Ten-day repeated-exposure inhalation study of dimethylformamide (DMF) in cynomolgus monkeys

Cynomolgus monkeys showed no measurable adverse effects following inhalation of 500 ppm dimethylformamide (DMF), 6 h/d, 5 d/wk, for 2 weeks either when exposed whole-body or head-only (one monkey per exposure route). Measurement of DMF concentrations into and out of the head-only exposure unit along with measurement of the tidal volume suggest that DMF absorption by the respiratory tract is approximately 100% at a concentration of 500 ppm. Plasma samples taken 1/2 to 18 h after the first exposure show DMF AUC values which were 3 times higher in the monkey exposed by whole-body, indicating considerable absorption by non-inhalation route(s). The same comparison of plasma samples taken following the final (10th) exposure similarly had a 6-times DMF AUC value for the monkey exposed by whole-body. From this study it is apparent that the practice of avoiding dermal contact with DMF is important in reducing the likelihood of producing DMF-induced injury in the workplace.