Safety Data Sheet
Formic acid 85%
Revision date : 2017/07/31 Page: 1/11
Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
1. Identification
Product identifier used on the label
Formic acid 85%
Recommended use of the chemical and restriction on use
Recommended use*: industrial chemicals
* The “Recommended use” identified for this product is provided solely to comply with a Federal requirement and is not part of
the seller's published specification. The terms of this Safety Data Sheet (SDS) do not create or infer any warranty, express or
implied, including by incorporation into or reference in the seller's sales agreement.
Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet
Company:
BASF CORPORATION
100 Park Avenue
Florham Park, NJ 07932, USA
Telephone: +1 973 245-6000
Emergency telephone number
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
BASF HOTLINE: 1-800-832-HELP (4357)
Other means of identification
Molecular formula: CH(2)O(2)
Chemical family: carboxylic acid
2. Hazards Identification
According to Regulation 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; 29 CFR Part 1910.1200
Classification of the product
Flam. Liq. 4 Flammable liquids
Acute Tox. 3 (Inhalation - vapour) Acute toxicity
Acute Tox. 4 (oral) Acute toxicity
Skin Corr./Irrit. 1B Skin corrosion/irritation
Eye Dam./Irrit. 1 Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Label elements
Safety Data Sheet
Formic acid 85%
Revision date : 2017/07/31 Page: 2/11
Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
Pictogram:
Signal Word:
Danger
Hazard Statement:
H227 Combustible liquid.
H331 Toxic if inhaled.
H302 Harmful if swallowed.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary Statements (Prevention):
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face
protection.
P261 Avoid breathing vapours.
P260 Do not breathe mist or vapour.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other
ignition sources. No smoking.
P260 Do not breathe dust or mist.
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P264 Wash with plenty of water and soap thoroughly after handling.
Precautionary Statements (Response):
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove
contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P304 + P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for
breathing.
P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with water/shower.
P301 + P330 + P331 IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P301 + P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you
feel unwell.
P330 Rinse mouth.
P370 + P378 In case of fire: Use alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder
or water spray for extinction.
Precautionary Statements (Storage):
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P403 + P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P405 Store locked up.
Precautionary Statements (Disposal):
P501 Dispose of contents/container to hazardous or special waste collection
point.
Hazards not otherwise classified
If applicable information is provided in this section on other hazards which do not result in
classification but which may contribute to the overall hazards of the substance or mixture.
Labeling of special preparations (GHS):
Corrosive to the respiratory tract.
Safety Data Sheet
Formic acid 85%
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3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
According to Regulation 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; 29 CFR Part 1910.1200
CAS Number Weight % Chemical name
64-18-6 >= 85.0 - <= 86.0% Formic Acid
4. First-Aid Measures
Description of first aid measures
General advice:
First aid personnel should pay attention to their own safety. If the patient is likely to become
unconscious, place and transport in stable sideways position (recovery position). Immediately
remove contaminated clothing.
If inhaled:
Remove the affected individual into fresh air and keep the person calm. Assist in breathing if
necessary. Immediate medical attention required.
If on skin:
Wash affected areas with water while removing contaminated clothing. Immediate medical attention
required.
If in eyes:
In case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water.
Immediate medical attention required.
If swallowed:
Rinse mouth and then drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting. Never induce vomiting or give
anything by mouth if the victim is unconscious or having convulsions. Immediate medical attention
required.
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
Symptoms: The most important known symptoms and effects are described in the labelling (see
section 2) and/or in section 11.
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Note to physician
Treatment: Treat according to symptoms (decontamination, vital functions), no
known specific antidote.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing media:
water spray, dry powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide
Safety Data Sheet
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Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Hazards during fire-fighting:
carbon monoxide,
The substances/groups of substances mentioned can be released if the product is involved in a fire.
Advice for fire-fighters
Protective equipment for fire-fighting:
Firefighters should be equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus and turn-out gear.
Further information:
Keep people away and stay on the upwind side.
6. Accidental release measures
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Breathing protection required. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes and clothing.
Environmental precautions
Do not empty into drains.
Methods and material for containment and cleaning up
Contain spills and cover with absorbent material. Place into appropriately labeled waste containers.
Remove containers to a safe place, cover loosely, and allow to stand for 24 to 48 hours before
sealing and disposing.
7. Handling and Storage
Precautions for safe handling
Ensure thorough ventilation of stores and work areas. Sealed containers should be protected against
heat as this results in pressure build-up.
Protection against fire and explosion:
Sources of ignition should be kept well clear.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Segregate from alkalies and alkalizing substances.
