NL-Formamide suspected carcinogen C2 24.02.2011
The national Health Council for the Netherlands has just published an evaluation of formamide.
Formamide, also known as methanamide, is an amide derived from formic acid. It is a clear liquid which is miscible with water and has an ammonia-like odor. It is used primarily for manufacturing sulfa drugs and synthesizing vitamins and as a softener for paper and fiber. In its pure form, it dissolves many ionic compounds that are insoluble in water, so it is also used as a solvent.
In this report, the Committee evaluated formamide. Formamide is an agent that is among others used as intermediate in various industrial processes, and in the production of pharmaceuticals, and pesticides, and as solvent in the production of plastics.
Based on the available information, the Committee is of the opinion that formamide is a suspected carcinogenic to man, and recommends classifying the substance in category 2.
