IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 43
DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE (DMF)
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1990
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 114:
Dimethylformamide (DMF)
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Dimethylformamide (DMF); health and safety guide.
(Health and safety guide ; no. 43)
1.Dimethylformamide - standards I.Series
ISBN 92 4 151043 9 (NLM Classification: QV 633)
ISSN 0259-7268
The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to
reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full.
Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of
Publications, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, which
will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to
the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations
already available.
(c) World Health Organization 1990
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or
of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Human exposure to dimethylformamide
2.2. Environmental transport, distribution, and
transformation
2.3. Kinetics and metabolism
2.4. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.5. Effects on experimental animals and in vitro test
systems
2.6. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1. Conclusions
3.2. Recommendations
3.2.1. Safe handling
3.2.2. Further research
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
ACTION
4.1. Main human health hazards, prevention and protection,
first aid
4.1.1. Advice to physicians
4.1.2. Health surveillance and exposure monitoring
4.2. Explosion and fire hazards
4.3. Storage
4.4. Transport
4.5. Spillage
4.6. Disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Previous evaluations by international bodies
7.2. Exposure limit values
7.3. Specific restrictions
7.4. Labelling, packaging, and transport
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and on human health of exposure to a
chemical or combination of chemicals, or physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. Within the Guide is a Summary of Chemical Safety
Information which should be readily available, and should be clearly
explained, to all who could come into contact with the chemical. The
section on regulatory information has been extracted from the legal
file of the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
(IRPTC) and from other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes occupational health services, those in
ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are
involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of
environmental health hazards, and those wanting more information on
this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms that will be
familiar to the intended user. However, sections 1 and 2 inevitably
contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been included for
readers who require further background information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Common name: dimethylformamide
Chemical structure: H3C O
' "
N - C
' '
H3C H
Chemical formula: C3H7NO
Common synonyms: N,N-dimethylformamide, DMF, DMFA,
formdimethylamide
CAS registry
number: 68-12-2
RTECS registry
number: LQ2100000
Conversion factors: 1 ppm = 3 mg/m3
(at 20°c) 1 mg/m3 = 0.33 ppm
Relative molecular
mass: 73.1
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a colourless liquid with only a slight,
unpleasant odour; smell is, therefore, not a useful warning signal.
DMF is usually stable but, when it comes into contact with strong
oxidizers, halogens, alkylaluminium, or halogenated hydrocarbons
(especially in combination with metals), it may cause fires and
explosions. DMF is completely miscible with water and most organic
solvents. It has a relatively low vapour pressure.
1.3 Analytical Methods
Gas-chromatographic methods for determining DMF are available.
1.4 Production and Uses
DMF is a universal industrial solvent, because of its solubility in
water, its organic nature, and its high dielectric constant. The main
use (65-75%) of DMF is as a solvent for acrylic fibres an
polyurethanes; 15-20% is used in the production of pharmaceutical
products. It is also used as a laboratory solvent and, in the chemical
industry, as an intermediate and an additive.
DMF is not normally available to the general population, either as the
pure compound or as a component of consumer products.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Human Exposure to Dimethylformamide
DMF does not occur naturally. There are few data concerning
environmental levels and the exposure of the general population to
DMF. Concentrations within the range of 0.02-0.12 mg/m3 have been
found in the air in residential areas near industrial sites. DMF has
been detected only rarely in the water of heavily industrialized river
basins, and then only at concentrations below 0.01 mg/litre.
Data are not available on the levels of DMF in soil, plants, wildlife,
and food.
Occupational exposure occurs via skin contact with DMF liquid and
vapour, and through the inhalation of vapour. Concentrations of
3-86 mg/m3 air have been detected, with peaks of up to 600 mg/m3
during the repair or maintenance of machines. In a few unusual
situations, levels of up to 4500 mg/m3 have been reported.
2.2 Environmental Transport, Distribution, and Transformation
DMF is stable in ambient air, but, in water, it may undergo microbial
and algal degradation. Adapted microorganisms and activated sludge
efficiently biodegrade DMF. As a result of its complete solubility in
water, DMF moves readily through soils and would not be expected to
accumulate in the food chain.