Suitable materials for containers: Stainless steel 1.4571, Stainless steel 1.4404, High density
polyethylene (HDPE), Low density polyethylene (LDPE), glass
Storage stability:
Storage temperature: < 30 °C
Storage duration: <= 36 Months
From the data on storage duration in this safety data sheet no agreed statement regarding the
warrantee of application properties can be deduced.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Components with occupational exposure limits
Formic Acid OSHA PEL PEL 5 ppm 9 mg/m3 ; TWA value 5 ppm 9
mg/m3 ;
ACGIH TLV STEL value 10 ppm ; TWA value 5 ppm ;
Safety Data Sheet
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Advice on system design:
Provide adequate exhaust ventilation to control work place concentrations.
Personal protective equipment
Respiratory protection:
Wear a NIOSH-certified (or equivalent) organic vapour respirator. Observe OSHA regulations for
respirator use (29 CFR 1910.134).
Hand protection:
chloroprene rubber (Neoprene), butyl rubber, Protective glove selection must be based on the user's
assessment of the workplace hazards., Consult with glove manufacturer for testing data.
Eye protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles (chemical goggles) and face shield.
Body protection:
Body protection must be chosen depending on activity and possible exposure, e.g. head protection,
apron, protective boots, chemical-protection suit.
General safety and hygiene measures:
Contact with eyes and skin must be avoided. Avoid inhalation of vapour. Remove contaminated
clothing immediately and dispose of safely. When using, do not eat, drink or smoke.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Form: liquid
Odour: pungent odour
Odour threshold: not determined
Colour: colourless to yellow
pH value: 2.2
( 10 g/l, 20 °C)
Melting point: -13 °C
Boiling point: 107.3 °C
Sublimation point: No applicable information available.
Flash point: 65 °C (DIN 51755)
Flammability: Combustible liquid.
Lower explosion limit: 14.9 %(V)
14.9 %(V)
( 57 °C)
Upper explosion limit: 47.6 %(V)
Autoignition: 500 °C (DIN 51794)
Vapour pressure: 24.2 hPa
( 20 °C)
112.5 hPa
( 50 °C)
Density: 1.195 g/cm3
( 20 °C)
1.201 g/cm3
( 15 °C)
1.173 g/cm3
( 40 °C)
1.161 g/cm3
( 50 °C)
1.15 g/cm3
( 55 °C)
Safety Data Sheet
Formic acid 85%
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Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
Relative density: No applicable information available.
Vapour density: No applicable information available.
Partitioning coefficient n- -1.9
octanol/water (log Pow): ( 23 °C)
Thermal decomposition: No applicable information available.
Viscosity, dynamic: 1.70 mPa.s
( 20 °C)
0.92 mPa.s
( 55 °C)
Viscosity, kinematic: 1.42 mm2/s
( 20 °C)
0.8 mm2/s
( 55 °C)
Miscibility with water: miscible in all proportions
Solubility (quantitative): No applicable information available.
Solubility (qualitative): miscible
solvent(s): organic solvents,
Molar mass: 46.03 g/mol
Evaporation rate: Value can be approximated from
Henry's Law Constant or vapor
pressure.
10. Stability and Reactivity
Reactivity
No hazardous reactions if stored and handled as prescribed/indicated.
Corrosion to metals:
No corrosive effect on metal.
Chemical stability
Slow decomposition possible.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Reacts with alkalies. Reacts with amines. Exothermic reaction.
Conditions to avoid
Temperature: > 30 degrees Celsius
Incompatible materials
bases, non-coated metals, base metals
Hazardous decomposition products
Decomposition products:
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
Thermal decomposition:
No applicable information available.
11. Toxicological information
Primary routes of exposure
Safety Data Sheet
Formic acid 85%
Revision date : 2017/07/31 Page: 7/11
Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
Routes of entry for solids and liquids are ingestion and inhalation, but may include eye or skin
contact. Routes of entry for gases include inhalation and eye contact. Skin contact may be a route
of entry for liquefied gases.
Acute Toxicity/Effects
Acute toxicity
Assessment of acute toxicity: Of moderate toxicity after single ingestion. Of pronounced toxicity after
short-term inhalation. The toxicity of the product is based on its corrosivity.
Oral
Type of value: LD50
Species: rat (male/female)
Value: 730 mg/kg (OECD Guideline 401)
Inhalation
Type of value: LC50
Species: rat (male/female)
Value: 7.85 mg/l (BASF-Test)
Exposure time: 4 h
Dermal
Study scientifically not justified.
