What do we know about acrylamide and its health risks?
Acrylamide has caused nerve damage in people who have been exposed to it as a result of occupational and accidental exposure. However, very little is known about its effect on humans via the diet, but on the basis of animal data and understanding of its biological effects, it is thought that acrylamide could possibly cause cancer. In studies on male animals, acrylamide was also shown to reduce fertility. Acrylamide is considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen. It has the potential to cause cancer by interacting with the genetic material (DNA) in cells. Based on independent expert scientific advice, the Agency believes that exposure to such chemicals should be as low as reasonably practicable.
