Furan, tetrahydro-

RTECS #

LU5950000

CAS #

109-99-9
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Updated

December 2018

Molecular Weight

72.12

Molecular Formula

C₄H₈O

Synonyms

1,4-Epoxybutane
Agrisynth THF
Butane, 1,4-epoxy-
Butane, alpha,delta-oxide
Cyclotetramethylene oxide
Diethylene oxide
Furanidine
NCI-C60560
Oxacyclopentane
Oxolane
RCRA waste number U213
Tetrahydrofuraan (Dutch)
Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydrofuran (ACGIH:OSHA)
Tetrahydrofuranne (French)
Tetraidrofurano (Italian)
Tetramethylene oxide

Mutation Data and Reference

System Test	Route/Organism/Tissue	Dose	Reference
mutation in microorganisms	/Escherichia coli	1 µmol/L (-enzymatic activation step)	GTPZAB 26(1),43,1982

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/rat	5000 ppm/6H (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	FAATDF 18,255,1992
inhalation/mouse	1800 ppm/6H (6-17D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)	FAATDF 18,255,1992
oral/rat	3500 mg/kg (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	NTIS** #DE89-001383/LL
oral/mouse	2592 mg/kg (6-17D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth) Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	NTIS** #DE89-001383/LL
oral/mouse	2592 mg/kg (6-17D pregnant)	Reproductive: Other effects to embryo or fetus Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system	NTIS** #DE89-001383/LL
oral/rat	153 gm/kg (91D male/91D pre-7D after birth)	Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Growth statistics (e.g., reduced weight gain)	FCTOD7 40,1515,2002
oral/rat	1.125 mg/kg (multigeneration)	Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Behavioral Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Physical Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects	FCTOD7 40,1515,2002

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 1800 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria Liver: Tumors	NTPTR* NTP-TR-475,1998
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 113400 mg/kg/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria Liver: Tumors	NTIS** PB98-164544
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1800 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Bladder tumors	NTPTR* NTP-TR-475,1998
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 18900 mg/kg/105W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Kidney tumors	NTIS** PB98-164544

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor	Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 372 mmol/L/24H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesis	TIVIEQ 3,189,1989
In Vitro/Rabbit, ocular	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 5 pph/5M	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.	TIVIEQ 25,1425,2011
inhalation/human	lowest published toxic concentration: 25000 ppm	Behavioral: General anesthetic	34ZIAG -,580,1969
inhalation/mouse	Lowest published lethal concentration: 24000 mg/m³/2H	Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity) Behavioral: Muscle weakness Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/mouse	Lowest published lethal concentration: 19 gm/m³/2H	Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis) Blood: Hemorrhage Blood: Changes in spleen	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rabbit	Lethal concentration: >1200 ppm/4H	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects	SSEIBV 18,89,1982
inhalation/rat	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 21000 ppm/3H	Behavioral: Sleep Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory stimulation Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting	SSEIBV 20,141,1984
inhalation/rat	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 72 gm/m³/2H		TPKVAL 10,35,1968
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 8 gm/m³/2H	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Flaccid paralysis without anesthesia (usually neuromuscular blockage) Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	Lowest published lethal concentration: 41 gm/m³/2H	Behavioral: Muscle weakness Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression Gastrointestinal: Necrotic changes	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	Lowest published lethal concentration: 106 gm/m³	Behavioral: Alteration of classical conditioning	TPKVAL 10,35,1968
inhalation/rat	Lowest published lethal concentration: 48 gm/m³	Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)	TPKVAL 10,35,1968
intraperitoneal/guinea pig	lowest published lethal dose: 500 mg/kg	Liver: Fatty liver degeneration	AIHAAP 35,21,1974
intraperitoneal/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 691.7 mg/kg	Behavioral: Ataxia	JTCTDW 41,692,2003
intraperitoneal/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 487.8 mg/kg	Behavioral: Muscle weakness	JTCTDW 41,692,2003
intraperitoneal/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1900 mg/kg		SAIGBL 24,373,1982
intraperitoneal/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2900 mg/kg		SAIGBL 24,373,1982
ocular/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 100 pph	Eye: Conjunctiva irritation Eye: Corneal damage Eye: Other eye effects	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
oral/guinea pig	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2300 mg/kg		GISAAA 34(9),114,1969
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2.3 mL/kg		ENTOX* -,155,2005
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1650 mg/kg		GAFCC*
oral/rat	lethal dose (20 percent kill): 3000 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 1000 mg/kg	Brain and Coverings: Changes in circulation Cardiac: Other changes Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
oral/rat	lowest published lethal dose: 4000 mg/kg		TPKVAL 5,21,1963

