Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 200-579-1 | CAS number: 64-18-6
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
There are guideline studies on the acute oral toxicity (OECD TG 401) and on the inhalation toxicity (OECD TG 403) of formic acid in the rat available. In accordance with test guidelines, the dermal toxicity was not examined because of the corrosive properties of formic acid.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Acute toxicity: via oral route
Endpoint conclusion
- Dose descriptor:
- LD50
- Value:
- 730 mg/kg bw
Acute toxicity: via inhalation route
Endpoint conclusion
- Dose descriptor:
- LC50
- Value:
- 7 850 mg/m³ air
Additional information
The oral LD50 of undiluted formic acid was determined to be 730 mg/kg bw in male and female rats which were given the test substance by oral gavage in a study that was performed according to OECD Guideline No. 401. Clinical signs were noted 30 minutes after dosing. Symptoms included unkempt fur, hunched posture, stagger, aggressiveness, dyspnea, sedation and ataxia, lateral and abdominal position, convulsions, bloody noses and blood in urine. At later times hypothermia, body weight loss and pale limbs were additionally noted (Huels, 1985).
The acute inhalation toxicity of formic acid vapor was investigated in a study according to OECD 403 (BASF, 1980). Clinical signs of toxicity were closed lids, snout swiping, discharge from nose and eye, corrosion of nose and eyes, salivation, corneal opacity, loss of pain reflex, dyspnea, respiration sounds, flatulence, apathy, hunched posture and unsteady gait. The LC50(4h) was determined to be 7.85 mg/L for male and female rats.
The acute dermal toxicity was not examined in animals because of the corrosive properties. The dermal toxicity of the salts is low, e.g. LD50of sodium formate was >2000 mg/kg (BASF, 2007).
Justification for classification or non-classification
Based on the results obtained formic acid is classified as cat. 4 (H302) for acute oral toxicity and cat. 3 (H331) for acute inhalation toxicity according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). According to Directive 67/548/EEC (DSD) formic acid is classified with R22 (harmful if swallowed) and R20 (harmful by inhalation).
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