Assessment other acute effects
Assessment of STOT single:
Based on the available information there is no specific target organ toxicity to be expected after a
single exposure.
Irritation / corrosion
Assessment of irritating effects: Highly corrosive! Damages skin and eyes.
Skin
Species: rabbit
Result: Corrosive.
Method: OECD Guideline 404
Literature data.
Eye
As the product corrodes the skin, it can be expected to have a similar effect on the eyes also.
Sensitization
Assessment of sensitization: Skin sensitizing effects were not observed in animal studies.
Caused sensitization in humans.
Buehler test
Species: guinea pig
Result: Non-sensitizing.
Method: OECD Guideline 406
Aspiration Hazard
No aspiration hazard expected.
Chronic Toxicity/Effects
Repeated dose toxicity
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Assessment of repeated dose toxicity: After repeated administration the prominent effect is the
induction of corrosion.
Genetic toxicity
Assessment of mutagenicity: No mutagenic effect was found in various tests with bacteria and
mammalian cell culture.
Genetic toxicity in vitro: Ames-test with and without metabolic activation negative
Cytogenetic assay with and without metabolic activation negative
Literature data.
Carcinogenicity
Assessment of carcinogenicity: The product has not been tested. The statement has been derived
from substances/products of a similar structure or composition. The results of various animal studies
gave no indication of a carcinogenic effect.
Reproductive toxicity
Assessment of reproduction toxicity: The product has not been tested. The statement has been
derived from substances/products of a similar structure or composition. The results of animal studies
gave no indication of a fertility impairing effect.
Teratogenicity
Assessment of teratogenicity: The product has not been tested. The statement has been derived
from substances/products of a similar structure or composition. No indications of a developmental
toxic / teratogenic effect were seen in animal studies.
Symptoms of Exposure
The most important known symptoms and effects are described in the labelling (see section 2)
and/or in section 11.
12. Ecological Information
Toxicity
Aquatic toxicity
Assessment of aquatic toxicity:
There is a high probability that the product is not acutely harmful to aquatic organisms. Inhibition of
degradation activity in activated sludge is not to be anticipated during correct introduction of low
concentrations.
The product gives rise to pH shifts.
Toxicity to fish
LC50 (96 h) 130 mg/l, Brachydanio rerio (OECD 203; ISO 7346; 92/69/EEC, C.1, static)
The product has not been tested. The statement has been derived from substances/products of a
similar structure or composition.
LC50 (96 h) 68 mg/l, Leuciscus idus (DIN 38412 Part 15, static)
The details of the toxic effect relate to the nominal concentration. After neutralization, it is no longer
toxic.
Aquatic invertebrates
EC50 (48 h) 365 mg/l, Daphnia magna (OECD Guideline 202, part 1, static)
The product has not been tested. The statement has been derived from substances/products of a
similar structure or composition. The statement of the toxic effect relates to the analytically
determined concentration.
Safety Data Sheet
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Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
EC50 (48 h) 32.19 mg/l, Daphnia magna (Directive 79/831/EEC, static)
The details of the toxic effect relate to the nominal concentration. The product will cause changes in
the pH value of the test system. The result refers to an unneutralized sample.
Aquatic plants
EC50 (72 h) 1,240 mg/l (growth rate), Selenastrum capricornutum (OECD Guideline 201, static)
The product has not been tested. The statement has been derived from substances/products of a
similar structure or composition.
EC50 (72 h) 32.64 mg/l (growth rate), Scenedesmus subspicatus (DIN 38412 Part 9, static)
The details of the toxic effect relate to the nominal concentration. The product will cause changes in
the pH value of the test system. The result refers to an unneutralized sample.
Chronic toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
No observed effect concentration (21 d) >= 102 mg/l, Daphnia magna (OECD Guideline 211,
semistatic)
The statement of the toxic effect relates to the analytically determined concentration. The product will
cause changes in the pH value of the test system. The result refers to a neutralized sample. No
effects at the highest test concentration.
Microorganisms/Effect on activated sludge
Toxicity to microorganisms
other aerobic
activated sludge, domestic, non-adapted/EC10 (13 d): 72 mg/l
DIN EN ISO 8192 aerobic
activated sludge, industrial/EC20 (0.5 h): > 1,000 mg/l
The details of the toxic effect relate to the nominal concentration. The product will cause changes in
the pH value of the test system. The result refers to an unneutralized sample.
DIN 38412 Part 8 aerobic
bacterium/EC50 (17 h): 46.7 mg/l
The details of the toxic effect relate to the nominal concentration. The product will cause changes in
the pH value of the test system. The result refers to an unneutralized sample.
