Acrylamide is highly toxic as a monomer when in crystal form. Protective clothing should worn when handling the crystal to avoid absorption through the skin. When acrylamide is polymerized into a gel, the material is no longer toxic and may be disposed of in domestic trash. Caution should be taken to ensure that no other chemicals or hazardous materials are being discarded with the acrylamide gel and it has been completely polymerized into gel.
Exposure to acrylamide may lead to red skin and peeling. Acrylamide crystals are water soluble. Exposure to mixtures with 50 percent acrylamide lead to eye damage and irritation that can heal in about eight days. Repeated, daily exposure to acrylamide can lead to numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, slurred speech, fatigue and vertigo.
Two major polymerization protocols and resulting acrylamide gel are somewhat dictated by the application of the chemical. Chemical polymerization is generally used for such applications as DNA sequencing. Photochemical polymerization is primary used for horizontal electrofocusing which is the process of separating molecules by their charge.