!Acrylamide Acrylamide (C₃H₃ONH₂) is a colourless crystalline solid chemical. It readily forms water-soluble polymers. It is produced naturally in certain foods when they are cooked at high temperatures. It is also manufactured industrially for use in the production of polyacrylamide gels, which are used for various purposes, including the treatment of drinking-water and wastewater. Acrylamide is known to cause cancer in animals and, in high doses, can cause nerve damage in humans.