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/6H/91D- intermittent	Liver: Changes in liver weight Endocrine: Adrenal cortex hypoplasia Endocrine: Changes in thymus weight	FAATDF 14,338,1990
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 200 ppm/6H/14W- intermittent	Liver: Changes in liver weight	NTPTR* NTP-TR-475,1998
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 7 gm/m³/20D- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Eye: Conjunctiva irritation Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 7 gm/m³/30D- intermittent	Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 7 gm/m³/61D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 15000 mg/m³/5D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Hepatic microsomal mixed oxidase (dealkylation, hydroxylation, etc.)	ARTODN 77,459,2003
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 8 gm/m³/2H/60D- intermittent	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 6 gm/m³/61D- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	TPKVAL 10,35,1968
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 8 gm/m³/61D- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Cardiac: Changes in coronary arteries Vascular: Structural changes in vessels	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/6H/27D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes	TOLED5 255,11,2016
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1.5 gm/m³/61D- intermittent	Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1.5 gm/m³/91D- intermittent	Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1.5 gm/m³/0.5Y- intermittent	Vascular: Structural changes in vessels Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in pulmonary vascular resistance Blood: Changes in spleen	TPKVAL 5,21,1963
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 ppm/4H/12W- intermittent	Olfaction: Deviated nasal septum	SEEIAY 25,176,1981
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/6H/91D- intermittent	Endocrine: Changes in spleen weight Endocrine: Changes in thymus weight Blood: Changes in erythrocyte (RBC) count	FAATDF 14,338,1990
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 200 ppm/6H/18W- intermittent	Liver: Other changes Musculoskeletal: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects	APTOA6 54,221,1984
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 5000 ppm/6H/14W- intermittent	Cardiac: Changes in heart weight Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in lung weight Liver: Changes in liver weight	NTPTR* NTP-TR-475,1998
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 4550 mg/kg/17W- intermittent	Blood: Change in clotting factors Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	GISAAA 32(2),99,1967
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 3600 mg/kg/6D- intermittent	Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	NTIS** #DE89-001383/LL
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 2592 mg/kg/12D- intermittent	Behavioral: General anesthetic Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTIS** #DE89-001383/LL
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 7000 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Hepatic microsomal mixed oxidase (dealkylation, hydroxylation, etc.)	TOLED5 276,138,2017
oral/mouse	lowest published toxic dose: 2100 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes	TOLED5 276,138,2017
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 70000 mg/kg/28D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes	TOLED5 255,11,2016
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 26280 mg/kg/2Y- continuous	Liver: Tumors Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Kidney tumors	TOXID9 60,286,2001
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 4550 mg/kg/17W- intermittent	Blood: Change in clotting factors Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	GISAAA 32(2),99,1967
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 4900 mg/kg/7D- continuous	Behavioral: Fluid intake Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	FCTOD7 40,1515,2002
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 3500 mg/kg/14D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTIS** #DE89-001383/LL
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 10500 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes	MUREAV 746,144,2012
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 17500 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Behavioral: Food intake (animal)	TOLED5 255,11,2016
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 17500 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Behavioral: Food intake (animal) Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	TOLED5 255,11,2016

Reviews

Organization	Standard	Reference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 50 ppm;short term exposure limit 100 ppm (skin)	DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	Threshold Limit Value-Confirmed animal carcinogen	DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 543,201,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		ENTOX* -,155,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 584,1,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		REPTED 25,192,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 566,49,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		HUTOX* -,649,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TXCYAC 286,1,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		FCTOD7 49,1877,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUTAEX 25,335,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		RTOPDW 54,247,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		RTOPDW 60,20,2011

Standards and Regulations

Organization	Standard	Reference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-air	time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)	DTLVS* 3,252,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIA	time-weighted average 100 ppm (295 mg/m³), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIA	MAK-TMW 50 ppm (150 mg/m³);KZW 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM	time-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM	short term exposure limit 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARK	time-weighted average 50 ppm (148 mg/m³), skin, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-EC	time-weighted average 150 mg/m³ (50 ppm);short term exposure limit 300 mg/m³ (100 ppm), skin, JUN2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLAND	time-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCE	VME 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), VLE 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), Skin, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANY	MAK 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), skin, 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARY	time-weighted average 150 mg/m³, short term exposure limit 300 mg/m³, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELAND	time-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPAN	Occupational Exposure Limit 200 ppm (590 mg/m³), MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREA	time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 250 ppm (735 mg/m³), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICO	time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 250 ppm (735 mg/m³), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALAND	time-weighted average 100 ppm (295 mg/m³), skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAY	time-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERU	time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³); short term exposure limit 250 ppm (737 mg/m³), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLAND	MAC(time-weighted average) 600 mg/m³, MAC(short term exposure limit) 750 mg/m³, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIA	short term exposure limit 100 mg/m³, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDEN	time-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 80 ppm (250 mg/m³), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLAND	MAK-week 50 ppm (150 mg/m³), KZG-week 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDS	MAC-TGG 300 mg/m³, Skin, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINES	time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEY	time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOM	time-weighted average 50 ppm (150 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 100 ppm (300 mg/m³), skin, OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)	8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)	8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)	8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)	8H time-weighted average 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

Organization	Standard	Reference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO TETRAHYDROFURAN-air	10H time-weighted average 200 ppm;short term exposure limit 250 ppm	NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983	Hazard Code 71695; Number of Industries 101; Total Number of Facilities 17866; Number of Occupations 83; Total Number of Employees Exposed 356038; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 47382
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974	Hazard Code 71695; Number of Industries 72; Total Number of Facilities 4141; Number of Occupations 60; Total Number of Employees Exposed 95003

Status in Federal Agencies

Organization	Reference
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (inhal);clear evidence:mouse
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (inhal);equivocal evidence:rat
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Tetrahydrofuran, 1609
NTP Carcinogenesis Studies (inhalation):some evidence:rat NTPTR* NTP-TR-475,1998
On EPA IRIS database

Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health