Is Formic Acid Harmful to Humans?

Formic acid is a colorless liquid with a strong pungent odor. It is used in the dyeing and finishing of textiles and paper, in the treatment of leather, and in the manufacture of many other chemicals.

Physical and chemical properties of formic acid

What are the physical properties of formic acid? It is a colorless, corrosive liquid with a pungent odor. This compound has a melting point of 8.6°C and a boiling point of 100.6°C. Other physical properties of formic acid include: solubility and corrosivity in water, benzene, and ethanol.

Manufacturers in several industries are of particular interest in formic acid for its specific chemical properties, such as: ability to increase the corrosion rate of various materials, electrical conductivity, or fungicidal and bactericidal properties. Acidic and corrosive liquids can irritate human mucous membranes and can cause severe allergic reactions, swelling, and reddened skin, so extra care needs to be taken when handling HCOOH.

Health Hazard Information of formic acid

Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Formic Acid:

• Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage.

• Inhaling Formic Acid can irritate the nose and throat.

• Inhaling Formic Acid can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.

• Exposure to Formic Acid can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Formic Acid and can last for months or years:

Cancer Hazard

• According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Formic Acid has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.

Reproductive Hazard

• There is no evidence that Formic Acid affects reproduction. This is based on test results presently available to the NJDHSS from published studies.

Other Effects

• Formic Acid can cause chronic bronchitis with cough, phlegm and shortness of breath.

• Exposure to high concentrations, particularly in susceptible individuals, may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash.

• Formic Acid may damage the kidneys.