Formamide

RTECS #

LQ0525000

CAS #

75-12-7
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Updated

September 2013

Molecular Weight

45.05

Molecular Formula

CH₃NO

Synonyms

Amid kyseliny mravenci (Czech)
Carbamaldehyde
Formamide (ACGIH)
Formimidic acid
Methanamide
Methanoic acid, amide

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
eye /rabbit	100 mg	severe	AJOPAA 29,1363,1946

Mutation Data and Reference

System Test	Route/Organism/Tissue	Dose	Reference
Cytogenetic Analysis	other cell types/non-mammalian species	500 mmol/L	CAANAT 56,712,1972
other mutation test systems	other cell types/non-mammalian species	500 mmol/L	CAANAT 56,712,1972

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
oral/rabbit	910 mg/kg (6-18D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants) Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus) Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system	ARZNAD 30,1557,1980
oral/mouse	200 mg/kg (multigeneration))	Reproductive: Maternal effects: Menstrual cycle changes or disorders Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth) Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Other measures of fertility	TOXID9 13,76,1993
oral/rat	1.4 gm/kg (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	NTIS** #PB99-139701
oral/rabbit	2.88 gm/kg (6-29D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Abortion Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus) Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Stillbirth	NTIS** #PB2001-104060
oral/rabbit	3.36 gm/kg (6-29D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth)	NTIS** #PB2001-104060
oral/mouse	6.8 gm/kg (7D male/7D prior to copulation/21D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth) Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Other measures of fertility	NTIS** #PB93-109213
oral/mouse	6.8 gm/kg (7D prior to copulation/21D pregnant)	Reproductive: Maternal effects: Menstrual cycle changes or disorders Reproductive: Maternal effects: Parturition	NTIS** #PB93-109213
oral/mouse	195 mg/kg (multigenerations)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth) Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Growth statistics (e.g., reduced weight gain)	NTIS** #PB93-109213
oral/rat	14.6 gm/kg (91D male)	Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct	CRTXB2 31,139,2001
oral/mouse	14.6 gm/kg (91D male)	Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct	CRTXB2 31,139,2001
oral/rabbit	805 mg/kg (6-29D pregnant)	Reproductive: Other effects on female Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Abortion	TOSCF2 69,165,2002
oral/rabbit	3220 mg/kg (6-29D pregnant)	Reproductive: Other effects on female Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Abortion Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death	TOSCF2 69,165,2002
oral/rat	2000 mg/kg (7D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/rat	2 gm/kg (7D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants) Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	85DJA5 -,95,1971
oral/rat	7980 mg/kg (7-12D pregnant)	Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Craniofacial (including nose and tongue) Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system	85DJA5 -,95,1971
skin/rat	1200 mg/kg (10-11D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death	TXAPA9 41,35,1977

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor	Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 662 mmol/L/24H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesis	TIVIEQ 3,189,1989
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.07 gm/m³		TPKVAL 11,86,1969
inhalation/mouse	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 11 gm/m³		TPKVAL 9,163,1967
inhalation/rat	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): >3900 ppm/6H		NTIS** OTS0528421
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.07 gm/m³/4H	Brain and Coverings: Changes in circulation Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
intraperitoneal/guinea pig	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1250 mg/kg	Blood: Changes in spleen Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count) Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
intraperitoneal/guinea pig	lowest published toxic dose: 125 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in lung weight Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Glycolytic	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
intraperitoneal/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2450 mg/kg		AEPPAE 230,559,1957
intraperitoneal/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 5700 mg/kg		TXAPA9 26,596,1973
intravenous/Dog	lowest published lethal dose: 1500 mg/kg		HBAMAK 4,1289,1935
intravenous/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 5.1 gm/kg		ENTOX* -,377,2005
intravenous/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 5.6 gm/kg		ENTOX* -,377,2005
ocular/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 10 pph	Eye: Conjunctiva irritation	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
ocular/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 50 pph	Eye: Conjunctiva irritation Eye: Corneal damage	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/mammal (species unspecified)	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3150 mg/kg		GISAAA 39(4),86,1974
oral/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2450 mg/kg		TPKVAL 11,86,1969
oral/mouse	lowest published lethal dose: 4800 mg/kg		TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/mouse	lethal dose (16 percent kill): 1900 mg/kg	Behavioral: Ataxia Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression Gastrointestinal: Hypermotility, diarrhea	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3150 mg/kg	Spinal Cord: Changes in circulation Vascular: Other changes Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in pulmonary vascular resistance	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 5577 mg/kg	Gastrointestinal: Gastritis Gastrointestinal: Other changes Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/rat	lethal dose (16 percent kill): 5100 mg/kg	Liver: Other changes Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Incontinence Blood: Hemorrhage	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4000 mg/kg		TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/rat	lowest published lethal dose: 7450 mg/kg	Brain and Coverings: Changes in circulation Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 5570 mg/kg	Behavioral: Alteration of classical conditioning	TPKVAL 11,86,1969
oral/rat	lowest published lethal dose: 5000 mg/kg	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Fibrosis (interstitial) Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in lung weight Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects	TPKVAL 9,163,1967
skin/rabbit	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 17 gm/kg		NTIS** OTS0528421
skin/rat	Lethal dose: >13500 mg/kg		PJPPAA 32,223,1980
subcutaneous/frog	lowest published lethal dose: 30 mg/kg		HBAMAK 4,1289,1935
subcutaneous/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): >4 gm/kg		APEPA2 257,296,1967
unreported route/mouse	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3150 mg/kg		TPKVAL 9,3,1967
unreported route/pig	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1250 mg/kg		TPKVAL 9,3,1967
unreported route/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3 gm/kg		EXPEAM 29,225,1973