2.3 Kinetics and Metabolism
Toxic amounts of DMF may be absorbed by inhalation and through the
skin. Absorbed DMF is distributed uniformly. The metabolic
transformation of DMF takes place mainly in the liver with the aid of
microsomal enzyme systems. In animals and human beings, the main
product of DMF biotransformation is N-hydroxymethyl- N-methyl-
formamide (DMF-OH). This metabolite is converted during gas-
chromatographic analysis to N-methylformamide (NMF), which is itself
(together with N-hydroxy-methylformamide and formamide) a minor
metabolite. In metabolic studies and biological monitoring, urinary
metabolite concentrations are measured and expressed as NMF, though
DMF-OH is the major contributor to this concentration. The
determination of NMF/DMF-OH in the urine may be a suitable biological
indicator for total DMF exposure.
It has been demonstrated in experimental animals that DMF metabolism
is saturated at high exposure levels and that, at very high levels,
DMF inhibits its own metabolism.
Metabolic interaction occurs between DMF and ethanol.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
The effects of DMF on the environment have not been well studied. Its
toxicity for aquatic organisms appears to be low.
2.5 Effects on Experimental Animals and In Vitro Test Systems
The acute toxicity of DMF in a variety of animal species is low
(in rats, the oral LD50 is approximately 3000 mg/kg, the dermal
LD50 is approximately 5000 mg/kg, and the inhalation LC50 is
approximately 10 000 mg/m3). DMF may produce slight to moderate skin
and eye irritation. One study on guinea-pigs indicated that it did not
have sensitization potential. DMF can facilitate the absorption of
other chemical substances through the skin.
All routes of exposure of experimental animals to DMF may cause dose-
related liver injury, but regeneration after the cessation of exposure
has been demonstrated. In some studies, signs of toxicity have also
been described in the myocardium and kidneys.
DMF has been shown not to be toxic to the testes or ovaries, and no
effects have been seen on fertility in rats. However, DMF is
embryotoxic and is a weak teratogen in rats, mice, and rabbits. In
inhalation exposure studies, the rabbit has been found to be the most
sensitive species, teratogenic effects being observed at
concentrations of 450 mg/m3 or more, but not at 150 mg/m3. After
dermal exposure, a very low incidence of embryotoxic and teratogenic
effects was observed, in some studies, at dose levels ranging between
100 and 400 mg/kg per day.
In an extensive set of short-term tests for genetic and related
effects, DMF was generally inactive, both in vitro and in vivo.
Adequate long-term carcinogenicity studies on experimental animals
have not been reported.
2.6 Effects on Human Beings
No adverse effects of DMF on the general population have been clearly
demonstrated. However, skin irritation and conjunctivitis have been
reported after direct contact with DMF.
After accidental exposure to high levels of DMF, abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue occur within 48 h. Liver
function may be disturbed, and blood pressure changes, tachycardia,
and ECG abnormalities have been reported. Recovery is usually
complete.
Following long-term, repeated exposure, symptoms include headache,
loss of appetite, and fatigue. Biochemical signs of liver dysfunction
may be observed. In the absence of skin contact, liver damage
generally seems to occur only when the DMF exposure level is above
30 mg/m3. This air level corresponds to approximately 40 mg
NMF/DMF-OH per gram creatinine in a post-shift urine sample.
Inhalation exposure to DMF, even at concentrations below 30 mg/m3,
may cause alcohol intolerance. Symptoms may include a sudden facial
flush, tightness in the chest, and dizziness, sometimes accompanied by
nausea and dyspnoea. The symptoms last from 2 to 4 h and disappear
without treatment.
There is limited evidence that DMF is carcinogenic for human beings.
An increased incidence of testicular tumours was reported in one
study, whereas another study showed an increased incidence of tumours
of the buccal cavity and pharynx, but not of the testes.
In two studies, about which few details were provided, an increased
frequency of miscarriages was reported in women exposed to DMF, among
other chemicals.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions
1. In view of the present uses of DMF, exposure of the general
population is probably very low.
2. DMF is readily absorbed through the skin, as well as by
inhalation. Determination of urinary DMF-OH/NMF is a useful means
of estimating the total amount of DMF absorbed.
3. The risk of liver damage is low, as long as the level of DMF in
the ambient air is kept below 30 mg/m3 and there is no skin
contact. A tentative value for the corresponding urinary
NMF/DMF-OH level in a post-shift sample is 40 mg/g creatinine.
4. DMF is embryotoxic and a weak teratogen in mice, rats, and
rabbits.
