneuropathy with bluish cold extremities which dripped perspiration.In six months' time after his removal from contact with the chemical the patient made a complete clinical recovery. He was advised not to work with the chemical.