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1500 ppm/6H/2W- intermittent	Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count Blood: Changes in platelet count Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	FAATDF 13,702,1989
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.006 gm/m³/30D- intermittent	Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section Vascular: Structural changes in vessels Blood: Luekopenia	TPKVAL 11,86,1969
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.006 gm/m³/122D- intermittent	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion Blood: Changes in spleen	TPKVAL 11,86,1969
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.05 mg/m³/30D- continuous	Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: True cholinesterase Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Catalases	TOVEFN -,30,2010
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.05 mg/m³/60D- continuous	Liver: Other changes Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Dehydrogenases	TOVEFN -,30,2010
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.05 mg/m³/90D- continuous	Blood: Changes in erythrocyte (RBC) count Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: True cholinesterase Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases	TOVEFN -,30,2010
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 0.5 mg/m³/30D- continuous	Liver: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: True cholinesterase Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases	TOVEFN -,30,2010
oral/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 805 mg/kg/23D- intermittent	Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	TOSCF2 69,165,2002
oral/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 2880 mg/kg/24D- intermittent	Gastrointestinal: Decreased motility or constipation	NTIS** #PB2001-104060
oral/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 910 mg/kg/13D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTIS** #PB99-139701
oral/rabbit	lowest published toxic dose: 840 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Behavioral: Food intake (animal)	NTIS** #PB99-139701
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 3500 mg/kg/14D- intermittent	Behavioral: Food intake (animal) Behavioral: Fluid intake Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	NTIS** #PB99-139701
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 800 mg/kg/4D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTIS** #PB99-139701
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 910 mg/kg/26W- intermittent	Brain and Coverings: Recordings from specific areas of CNS Liver: Liver function tests impaired Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Proteinuria	GISAAA 52(3),72,1987
skin/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 27 gm/kg/90D- intermittent	Blood: Pigmented or nucleated red blood cells Skin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, other Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	NTIS** OTS0535890

Reviews

Organization	Standard	Reference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 10 ppm (skin)	DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		CRTXB2 31,139,2001
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		ENTOX* -,377,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TXCYAC 286,1,2011

Standards and Regulations

Organization	Standard	Reference
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 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIA	MAK-TMW 9 ppm (16 mg/m³);KZW 18 ppm (32 mg/m³), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM	time-weighted average 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARK	time-weighted average 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), skin, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLAND	time-weighted average 10 ppm (19 mg/m³), short term exposure limit 20 ppm (37 mg/m³), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCE	VME 20 ppm (30 mg/m³), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELAND	time-weighted average 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREA	time-weighted average 10 ppm (15 mg/m³), skin, 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICO	time-weighted average 20 ppm (30 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 30 ppm (45 mg/m³), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALAND	time-weighted average 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAY	time-weighted average 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERU	time-weighted average 10 ppm (19 mg/m³), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIA	short term exposure limit 3 mg/m³, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDEN	time-weighted average 10 ppm (20 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 15 ppm (30 mg/m³), Skin, JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLAND	MAK-week 10 ppm (18 mg/m³), skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDS	MAC-TGG 16 mg/m³, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOM	time-weighted average 20 ppm (37 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 30 ppm (56 mg/m³), OCT2007

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

Organization	Standard	Reference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO FORMAMIDE-air	10H time-weighted average 10 ppm (Sk)	NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983	Hazard Code 84454; Number of Industries 3; Total Number of Facilities 42; Number of Occupations 5; Total Number of Employees Exposed 2724; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 556
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974	Hazard Code 84454; Number of Industries 6; Total Number of Facilities 227; Number of Occupations 14; Total Number of Employees Exposed 3195

Status in Federal Agencies

Organization	Reference
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: Cell transform.-RLV F344 rat embryo
EPA TSCA 8(a) PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION, FINAL RULE	FEREAC 47,26992,82
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
NTP Carcinogenesis studies; selected, October 2000
NTP Carcinogenesis studies; test completed (peer review), October 2000

Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health