DMF Safety Data Sheet
Hazards, Toxicity & Safe Handling of Dimethylformamide - A Complete EHS Reference
⚠️ Important Safety Notice
DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide, CAS 68-12-2) is classified as a reproductive toxin Category 1B under GHS and as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under EU REACH. It is readily absorbed through skin contact - gloves alone are insufficient protection without continuous monitoring of exposure. Always work in a well-ventilated environment or under local exhaust ventilation (LEV). This article is a technical reference only and does not replace your site-specific risk assessment or the official SDS provided by your supplier.
📋 Table of Contents
- Chemical Identification & GHS Classification
- GHS Hazard & Precautionary Statements
- Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
- Toxicological Profile - Acute & Chronic Effects
- Routes of Exposure & Absorption
- First Aid Measures
- PPE Requirements & Engineering Controls
- Storage, Handling & Spill Response
- Fire Hazard & Firefighting
- Regulatory Status - REACH, OSHA, ICH, RoHS
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Request SDS & COA from Sinolook Chemical
1 📋 Chemical Identification & GHS Classification
| Chemical Identity | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | N,N-Dimethylformamide |
| Abbreviation | DMF |
| CAS Number | 68-12-2 |
| EC / EINECS | 200-679-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₇NO |
| Molecular Weight | 73.09 g/mol |
| UN Number | UN 2265 |
| Packing Group | III |
GHS Hazard Pictograms
GHS02
Flammable
GHS07
Harmful / Irritant
GHS08
Health Hazard
GHS Hazard Classifications
| Hazard Class | Category |
|---|---|
| Flammable Liquid | Cat. 3 |
| Acute Toxicity - Oral | Cat. 4 |
| Acute Toxicity - Dermal | Cat. 4 |
| Acute Toxicity - Inhalation | Cat. 4 |
| Reproductive Toxicity ★ | Cat. 1B |
| Skin Irritation | Cat. 2 |
| Eye Irritation | Cat. 2 |
| STOT - Repeated Exposure | Cat. 1 (liver) |
2 🏷️ GHS Hazard & Precautionary Statements
⚠️ Hazard Statements (H-codes)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled |
| H360D | May damage the unborn child |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs (liver) through prolonged/repeated exposure |
🛡️ Precautionary Statements (P-codes)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P201 | Obtain special instructions before use |
| P260 | Do not breathe vapours |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves / eye protection / face protection |
| P308+P313 | IF exposed or concerned: get medical advice/attention |
| P405 | Store locked up |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container per local regulations |
GHS Signal Word
DANGER
3 📊 Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
Occupational exposure limits for DMF vary by jurisdiction. All regulatory bodies agree that skin absorption is a significant route of exposure and apply a "skin notation" - meaning airborne monitoring alone is insufficient; dermal exposure must also be actively controlled.
| Authority / Standard | TWA (8-hr) | STEL (15-min) | Skin Notation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA PEL (USA) | 10 ppm | - | ✓ Skin | = 30 mg/m³; legally enforceable |
| NIOSH REL (USA) | 10 ppm | - | ✓ Skin | = 30 mg/m³; recommended |
| ACGIH TLV (USA) | 5 ppm | - | ✓ Skin | More protective; BEI: urine formic acid 40 mg/g creatinine |
| EU OEL (2017/164/EU) | 5 ppm | 10 ppm | ✓ Skin | = 15 mg/m³ TWA, 30 mg/m³ STEL; binding in EU member states |
| UK WEL (EH40) | 5 ppm | 10 ppm | ✓ Skin | = 15 mg/m³ TWA |
| NIOSH IDLH | 500 ppm | - | - | Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health |
| ICH Q3C (Pharma) | - | - | - | Residual solvent limit in drug products: 880 ppm / 8.8 mg/day (Class 2) |
⚠️ Critical Note on Biological Monitoring: The ACGIH recommends Biological Exposure Index (BEI) monitoring for workers exposed to DMF. The primary BEI is urinary N-methylformamide (NMF) ≤ 15 mg/L or urinary formic acid ≤ 40 mg/g creatinine at end of shift. Air monitoring alone does not adequately capture total DMF body burden due to significant skin absorption.
4 🔬 Toxicological Profile - Acute & Chronic Effects
Acute Toxicity Data (Animal Studies)
| Parameter | Value | Species / Route |
|---|---|---|
| LD₅₀ (oral) | 2,800 mg/kg | Rat |
| LD₅₀ (dermal) | 1,500 mg/kg | Rabbit |
| LC₅₀ (inhalation, 4 hr) | 4,300 ppm | Rat |
| NOAEL (reproductive, rat) | 100 mg/kg/day | Rat, inhalation |
Key Chronic & Systemic Effects
🚫 Reproductive Toxicity (Cat. 1B) - MOST CRITICAL
DMF is classified as a Reproductive Toxin Category 1B (GHS H360D: "May damage the unborn child"). Animal studies demonstrate developmental toxicity at occupationally relevant doses. Epidemiological studies in PU leather factory workers have shown associations with increased rates of congenital abnormalities in children of exposed workers.
⚠️ Women of childbearing potential must not work with DMF unless risk has been formally assessed and adequate controls implemented. Pregnancy must be reported to occupational health immediately for exposure reassignment.
🫀 Hepatotoxicity (Liver Damage)
DMF and its primary metabolite N-methylformamide (NMF) are directly hepatotoxic. Chronic occupational exposure can cause toxic hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), and - in severe cases - fulminant hepatic failure. The risk is dose-dependent and amplified by concurrent alcohol consumption (both compete for the same metabolic pathway).
💡 Workers exposed to DMF should avoid alcohol during working days. Periodic liver function tests (LFTs) are recommended for workers with regular DMF exposure.
🖐️ Skin Absorption - A Primary Exposure Route
DMF penetrates intact human skin rapidly and efficiently. Studies show that dermal absorption can contribute as much to total body burden as inhalation in many industrial settings. Nitrile gloves provide insufficient protection beyond a few minutes - butyl rubber gloves are required for any contact longer than brief incidental exposure.
⚠️ Immediate removal and thorough washing of contaminated clothing is essential - DMF soaks into fabric and continues to absorb through skin even after the liquid source is removed.
🔬 Carcinogenicity Classification
DMF is not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, NTP or ACGIH based on current evidence. Animal carcinogenicity bioassays have been largely negative. Some epidemiological studies in leather workers show increased testicular cancer rates, but confounding exposures make causal attribution to DMF alone inconclusive.
✅ Current regulatory consensus: DMF is NOT a carcinogen, but IS a reproductive toxin and hepatotoxin. These two hazards drive all OELs and REACH restrictions.
5 🚨 Routes of Exposure & Absorption
Understanding how DMF enters the body is critical for designing effective controls. Unlike many solvents where inhalation is the primary route, DMF presents a particularly challenging multi-route exposure profile.
Dermal (Skin)
High absorption rate. DMF penetrates intact skin rapidly. Dermal exposure can equal or exceed inhalation contribution to total body burden. Particularly insidious - no immediate pain or irritation; contamination may go unnoticed.
Control: Butyl rubber gloves + impervious apron. Change immediately if contaminated.
Inhalation (Vapour)
Significant at process temperatures. At 25 °C, DMF vapor pressure is low (3.7 mmHg), limiting ambient vapor generation. However, in heated processes (50–150 °C), vapor concentrations can rapidly exceed OELs. Vapor is poorly warned by odor - not detectable at OEL levels.
Control: LEV at process sources. Use air monitoring when working at elevated temperatures.
Eye Contact
Causes serious eye irritation (GHS H319). Liquid contact results in redness, tearing and discomfort. Unlikely to cause permanent damage if promptly irrigated, but prolonged contact should be treated urgently.
Control: Safety goggles or face shield. Eye wash station within 10 seconds of work area.
🔬 DMF Metabolism - Why It's Toxic
After absorption, DMF is metabolized primarily in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2E1). The primary metabolite is N-methylformamide (NMF), which is further oxidized to N-methyl-N-formyl hydrazine and ultimately to methyl isocyanate - the hepatotoxic species. Formic acid and CO₂ are the final excretion products. The metabolic pathway explains both the hepatotoxicity (reactive intermediates) and the interaction with alcohol (ethanol competes for CYP2E1, altering DMF metabolism and increasing peak toxic metabolite concentrations).
6 🚑 First Aid Measures
🖐️ Skin Contact
- Remove contaminated clothing and footwear immediately
- Wash affected skin with soap and water for at least 20 minutes
- Do not reuse contaminated clothing until thoroughly laundered
- Seek medical attention if large area affected or systemic symptoms develop (nausea, abdominal pain)
- Monitor for delayed liver effects over the following 24–72 hours
👁️ Eye Contact
- Remove contact lenses if easily removable without further injury
- Irrigate eyes immediately with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open
- Seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Do not rub eyes
💨 Inhalation
- Remove person to fresh air immediately
- If not breathing, administer artificial respiration and call emergency services
- Keep person warm and at rest
- Seek medical attention even if symptoms appear mild - delayed hepatic effects may not manifest for 24–48 hours
- Do not give alcohol to an exposed person
🤢 Ingestion
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
- Rinse mouth with water
- Call Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention immediately
- Show the SDS or product label to the treating physician
- Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
💡 For All Routes: Always inform the attending physician that the exposure substance is DMF - a reproductive toxin with delayed hepatotoxic effects. Symptoms of significant DMF poisoning may be absent or mild in the first hours but progress to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes 24–48 hours post-exposure. Liver function tests (LFTs) should be performed at 24 and 72 hours in cases of significant exposure.