5. There is limited evidence of the carcinogenicity of DMF for human
beings.
6. Available data indicate low environmental toxicity. It is
unlikely that bioaccumulation takes place.
3.2 Recommendations
3.2.1 Safe handling
1. Airborne concentrations should be maintained below 30 mg/m3,
and skin contact should be prevented.
2. Urinary NMF/DMF-OH, as an index of total exposure, should be
monitored and maintained below 40 mg NMF/g creatinine in post-
shift samples. If this level is exceeded, action should be taken
to reduce exposure.
3.2.2 Further research
1. The possible carcinogenic effects of DMF in man should be
investigated in experimental animals and human populations.
2. More information on the extrapolation of the embryo-toxicity and
teratogenicity of DMF in animal studies to human beings is
needed. Comparison of the kinetics of DMF in human beings and
animals would be valuable.
3. There is a need for more information on the mechanism of action
and the relative potency of metabolites of DMF in both animals
and human beings.
4. The relationships (a) between urinary metabolite concentrations
and atmospheric exposure levels (in the absence of skin contact),
and (b) between the total dose by all routes (as indicated by
post-shift urinary NMF levels) and the absence of hepatotoxicity,
should be refined.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Main Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
DMF is easily absorbed through the skin (in both liquid and vapour
forms), and by inhalation and ingestion. It can penetrate all
protective gloves; neoprene and natural rubber gloves provide the best
protection.
Because the odour of DMF is not strong, it is a poor warning signal.
DMF may produce moderate skin and eye irritation.
High exposure by any route may injure the liver and the unborn child.
Conflicting data exist, but there is limited evidence for the
carcinogenicity of DMF in human beings. Even at low exposure levels,
DMF may cause a pronounced alcohol intolerance in some workers,
reflected by facial flushing, dizziness, and tightness of the chest.
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
DMF, together with preventive and protective measures and first-aid
recommendations, are listed in the Summary of Chemical Safety
Information.
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
Medical treatment is symptomatic. Following high exposure, liver
function should be monitored and DMF exposure should not be resumed
until the patient has fully recovered.
Although specific information is not available on sensitive
subpopulations, persons with pre-existing liver disease and pregnant
women may be at higher risk when working with DMF.
Persons working with DMF may show alcohol intolerance and should be
warned of this.
4.1.2 Health surveillance and exposure monitoring
Concentrations of DMF in the work-place should be monitored,
preferably by personal monitoring in the breathing zone. Airborne
concentrations should be maintained below 30 mg/m3 and skin contact
should be prevented. Urinary NMF/DMF-OH, as an index of total
exposure, should be monitored and maintained below 40 mg NMF/g
creatinine in post-shift samples. If this level is exceeded, action
should be taken to reduce exposure.
Workers regularly exposed to DMF should have a periodic health
examination, which may include a medical history, a general medical
examination, and biomedical laboratory testing. Special attention
should be paid to the skin and to liver function.
4.2 Explosion and Fire Hazards
DMF is flammable and its explosive limits are 2.2-16% v/v. At
temperatures above 350°C, thermal decomposition of DMF to form
dimethylamine and carbon monoxide occurs. Open flames and smoking
should not be allowed in the vicinity.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, and carbon dioxide can be
used as fire-extinguishing agents. Do not use halogenated
extinguishing media.
Fire-fighters should be aware that the burning and thermal
decomposition of DMF may give rise to toxic gases and vapours, such as
dimethylamine and carbon monoxide.
4.3 Storage
As DMF can attack certain metals and compounds, such as copper and
aluminium, plastics, rubbers, and coatings, it should be stored in
mild-steel containers. It should be stored under fire-proof conditions
and away from oxidizing agents, halogens, alkylaluminium, and
halogenated hydrocarbons.
4.4 Transport
The conditions described in section 4.3 also apply during transport.
In case of an accident, stop the engine and remove all sources of
ignition. Do not smoke. Keep bystanders at a distance and upwind. In
case of spillage or a fire, use the methods advised in sections 4.5
and 4.2, respectively. Notify the police and fire brigade immediately.
4.5 Spillage
Remove all ignition sources and evacuate all persons not wearing
adequate protective equipment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable
mild-steel containers, soak up spilled liquid with sand or another
inert absorbent, and put in a sealable container for safe disposal. Do
not allow run-off into sewers or ditches, as this may cause an
explosion hazard. Ensure skin and respiratory protection.
