1. OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
  2. FORMIC ACID
Label abbreviations descriptions

FORMIC ACID†

Chemical Identification
Chemical Identification
CAS # 64-18-6
Formula

CH₂O₂
Synonyms
 

hydrogen carboxylic acid; methanoic acid
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Physical description Colorless liquid with a pungent, penetrating odor.
Boiling point 224°F (90% solution) Molecular weight 46.02
Freezing point/melting point 20°F (90% solution) Vapor pressure 35 mmHg
Flash point 122°F (90% solution, open-cup) Vapor density 1.6
Specific gravity 1.22 (90% solution) Ionization potential 11.05 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) 18% (90% solution) Upper explosive limit (UEL) 57% (90% solution)
NFPA health rating 3 NFPA fire rating 2
NFPA reactivity rating 0 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.) 1310
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media Sorbent tube, silica gel, specially cleaned, 7 x 110-mm size, 2 (200/400 mg sorbent) with GS ends and WWGW separators [SKC 226-10-03]
Sampling time*
 

 
Sampling volume (TWA)*
 

1-24 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*
 

0.05 - 0.2 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
 

 
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
 

 
Analytical method instruments IC
Method reference NIOSH 2011 (partially validated)
Notes
 

Samples requesting formic acid must be shipped to the laboratory ASAP and kept cold. 
Special requirements
 

 

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Wipe Method
Wipe Method
Sampler/Sampling media
 

 
Bulk Method
Bulk Method
 

 
On-Site Screening Techniques
On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)
Exposure Limits
Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA
 

5 ppm (9 mg/m³)

 REL-TWA
 

5 ppm (9 mg/m³)

 TLV-TWA
 

5 ppm [1965]

 PEL-TWA
 

5 ppm (9 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL
 

 

 REL-STEL
 

 

 TLV-STEL
 

10 ppm [1965]

 PEL-STEL
 

10 ppm (19 mg/m³)
PEL-C
 

 

 REL-C
 

 

 TLV-C
 

 

 PEL-C
 

 
Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N
Notes:
 

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

 Notes:
 

 

 Notes:
 

 

 Notes:
 

 
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
 

30 ppm
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed Notes:
 

 
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:
 

3 ppm/25 ppm/250 ppm
Additional Resources and Literature References
Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Formic acid

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Formic acid

Literature References

 
  • ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Formic acid. See annual publication for most recent information.
  • Barceloux, D.G., et al.: American Academy of Clinical Toxicology practice guidelines on the treatment of methanol poisoning. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 40(4): 415-446, 2002.
  • Berode, M., Sethre, T., Läubli, T. and Savolainen, H.: Urinary methanol and formic acid as indicators of occupational exposure to methyl formate. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73(6): 410-414, 2000.
  • d'Alessandro, A., Osterloh, J.D., Chuwers, P., Quinlan, P.J., Kelly, T.J. and Becker, C.E.: Formate in serum and urine after controlled methanol exposure at the threshold limit value. Environ. Health Perspect. 102(2): 178-181, 1994.
  • Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Formic Acid. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 1186-1188.
  • Sigurdsson, J., Bjornsson, A. and Gudmundsson, S.T.: Formic acid burn-local and systemic effects. Report of a case. Burns Incl. Therm. Inj. 9(5): 358-361, 1983.

Last Updated Date : 12/29/2020