Polymethyl Methacrylate

Polymethyl Methacrylate molecular structure

2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Polymethyl Methacrylate?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polymethyl Methacrylate use with caution for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For preschoolers (ages 2–5) this ingredient is generally low risk but not perfectly risk-free. It can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs for some children and there’s moderate chance of an allergic reaction. The biggest worry is leftover chemicals from how it’s made.

✅What to Do

If you use a product with this ingredient on a 2–5 year old: choose products labeled or formulated for children, avoid applying near the mouth or eyes, do a small patch test on a hidden area and wait 24 hours, do not use on broken or red skin, and stop use and see a doctor if your child develops a rash, swelling, or breathing problems.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, blisters, swelling, sneezing, coughing, wheeze, or other breathing changes — these can be signs of irritation or an allergic reaction. The contamination concerns (methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, benzene) come from industry and government safety reviews and occupational health reports (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Environment Canada, AOEC, IARC), so prefer brands that test for impurities and limit concentrations. Avoid using uncertified products or those without safety testing for children.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: This ingredient has evidence of causing immune or allergy problems. The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) reports strong evidence it can be an immune and respiratory toxicant or allergen, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes limited evidence of immune-system effects. That means it can trigger allergic reactions or immune changes in children who touch or breathe it.
Asthma: There is strong evidence it can harm the lungs or act as a respiratory allergen. The AOEC lists it as a human respiratory toxicant/allergen, so it may make wheezing or asthma worse in sensitive children.
Organ Risk: A government review (Environment Canada) classifies this substance as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and assigns it a medium human health priority. Repeated or heavy exposure could hurt organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Cancer: While the international cancer agency notes the ingredient itself is not likely to cause cancer, the ingredient is flagged for high contamination risk with chemicals such as benzene. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, so contamination raises real cancer concerns if present.
Long-Term Risk: There are data gaps and regulatory limits noted by industry safety reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and government reviewers. Combined with contamination concerns and organ-toxicity classifications, this suggests possible long-term health risks from repeated exposure over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polymethyl Methacrylate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polymethyl methacrylatePOLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE2-PROPENOIC ACID, 2-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER, HOMOPOLYMERHOMOPOLYMER 2-PROPENOIC ACID, 2-METHYL-, METHYL ESTERMETHYL ESTER HOMOPOLYMER 2-PROPENOIC ACID, 2-METHYL-

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Research Articles on Polymethyl Methacrylate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Polymethyl-Methacrylate Hypersensitivity with Associated Folliculitis Decalvans After Cranioplasty: A Case Report.

PMID: 40678308PubMed ↗

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Polymethyl Methacrylate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Polymethyl Methacrylate

Safe for preschoolers to use Polymethyl Methacrylate?

Use caution with Polymethyl Methacrylate for 2-5 year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the immune system risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for preschoolers?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the asthma risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for preschoolers?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for preschoolers?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the cancer risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for preschoolers?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the long-term risk risks of Polymethyl Methacrylate for preschoolers?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Polymethyl Methacrylate?

Polymethyl Methacrylate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Polymethyl Methacrylate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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