Dimethylformamide [MAK Value Documentation, 2017]

Abstract

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated the possibility to add the indication “prerequisite for Pregnancy Risk Group C” to the classification of Pregnancy Risk Group B for dimethylformamide [68‐12‐2] at the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of 5 ml/m3. The NOAECs for developmental toxicity are 32 ml/m3 in rats and 50 ml/m3 in rabbits. Only a LOAEL is available for mice. From this LOAEL of 182 mg/kg body weight/day, which after toxicokinetic scaling corresponds to a concentration of 67 ml/m3 at the workplace, the Commission estimated a NAEC of 22 ml/m3.
After whole body exposure of volunteers to dimethylformamide, the same amount was found to be taken up from the gas phase via the lung as via the skin. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely at the concentration of 1 ml/m3 and less. An exposure to this concentration would be the prerequisite for an assignment to Pregnancy Risk Group C.