International Chemical Safety Cards

FORMAMIDE

ICSC: 0891

Methanamide
Carbamaldehyde
CH₃NO / HCONH₂
Molecular mass: 45.0
ICSC #    0891
CAS #     75-12-7
RTECS # LQ0525000
EC #         616-052-00-8
April 11, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
•INHALATION	Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.	Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES	Redness.	Face shield.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. (See Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable steel (not copper) containers as far as possible. Wash away spilled liquid with plenty of water.

Separated from oxidants . Dry.

T symbol
R: 61
S: 53-45

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0891

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

FORMAMIDE

ICSC: 0891

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC, VISCOUS LIQUID.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On combustion, forms toxic gases (nitrogen oxides). The substance decomposes on heating at 180°C producing ammonia , water , carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide . Reacts withoxidants. Attacks metals such as aluminium, iron, copper and natural rubber.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 10 ppm as TWA; (skin); (ACGIH 2004).
OSHA PEL: none
NIOSH REL: TWA 10 ppm (15 mg/m³) skin
NIOSH IDLH: No data

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the skin . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 210°C
Melting point: 2.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.13
Solubility in water:
very good

Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: about 2
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6
Flash point: 154°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: >500°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

NFPA Code: H2; F1; R;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0891	FORMAMIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.