4.6 Disposal
Burn in an appropriate incinerator with appropriate effluent gas
scrubbing.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
All operations should be conducted in such a way that DMF
contamination of the air, water, and soil does not occur.
6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
This summary should be easily available to all health workers
concerned with, and users of, dimethylformanide. It should be
displayed at, or near, entrances to areas where there is potential
exposure to dimethylformanide, and on processing equipment and
containers. The summary should be translated into the appropriate
language(s). All persons potentially exposed to the chemical should
also have the instructions in the summary clearly explained.
Space is available for insertion of the National Occupational
Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the National
Poison Control Centre, and for local trade names.
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
N, N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE
(DMF (C3H7NO)
CAS Registry No. 68-12-2
RTECS Registry No. LQ2100000
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Relative molecular mass 73.1 Colourless liquid with characteristic odour; DMF
Boiling point (°C) 153 decomposes in a flame or on a hot surface, to form
Melting point (°C) - 61 toxic gases (dimethylamine, carbon monoxide);
Flash point (°C) (open cup) 57 it reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents,
Autoignition temperature (°C) 445 alkylaluminium; halogens, and halogenated
Relative density (water = 1) 0.95 hydrocarbons. DMF is easily absorbed through the
Relative vapour density (air = 1) 2.5 skin, by inhalation, and also by ingestion.
Vapour pressure (mbar at 25°C) 5
Water solubility unlimited
Explosive limits (vol. % in air) 2.2-16
Dielectric constant (at 20°C) 36.7
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SKIN: redness, pain; on Avoid skin exposure; wear protective Remove contaminated clothing; wash with
absorption: headache, gloves (neoprene or natural rubber) plenty of water; seek medical attention
dizziness, vomiting, abdominal and clothing; DMF readily penetrates
spasms all gloves
EYES: Irritant; redness, pain, Wear safety goggles, face shield Rinse with plenty of water; transport
blurred vision to a doctor
INHALATION: Coughing; headache, Ventilation, local exhaust, and Remove patient from contaminated area
sore throat, dizziness, vomiting, breathing protectiona to fresh air; seek medical attention
abdominal spasms
(cont'd)
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
INGESTION: Headache, dizziness, Unlikely occupational hazard Rinse mouth; give plenty of water to
vomiting, abdominal spasms drink and induce vomiting; seek medical
attention/transport to hospital
Other adverse effects: Liver damage, Limit exposure
damage to the unborn child,
potential carcinogen
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Collect leaking liquid in sealable Fire-proof, away from oxidizing DMF is flammable and its explosive
containers; absorb spilled liquid in sand agents, alkylaluminium, halogens, limits are 2.2-16 vol. %; in case of
or inert absorbent and remove to and halogenated hydrocarbons fire, use powder, alcohol-resistant
safe place; ensure personal protection foam, water spray, or carbon dioxide
by use of a serf-contained breathing
apparatus; do not allow run-off into
sewers or ditches
WASTE DISPOSAL
Burn in an appropriate incinerator National Occupational Exposure Limit: United Nations No.: 2265
Local trade names:
National Poison Control Centre:
a Appropriate respirators should be worn only when work practice controls are not technically feasible, when they fail, or when
they need to be supplemented. Self-contained breathing equipment should be used instead of masks in cases where oxygen may be
lacking (tanks and other confined places).
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file and other United Nations sources. Its intention is to give the
reader a representative, but not an exhaustive, overview of current
regulations, guidelines, and standards.
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals,
taken in a certain country, can only be fully understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country. Furthermore, the
regulations and guidelines of all countries are subject to change and
should always be verified with the appropriate regulatory authorities
before application.
7.1 Previous Evaluations by International Bodies
The International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluated
dimethylformamide in 1988 and concluded that "although there is
inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of DMF in experimental
animals, there is limited evidence for the carcinogenicity of DMF in
humans. DMF is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)."
7.2 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are shown in the following table. When no
effective date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the
reference from which the data are taken is indicated by (r).
7.3 Specific Restrictions
In the Federal Republic of Germany, it is noted that no risk of
adverse effects in offspring occurs as long as exposure of pregnant
women is kept below the maximum worksite concentration (MAK). Its
handling is prohibited, or restricted, for adolescents and pregnant or
nursing women.