Persistence and degradability
Assessment biodegradation and elimination (H2O)
Readily biodegradable (according to OECD criteria).
Elimination information
100 % DOC reduction (9 d) (OECD 301E/92/69/EEC, C.4-B) (aerobic, municipal sewage treatment
plant effluent)
Bioaccumulative potential
Bioaccumulation potential
No significant accumulation in organisms is expected as a result of the distribution coefficient of n-
octanol/water (log Pow).
Mobility in soil
Assessment transport between environmental compartments
The substance will not evaporate into the atmosphere from the water surface.
Adsorption to solid soil phase is not expected.
Safety Data Sheet
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Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
13. Disposal considerations
Waste disposal of substance:
Dispose of in accordance with national, state and local regulations. Do not discharge into waterways
or sewer systems without proper authorization.
Container disposal:
RCRA empty containers may be landfilled at a licensed facility; other containers must be disposed of
in a RCRA licensed facility. If containers are not empty, they must be disposed of in a RCRA-
licensed facility. Recommend crushing, puncturing or other means to prevent unauthorized use of
used containers.
RCRA: U123
This product is regulated by RCRA.
14. Transport Information
Land transport
USDOT
Hazard class: 8
Packing group: II
ID number: UN 1779
Hazard label: 8, 3
Proper shipping name: FORMIC ACID
Sea transport
IMDG
Hazard class: 8
Packing group: II
ID number: UN 1779
Hazard label: 8, 3
Marine pollutant: NO
Proper shipping name: FORMIC ACID
Air transport
IATA/ICAO
Hazard class: 8
Packing group: II
ID number: UN 1779
Hazard label: 8, 3
Proper shipping name: FORMIC ACID
15. Regulatory Information
Federal Regulations
Registration status:
Chemical TSCA, US released / listed
Feed TSCA, US released / exempt
Safety Data Sheet
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Version: 7.1 (30056217/SDS_GEN_US/EN)
EPCRA 311/312 (Hazard categories): Acute; Chronic; Fire
EPCRA 313:
CAS Number Chemical name
64-18-6 Formic Acid
CERCLA RQ CAS Number Chemical name
5000 LBS 64-18-6; 64-19-7 Formic Acid; Acetic acid
NFPA Hazard codes:
Health : 3 Fire: 2 Reactivity: 0 Special:
Assessment of the hazard classes according to UN GHS criteria (most recent version):
Skin Corr./Irrit. 1B Skin corrosion/irritation
Flam. Liq. 4 Flammable liquids
Eye Dam./Irrit. 1 Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Acute Tox. 4 (oral) Acute toxicity
Acute Tox. 3 (Inhalation - vapour) Acute toxicity
16. Other Information
SDS Prepared by:
BASF NA Product Regulations
SDS Prepared on: 2017/07/31
We support worldwide Responsible Care® initiatives. We value the health and safety of our
employees, customers, suppliers and neighbors, and the protection of the environment. Our
commitment to Responsible Care is integral to conducting our business and operating our facilities in
a safe and environmentally responsible fashion, supporting our customers and suppliers in ensuring
the safe and environmentally sound handling of our products, and minimizing the impact of our
operations on society and the environment during production, storage, transport, use and disposal of
our products.
IMPORTANT: WHILE THE DESCRIPTIONS, DESIGNS, DATA AND INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN ARE PRESENTED IN GOOD FAITH AND BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE , IT IS
PROVIDED FOR YOUR GUIDANCE ONLY. BECAUSE MANY FACTORS MAY AFFECT
PROCESSING OR APPLICATION/USE, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU MAKE TESTS TO
DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF A PRODUCT FOR YOUR PARTICULAR PURPOSE PRIOR
TO USE. NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
MADE REGARDING PRODUCTS DESCRIBED OR DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION SET
FORTH, OR THAT THE PRODUCTS, DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION MAY BE USED
WITHOUT INFRINGING THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF OTHERS. IN NO CASE
SHALL THE DESCRIPTIONS, INFORMATION, DATA OR DESIGNS PROVIDED BE CONSIDERED
A PART OF OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. FURTHER, YOU EXPRESSLY
UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT THE DESCRIPTIONS, DESIGNS, DATA, AND INFORMATION
FURNISHED BY OUR COMPANY HEREUNDER ARE GIVEN GRATIS AND WE ASSUME NO
OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY FOR THE DESCRIPTION, DESIGNS, DATA AND INFORMATION
GIVEN OR RESULTS OBTAINED, ALL SUCH BEING GIVEN AND ACCEPTED AT YOUR RISK.
END OF DATA SHEET