Formamide

CAS Registry Number 75-12-7

What is it?

• Formamide is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Formamide is used primarily in industrial settings.
• It is used in the crystallization of pharmaceuticals, in soil stabilization, as a solvent in inks and as a component of liquid fertilizers.
• Formamide is also used as a monomer in the production of polymers used as heat-resistant coatings and in some personal care products.
• Formamide is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to the assessment, formamide was identified as a potential concern to human health based on its classification by international organizations as a substance which may impair fertility or cause developmental effects in animals, and based on a moderate potential for exposure to Canadians.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• Due to its primary use in industrial settings, exposure of the general population in Canada to formamide is expected to be low.
• Canadians might also be exposed to formamide from ink in marking pens.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of formamide, called a screening assessment.
• The Government of Canada has concluded that formamide is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action will be taken on formamide.
• The final screening assessment was published on August 22, 2009.

What could Canadians do?

• Because Canadians' exposure to formamide is expected to be low, the Government of Canada is not currently recommending specific actions by Canadians to reduce their exposure.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded to carefully follow safety warnings and directions when using products containing formamide.