Is 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema)?
The IUPAC name is 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate.
Also known as: 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate, 2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE, Glycol methacrylate, Hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
- IUPAC name
- 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
- CAS number
- 868-77-9
- Molecular formula
- C6H10O3
- Molecular weight
- 130.14 g/mol
- SMILES
- CC(=C)C(=O)OCCO
- PubChem CID
- 13360
Risk for babies
High riskInfants are more vulnerable to 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA).
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 1 positive / 3 negative reports) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema)
- Consumer Products — Dental adhesives, Gel nail polish, Contact lenses, Acrylic nails
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA):
-
Bio-based polymer alternatives where available
Trade-offs: Performance limitations. End-of-life complexity.Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
Frequently asked questions
Is 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema) safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema)?
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) appears in: Dental adhesives (Consumer products); Gel nail polish (Consumer products).
What should I do if my child is exposed to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the baby app
Look up products containing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- PubChem Compound CID 13360 — database
- EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DTXSID7022128 — epa
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 868-77-9 — reference
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →