N,N-dimethylformamide

N,N-Dimethylformamide was detected in the urine of synthetic leather factory workers(1); the ave and range of concentrations at the end of shift were 449 ug/L and 100-990 ug/L, respectively, for workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide in the workplace(1). Urinary levels of N,N-dimethylformamide (detected as N-monomethylformamide) for workers at leather, polyurethane, and shoe-sole production facilities were 19.7 ppm, 7.8 ppm, and 2.6 ppm, respectively(2).

Pesticide Ecotoxicity Data from EPA: 4

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), N,N-dimethylformamide, which has a vapor pressure of 3.87 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase N,N-dimethylformamide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 20 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.8X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). N,N-Dimethylformamide contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of N,N-dimethylformamide can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that N,N-dimethylformamide is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

AEROBIC: Aerobic unacclimated and acclimated river die-away tests showed that N,N-dimethylformamide at an initial concentration of 30 mg/L completely disappeared within 6 and 3 days, respectively(1). However, 24 to 48 hours was required before any degradation was observed among unacclimated samples(1). N,N-Dimethylformamide, present at 100 mg/L, reached 4.4% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(2). Aerobic grab sample data for N,N-dimethylformamide in sea water showed a mineralization rate of <3% in 24 hours for initial concentration of 10 ug/L and 100 ug/L(3). However, 20% of N,N-dimethylformamide at a concentration of 0.1 ug/L was mineralized in 24 hrs(3). All samples were adjusted to sterilized controls(3). Aqueous...

BCFs of 0.3-1.2 and 0.3-0.8 were reported in carp (Cyprinus carpio) when exposed to 2 and 20 ppm of N,N-dimethylformamide over a 2-week period, respectively(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCFs suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for N,N-dimethylformamide is reported as 7.39X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that N,N-dimethylformamide is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from moist soil and water surfaces(2). The potential for volatilization of N,N-dimethylformamide from dry soil surfaces may exist based upon a vapor pressure of 3.87 mm Hg(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of N,N-dimethylformamide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.8X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 20 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since neutral hydrolysis rate constants for amides are <10-9/sec under environmental conditions (pH 5 to 9)(2). N,N-Dimethylformamide contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

SURFACE WATER: One of 204 samples contained N,N-dimethylformamide in a national survey of surface waters(1). N,N-Dimethylformamide was detected in samples from 19 sites on 11 rivers from Niigata, Japan; samples were collected Jun to Nov 1999; concentrations were <0.03 to 0.25 ug/L(2).

N,N-Dimethylformamide was detected in the air over a hazardous waste site in Lowell, MA and a neighboring industry at 2.18 and >50 ppb, respectively(1). N,N-Dimethylformamide was detected in 1 of 63 industrial wastewater effluents at <10 ug/L(2). N,N-Dimethylformamide was detected in the waste effluent of a plastics manufacturer at 28,378 ng/uL of extract(3). Effluent from a New Jersey publically owned treatment works in a rural area with no industrial contribution contained 32 ppb of N,N-dimethylformamide(4). The specific mass emission of N,N-dimethylformamide from a sponge rubber carpet cushion was <1 ug/cu m hr after a 96 hour period in a 52 liter environmental chamber(5). N,N-Dimethylformamide was given off of an operating complete television set and an operating printed circuit boa...

Environmental effects of the substance have been adequately investigated, but no significant effects have been found.

INDOOR: The mean atmospheric concentration of N,N-dimethylformamide in a synthetic leather factory was 16.5 mg/cu m (range, 3-27 mg/cu m)(1). Workers at leather, polyurethane, and shoe-sole production facilities were exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide concentrations (mean value) in air of 9.1 ppm, 3.9 ppm, and 0.7 ppm, respectively(2).

N,N-Dimethylformamide's production and use as a solvent, in pharmaceuticals, in acrylic fibers and in plastics(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

Exposure can occur in workers handling surface-treated agents containing DMF.

The specific mass emission of N,N-dimethylformamide from a sponge rubber carpet cushion was <1 ug/cu m hr after a 96 hour period in a 52 liter environmental chamber(1). N,N-Dimethylformamide was reported as a component in tobacco smoke(2).

N,N-Dimethylformamide's production and use as a solvent, in pharmaceutical intermediate, in acrylic fibers and in plastics may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 3.87 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates N,N-dimethylformamide will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase N,N-dimethylformamide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 20 hours. N,N-Dimethylformamide contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, N,N-dimethylformamide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of...

Symptoms of dimethyl formamide exposure may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, and temporary alcohol intolerance. (L1658)

As there is no antidote for dimethyl formamide poisoning, treatment is mainly supportive and symptomatic. (T36)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system

LD50: 2800 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T14) LD50: 1400 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Rat) (T14) LD50: 3800 mg/kg (Subcutaneous, Rat) (T14) LD50: 2000 mg/kg (Intravenous, Rat) (T14)

Dimethyl formamide is a known hepatatotoxin. It may also cause birth defects, kidney damage, and temporary alcohol intolerance. (L1658)

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Animal.

Oral; inhalation; dermal

While the mechanism of action of dimethyl formamide has not bee fully elucidated, thiocarbamate pesticides have been shown to inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenases. (A2459)

Oral Subchronic Chronic Reference Dose Reference: PPRTV Current

Dimethylformamide exposure to air concn of 3500 ppm is considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)

... Investigations show that dimethylformamide, despite its relatively low vapor pressure, affects most workmen handling it, esp those suffering from gastric or liver troubles (ulcers, gastritis, alcoholism).

Soil Saturation Concentration (mg/kg): 1.06e+05

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Early intubation, at the first sign of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider v...

Soil Saturation Concentration (mg/kg): 1.06e+05