Dimethylformamide

Overview

CAS No. 68-12-2

Dimethylformamide [HCON(CH_₃)_₂] is a colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a faint odor. It can harm the eyes, skin, lungs, liver, and heart. Workers may be harmed from exposure to dimethylformamide. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Dimethylformamide is used in many industries. It is used as an industrial solvent and in the manufacture of synthetic fibers, plastics, and other chemicals. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to dimethylformamide include the following:

• Factory workers involved in plastics manufacturing
• Employees exposed to certain industrial solvents
• Workers involved in acrylic fiber spinning
• Employees who work in pharmaceutical production

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses dimethylformamide, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to dimethylformamide. Useful search terms for dimethylformamide include “dimethyl formamide,” “n,n-dimethylformamide,” and “DMF.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

Related NIOSH Resources

• NIOSHTIC-2 search results on dimethylformamide—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
• NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
• Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Profile Value: Dimethylformamide—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.

Selected Publications

• NIOSH Alert: Preventing Adverse Health Effects from Exposure to Dimethylformamide (DMF) DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 90-105.—This alert describes engineering controls, good work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for controlling exposures to DMF by inhalation and skin contact.
• Occupational Health Guideline for Dimethyl Formamide—This guideline helps stakeholders conduct effective occupational safety and health programs.

Related Resources

• EPA Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL) for N,N-Dimethylformamide
• EPA Chemistry Dashboard: N,N-Dimethylformamide
• EPA Hazard Summary for N,N-Dimethylformamide
• EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): N,N-Dimethylformamide
• NLM Haz-Map: Dimethylformamide
• NLM TOXNET: N,N-Dimethylformamide
• OSHA (Hazard Information Bulletin, archived): Dimethylformamide
• OSHA Hazard Communication
• OSHA Occupational Chemical Database: Dimethylformamide
• New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Dimethylformamide

International Resources

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): N,N-Dimethylformamide
• Gestis Substance Database
• IARC Monographs (115): Dimethylformamide
• International Chemical Safety Cards: N,N-Dimethylformamide
• IPCS INCHEM Health and Safety Guide No. 43: Dimethylformamide (DMF)
• IPCS INCHEM Environmental Health Criteria 114: Dimethylformamide
• OECD Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances
• WHO CICAD 31: N,N-Dimethylformamide