7 🦺 PPE Requirements & Engineering Controls
Personal Protective Equipment
| PPE Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| 🧤 Gloves | Butyl rubber ≥ 0.5 mm - minimum. Nitrile provides <15 min protection only. Never use latex or PVC gloves. |
| 🥽 Eye / Face | Chemical splash goggles (EN 166 / ANSI Z87.1). Face shield for bulk handling or splash risk. |
| 🥼 Body | Chemical-resistant lab coat or coverall. Impervious apron for bulk work. Remove immediately if contaminated. |
| 🫁 Respiratory | Not required if LEV is adequate and concentration below OEL. If ventilation inadequate: half-face respirator with organic vapour (OV) cartridge. |
| 👟 Footwear | Chemical-resistant safety boots. No open-toe footwear in DMF-use areas. |
Engineering & Administrative Controls
🏭 Priority 1 - Elimination / Substitution
Evaluate whether DMF can be replaced with a less hazardous solvent (DMAc, NMP, or bio-based alternatives) for the specific process. This is required under EU REACH authorization conditions.
🌬️ Priority 2 - Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
Enclosed hoods, slot exhausts, or downdraft benches at all points of use. Capture velocity ≥ 0.5 m/s at open face. Exhaust air must pass through activated carbon adsorber or thermal oxidizer before discharge - DMF must not be vented directly to atmosphere.
📋 Priority 3 - Administrative Controls
Restrict access to DMF areas. Rotate workers if sustained exposure risk. Implement no-alcohol policy during DMF work shifts. Provide biological monitoring (urine NMF). Conduct annual health surveillance for liver function.
⚠️ PPE is always the last resort - hierarchy of controls must be applied in order: Eliminate → Substitute → Engineer → Administrate → PPE.
8 🏪 Storage, Handling & Spill Response
📦 Storage Conditions
- Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources
- Temperature: 15–25 °C recommended
- Containers: stainless steel or HDPE - seal tightly after each use
- Keep away from: strong acids, strong bases, oxidising agents, reactive metals (Al, Zn)
- Store separately from food, drink, and animal feed
- Lock access to prevent unauthorised use (P405)
🔧 Handling Precautions
- Open containers only in LEV or fume hood
- Ground and bond metal containers when transferring (static)
- Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes at all times
- No eating, drinking, or smoking in DMF-use areas
- Wash hands thoroughly before leaving work area
🚨 Spill Response
- Evacuate non-essential personnel; ventilate area
- Put on full PPE (butyl gloves, goggles, chemical suit)
- Contain spill with sand, vermiculite or inert absorbent
- Collect absorbed material in sealed, labelled containers
- Do NOT wash DMF to drains - it must be collected for authorised disposal
- Clean residue with water and detergent; monitor drain water for DMF contamination
⚠️ Waste Disposal: DMF and DMF-contaminated materials are classified as hazardous waste in most jurisdictions. Disposal must comply with local environmental regulations. Recommended disposal routes: (1) solvent recovery and recycling, (2) incineration in a licensed facility with energy recovery. Do not dispose via sanitary sewer without prior water authority approval - DMF at high concentrations can interfere with biological wastewater treatment.
9 🔥 Fire Hazard & Firefighting
Fire & Explosion Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 58 °C (closed cup) |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 445 °C |
| LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) | 2.2 % v/v |
| UEL (Upper Explosive Limit) | 15.2 % v/v |
| GHS Flammability Class | Category 3 Flammable Liquid |
| Combustion Products | CO, CO₂, NOₓ, dimethylamine |
Firefighting Guidance
✅ Suitable Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), water spray (mist). Water spray can be used to cool containers and suppress vapour.
❌ Unsuitable Extinguishing Media
Direct water jet on bulk liquid - may spread fire and create steam pressure. Standard (non-AR) foam may not be effective on DMF.
⚠️ Special Hazards for Firefighters
Combustion produces toxic fumes (CO, NOₓ, dimethylamine vapour). Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective equipment. Cool storage containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up. DMF vapours are denser than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas.
