acrylamide -- a colorless crystalline solid that readily forms water-soluble polymers. • The amide of acrylic acid; chem. formula: CH 2 =CHCONH 2.
Used in labs for protein separation and stored as a liquid, typically at 4 degrees C. You pour it carefully and treat every drop like it could kill you, as the deadly neurotoxin it is.
Once solid, it is as harmless as any plastic, though it may contain other hazardous chemicals that you added seperately.
Its presence in chips and fries doesn't worry me. It is likely transient, and your body can easily handle it, obviously since billions of people consume it to old-age. If anything, perhaps it protects against foodborne diseases- a kind of natural preservative.