Lower alkyl methacrylate esters1 are chemically-reactive molecules that are used to produce methacrylate-based plastics and resins. Their chemical reactivity (Michael reactivity) results in them combining with proteins such that they can be skin sensitizers in humans. This chemical reactivity also means that they can potentially react with other macromolecules such as DNA; raising the question of whether they might cause genetic damage; and therefore, be of concern for cancer. 

To investigate this question, MPA sponsored Dr. Richard Albertini, an independent and eminent genotoxicity expert at the University of Vermont, to review the extensive studies on the lower alkyl methacrylates and publish his findings in a peer-reviewed journal. Dr. Albertini found that in studies in bacteria, which are often used to identify chemicals that might cause cancer in humans, the lower alkyl methacrylates did not cause permanent alterations in DNA. In tests using animal cells in glassware (in vitro) with very high concentrations of the methacrylates, there was disruption or breakages of chromosomes, but Dr. Albertini concluded there was no convincing evidence that the lower alkyl methacrylates cause this type of damage in live animals. This is consistent with the lack of carcinogenicity of methyl methacrylate observed in studies of both animals and humans. Dr. Albertini explained the observation in glassware as likely being due to the high concentrations and to generation of metabolites under these artificial conditions – metabolites that do not occur in animals and humans when exposed to these chemicals. Overall, Dr. Albertini concluded that lower alkyl methacrylate esters are not of concern for cancer.

1The lower alkyl methacrylates are methyl methacrylate (MMA), the largest volume monomer, as well as ethyl methacrylate (EMA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), n-, i- and t-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and 2 ethyl hexyl methacrylate (2-EHMA), as well as methacrylic acid (MAA).

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