10 🌍 Regulatory Status - REACH, OSHA, ICH, RoHS
| Regulation / List | Status | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| EU REACH - SVHC List | ⚠️ Listed (SVHC) | Must be communicated in supply chain if >0.1 wt% in articles. Suppliers must notify ECHA. |
| EU REACH - Annex XIV (Authorization) | ⚠️ Listed | Use in EU requires ECHA authorization for certain applications. Sunset date applicable to key uses. |
| EU Directive 2003/36/EC (worker protection) | ⚠️ Regulated | Binding OEL of 5 ppm TWA / 10 ppm STEL in all EU member states |
| ICH Q3C (Pharmaceutical) | Class 2 Residual Solvent | Permitted with limits: 880 ppm or 8.8 mg/day in finished drug products |
| US OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1000) | PEL: 10 ppm TWA | Legally enforceable in US workplaces |
| California Prop 65 | ⚠️ Listed (Dev. Tox.) | Listed as a developmental toxicant; warning required on products in California if exposure above NSRL |
| EU Textile / Consumer Articles | ⚠️ Restricted | DMF as residue in leather / textile articles: restricted to <10 μg/m² (footwear, furniture) under Commission Regulation (EU) No 301/2014 |
| RoHS / WEEE | ✅ Not Listed | DMF is not currently restricted under RoHS electrical/electronic waste regulations |
💡 For buyers outside the EU: While REACH directly applies only within the EU, many global chemical procurement policies voluntarily align with REACH SVHC standards. Buyers in North America, Japan, South Korea, and China increasingly require SVHC disclosure and supplier substitution roadmaps for DMF-containing supply chains. Contact Sinolook's technical team for guidance on compliance documentation.
11 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 · Is DMF toxic?
Yes. DMF is classified as acutely harmful by inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion (GHS Category 4 for all three routes). More importantly, it is a Category 1B reproductive toxin (may damage the unborn child) and causes liver damage through prolonged exposure. It is readily absorbed through the skin, which is a particularly important and underappreciated exposure route.
Q2 · Is DMF carcinogenic?
DMF is not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, NTP, or ACGIH based on current available evidence. Animal carcinogenicity studies have been largely negative. Some epidemiological studies have suggested an association between DMF exposure and testicular cancer in leather workers, but these findings remain inconclusive due to confounding factors. The primary hazards driving regulatory action are reproductive toxicity and hepatotoxicity, not carcinogenicity.
Q3 · Is DMF banned in Europe?
DMF is not outright banned in the EU, but it is subject to authorization requirements under REACH Annex XIV as an SVHC. Companies wishing to use DMF in certain applications within the EU must obtain formal authorization from ECHA, demonstrating that risks are adequately controlled or that socioeconomic benefits outweigh risks. Additionally, DMF residues in leather and textile articles sold in the EU are restricted to <10 μg/m² under consumer protection regulations.
Q4 · What are the symptoms of DMF exposure?
Acute symptoms of significant DMF exposure include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. These may be delayed 12–24 hours after skin absorption or inhalation exposure. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) typically appear 24–72 hours post-exposure. Chronic low-level exposure can cause gradual liver function impairment, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. Workers should seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop after potential DMF exposure.
Q5 · What gloves should I use with DMF?
Butyl rubber gloves (≥ 0.5 mm thickness) are the recommended standard for DMF handling. Nitrile gloves provide only short-term splash protection (breakthrough time typically < 15 minutes for DMF) and should not be relied on for prolonged contact. Never use natural rubber, latex, or PVC gloves - these swell or degrade rapidly in DMF and provide essentially no protection.
Q6 · Can I get an SDS for DMF from Sinolook Chemical?
Yes. Sinolook Chemical provides a full Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) compliant with GHS / UN Rev. 7 format for all DMF shipments. The SDS covers all 16 sections required by OSHA HazCom 2012, EU CLP Regulation, and GHS. COA (Certificate of Analysis) with batch-specific purity data is also provided. Contact us via the details below to request documentation before your first order.
📚 Related Articles & Resources
📋 Request DMF SDS, COA & Pricing from Sinolook Chemical
Sinolook Chemical provides full GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheets and batch Certificates of Analysis with every DMF shipment. Industrial and pharmaceutical grades available. Our technical team can assist with regulatory compliance queries, REACH documentation, and ICH Q3C residual solvent certificates.
0086 18150362095
Quick quote & SDS requests
📱 WeChat / Tel
0086 13400715622
Technical support & compliance
✉️ Email
sales@sinolookchem.com
SDS / COA / REACH docs
🏭 Sinolook Chemical Co., Ltd. | sinolookchem.com | Export to 50+ countries | ISO-certified supply chain