In the Federal Republic of Germany, DMF is classified as slightly
harmful in water, and appropriate security measures should be taken
during storage, loading, and transport, in order to avoid
contamination of water.
In the USA, exemption from residue tolerance requirements is made for
dimethylformamide in food and animal feed, in certain cases. This
exemption applies to DMF residues in, or on, certain specified plant
products, when used in formulations with the fungicide triforine at
concentrations not exceeding 30%. It also applies when DMF is
(a) used in plant products according to good agricultural practice,
as an inert (or occasionally active) ingredient of pesticides, or
(b) applied to growing crops for some specified purposes.
CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit descriptionb Value Effective
organization (mg/kg) date
AIR Work-place Australiaa Threshold limit value (TLV) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
Belgiuma Threshold limit value (TLV) 30 mg/m3 1985 (r)
Bulgariaa Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 10 mg/m3 1985 (r)
Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
- Ceiling value (CLV) 60 mg/m3
German Maximum allowable concentration (MAK) 1985 (r)
Democratic - Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
Republic - Short-term exposure level (STEL) 60 mg/m3
Germany, Maximum worksite concentration (MAK) 1986 (r)
Federal - Time-weighted average (TWA) 60 mg/m3
Republic of - Short-term exposure level (STEL) 120 mg/m3
(30-min) (4 × per shift)
Hungary Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 10 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure level (STEL) 20 mg/m3
(30 min)
Italya Threshold limit value (TLV) 30 mg/m3 1985 (r)
Japana Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1986 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd)
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit descriptionb Value Effective
organization (mg/kg) date
AIR Work-place Polanda Maximum permissible concentration (MAC) 1982
- Ceiling value (CLV) 10 mg/m3
Netherlandsa Maximum limit (MXL) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
Romaniaa Maximum permissible concentration (MAC) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 20 mg/m3
- Ceiling value (CLV) 50 mg/m3
Swedena Hygienic limit value (HLV) 1985
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure level (STEL) 45 mg/m3
(15-min TWA)
Switzerlanda Maximum worksite concentration (MAK) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
United Kingdoma Occupational exposure standard 1989 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) (8 h) 30 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure level (STEL) 60 mg/m3
(10-min time-weighted average)
USA (OSHA)a Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 1986 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 30 mg/m3
USSRa Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1977
- Ceiling value (CLV) 10 mg/m3
(vapour)
Yugoslaviaa Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 10 mg/m3
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd)
Medium Specification Country Exposure limit descriptionb Value Effective
organization (mg/kg) date
AIR Ambient USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1984
- (1 ×/day) 0.03 mg/m3
- (av/day) 0.03 mg/m3
AIR Emissions Germany, Maximum limit (MXL) 1986
Federal - at a mass flow of > 2 kg/h 100 mg/m3
Republic of
DMF belongs to Class II. The air emissions
of organic compounds must not exceed (as
the sum of all compounds in that class) the
given mass concentration
WATER Surface USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 10 mg/litre 1983
USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985 (r)
(surface water for fishing) 0.28 mg/litre
FOOD USA Maximum permissible concentration (PMC) 10 g/kg 1986 (r)
(applies to certain spedfled colour additives (1%)
that may be used in food, drugs, or cosmetics)
URINE Collected at the USA (ACGIH) Biological exposure limit (BEL) as 40 mg/g 1986-1987
end of the work N-methylformamide/g creatinlne
shift
a Risk of intake by skin absorption noted.
b 8-h TWA. unless stated otherwise.
In the USA, dimethylformamide may be used as a component of adhesives
in articles intended for use in the packaging, transportation, or
holding of food.
European Economic Community (EEC) legislation prohibits the marketing
of cosmetic products containing dimethylformamide.
7.4 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods classifies dimethylformamide in:
Hazard Class 3: flammable liquids
The label should be as follows:
European Economic Community legislation requires the labelling of DMF
as a dangerous substance, using the symbol:
The label must read:
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin; irritating to eyes;
in case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of
water and seek medical advice; after contact with skin, wash
immediately with plenty of ......... (to be specified by the
manufacturer); wear suitable protective clothing.
In the EEC, the labelling of solvent preparations containing
dimethylformamide is governed by legislation that classifies DMF in
Class II/b.
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London, The Royal Society of Chemistry.
CEC (1984) Classification and labelling of dangerous substances.
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See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Dimethylformamide (EHC 114, 1991)
Dimethylformamide (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)