What is it?
Ethyl cyanoacrylate is an acrylate compound used in instant glues found in the household and industry. It readily forms bonds with almost any kind of material. While not as commonly used in medicine and surgery as the related chemical 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, ethyl cyanoacrylate is used in a few surgical glues.

How can I avoid it?
Avoidance requires reading labels, package inserts, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and on occasion, direct communication with the manufacturer. Polypropylene and polyethylene gloves can provide some protection when handling this substance. Nylon, vinyl, and rubber gloves do not provide as much protection. This substance may cause airborne contact dermatitis. 

It is optimal to completely avoid exposure to the ingredients to which you are allergic. If you must be exposed to this acrylate (for example, because of your job), you may try to wear nitrile gloves and change them every 10 minutes. Acrylates pass through nitrile gloves if they are worn for longer periods of time. Other gloves such as rubber latex gloves are less desirable since  acrylates pass through them quickly.

Uses:
  • Artificial nail glue
  • Tissue bonding and sealing wounds
  • Hair glue
  • Ileostomy appliances
  • Shoes
  • Plastics
  • Household adhesives
  • Electronics industry (circuit boards)
  • Aircraft and automobile industry
  • Liquid bandages
Other names for Ethyl Cyanoacrylate:
  • 2-cyanoacrylic acid ethyl ester
  • Ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate
  • 2-Propenoic acid, 2-cyano-, ethyl ester
  • Miracle Glue
  • 5-Second Nail Glue
  • Aron Alpha
  • Cyanolit
  • DSA Bergman
  • Eastman 910
  • Krazy Glue
  • Nail glue
  • Super Glue
  • Epiglu
  • ECA
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
  • Other acrylates and cyanoacrylate

Rev07072025

How safe is it?

Hang tight. We're thinking.