CAS Number: 140-88-5. A clear liquid that is slightly soluble in
water. It is used in the manufacture of water-based latex paints
and adhesives, textile and paper coatings, and in the production
of acrylic fibers. Chemical formula = C5H8O2. Molecular weight =
100.11 g/mol.
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Exposure to ethyl acrylate is primarily occupational. Acute
(short-term) exposure of workers to ethyl acrylate vapors has
been reported to cause drowsiness, lethargy, headache, nausea,
convulsions, and respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation.
Noncancerous lesions and inflammation of the nasal mucosa and
depressed body weight gain have been observed in rats and mice
exposed by inhalation for a chronic (long-term) duration. Human
studies on occupational exposure to ethyl acrylate/methyl
methacrylate have suggested a relationship between exposure to
the chemical(s) and colorectal cancer, but the evidence is
conflicting and inconclusive. In a study by the National
Toxicology Program (NTP), increased incidences of squamous cell
papillomas and carcinomas of the forestomach were observed in
rats and mice exposed via gavage (experimentally placing the
chemical in the stomach). EPA has classified ethyl acrylate as a
Group B2, probable human carcinogen.