International Chemical Safety Cards

FORMAMIDE ICSC: 0891

FORMAMIDE
Methanamide
Carbamaldehyde
CH3NO / HCONH2
Molecular mass: 45.0
CAS # 75-12-7
RTECS # LQ0525000
ICSC # 0891
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 if indicated. 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.

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 © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

FORMAMIDE ICSC: 0891

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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 with oxidants. Attacks metals such as aluminium, iron, copper and natural rubber.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 10 ppm; 18 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1996).


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 irritates 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 indicated.
NFPA Code: H2; F1; R;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0891 FORMAMIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.