DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE†

Chemical Identification
CAS #	68-12-2
Formula	C₃H₇NO
Synonyms	DMF; DMFA; N,N-dimethylformamide; composite constituent; dimethyl formamide

Physical Properties
Physical description	Colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a faint, amine-like odor.
Boiling point	307°F	Molecular weight	73.1
Freezing point/melting point	-78°F	Vapor pressure	3 mmHg
Flash point	136°F	Vapor density	2.51
Specific gravity	0.95	Ionization potential	9.12 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL)	2.2% at 212°F	Upper explosive limit (UEL)	15.2% at 212°F
NFPA health rating	2	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
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	0930
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	CSC tube (100/50 mg) [SKC 226-01]
Sampling time^*	50 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	10 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	0.2 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*	3 L
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*	0.2 L/min
Analytical method instruments	GC-NPD
Method reference	OSHA 66 (fully validated)
Notes
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.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media	Wipe with charcoal pad, seal in glass vial for shipment. [3M 3500]
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**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	10 ppm (30 mg/m³)	REL-TWA	10 ppm (30 mg/m³)	TLV-TWA	5 ppm [2017]	PEL-TWA	10 ppm (30 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation	Y	Skin notation	Y	Skin notation	Y	Skin notation	Y
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes:		Notes: BEI®		Notes:
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH	500 ppm
Carcinogenic classifications: IARC-3, TLV-A3		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3: 2 ppm/100 ppm/200 ppm

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - N,N-Dimethylformamide

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Dimethylformamide

Literature References

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Dimethylformamide. See annual publication for most recent information.
EPA Air Toxics Website: N,N-Dimethylformamide. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Technology Transfer Network.
Angerer, J., Göen, T., Krämer, A. and Käfferlein, H.U.: N-methylcarbamoyl adducts at the N-terminal valine of globin in workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide. Arch. Toxicol. 72(5): 309-313, 1998.
Chang, H.-Y., Shih, T.-S., Guo, Y.-L., Tsai, C.-Y. and Hsu, P.-C.: Sperm function in workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide in the synthetic leather industry. Fertil. Steril. 81(6): 1589-1594, 2004.
Chang, H.-Y., Tsai, C.-Y., Lin, Y.-Q., Shih, T.-S., and Lin, W.-C.: Total body burden arising from a week's repeated dermal exposure to N,N-dimethylformamide. Occup. Environ. Med. 62(3): 151-156, 2005.
Cox, N.H. and Mustchin, C.P.: Prolonged spontaneous and alcohol-induced flushing due to the solvent dimethylformamide. Contact Dermatitis 24(1): 69-70, 1991.
Dimethylformamide. IARC Monogr. Eval. Carcinog. Risks Hum. 71(Pt. 2): 545-574, 1999.
Käfferlein, H.U., et al.: The use of biomarkers of exposure of N,N-dimethylformamide in health risk assessment and occupational hygiene in the polyacrylic fibre industry. Occup. Environ. Med. 62(5): 330-336, 2005.
Mráz, J., Dušková, Š., Gálová, E., Nohová, H. and Brabec, M.: Biological monitoring of N,N-dimethylformamide. Reference value for N-methylcarbamoyl adduct at the N-terminal valine as a biomarker of chronic occupational exposure. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 75(Suppl.): S93-96, 2002.
Pohanish, R.P. (editor): N,N-Dimethylformamide. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 926-928.

Last Updated Date : 12/28/2020

DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References