Is Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) safe for babies and kids?
Very high risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) 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 ethyl methacrylate (ema)?
The IUPAC name is ethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate.
Also known as: ethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate, Ethyl methacrylate, 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester, Ethyl 2-methylacrylate.
- IUPAC name
- ethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
- CAS number
- 97-63-2
- Molecular formula
- C6H10O2
- Molecular weight
- 114.14 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCOC(=O)C(C)=C
- PubChem CID
- 7343
Risk for babies
Very high riskInfants are more vulnerable to Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) 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 Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), 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 Ethyl methacrylate (EMA).
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 5 positive / 5 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 ethyl methacrylate (ema)
- Consumer Products — Acrylic nails, Nail enhancements, Dental prosthetics
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Ethyl methacrylate (EMA):
-
Fragrance-free formulations
Trade-offs: Consumer preference for scented productsRelative cost: Lower (ingredient elimination)
-
Essential oil-based fragrances (with disclosure)
Trade-offs: Natural does not mean safe — many essential oils are skin sensitizersRelative cost: 2-5× conventional
Frequently asked questions
Is ethyl methacrylate (ema) safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) 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 ethyl methacrylate (ema)?
Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) appears in: Acrylic nails (Consumer products); Nail enhancements (Consumer products).
What should I do if my child is exposed to ethyl methacrylate (ema)?
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 Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) in the baby app
Look up products containing ethyl methacrylate (ema), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- PubChem Compound CID 7343 — database
- EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DTXSID1025308 — epa
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 97-63-2 — 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 →