N,n-Dimethylformamide: Hazard Characterization and Exposure–response Analysis

N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) was assessed as a Priority Substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Based on the results of epidemiological studies of exposed workers and supporting data from a relatively extensive database of investigations in experimental animals, the liver is the critical target organ for the toxicity of DMF. The profile of effects observed in humans includes gastrointestinal disturbance, alcohol intolerance, increases in serum hepatic enzymes and histological effects. A tolerable concentration of 0.1 mg/m3 was derived, based upon increases in serum hepatic enzymes in workers exposed primarily to DMF.