Formic Acid
General information
Key Points
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Toxic by all routes of exposure
Chemical classification: corrosive
Inhalation causes irritation of the eyes and nose with sore throat, cough, tightness of
the chest headache and confusion
Ingestion causes burning of the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and
stomach pain
Exposure to skin can cause burns to the skin layers
Eye exposure causes pain, watering eyes and increased sensitivity to light
Prepared by S Bull
CRCE HQ, HPA
2010
Version 1
FORMIC ACID – GENERAL INFORMATION
Background
Formic acid is a clear, colourless liquid
with a pungent odour. It is a man-made
chemical and is produced as a by-product
in the manufacture of other chemicals
such as acetic acid.
cough, chest tightness and headache.
Ingestion can cause burning of the mouth
and throat, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
and stomach pain. Spillages on skin or in
eyes can cause burns and pain with
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light.
Formic acid is principally used as a
preservative and antibacterial agent in
livestock feed. It is usually sprayed on
animal feed or fresh hay to reduce the rate
of decay and is also used as a pesticide to
treat and control mites that infest honey
bee hives.
Children exposed to formic acid are
expected to show similar effects to those
seen in adults. There are no data available
on the effects of formic acid on the unborn
child.
Other uses of formic acid include dying
textiles, tanning leather and electroplating.
There are no data on whether formic acid
causes cancer in humans.
Formic acid can enter the environment
during its production and use in industry. It
may leach into water and soil where it
biodegrades and vapours in the air will be
degraded by sunlight. As a result, there
are very low levels of formic acid in the
environment.
Exposure to formic acid is most likely
within an occupational setting via inhaling
vapours or contact with skin and eyes but
safe levels are enforced to protect
workers. The general public is unlikely to
be
exposed
to
formic
acid
at
concentrations that may cause adverse
health effects.
If exposed to formic acid, the potential
adverse health effects that may occur
depend on the way people are exposed
and the amount to which they are
exposed. Breathing vapours can cause
irritation of eyes and nose with sore throat,
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FORMIC ACID – GENERAL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
What is formic acid?
Formic acid is a clear, colourless liquid with a pungent odour.
What is formic acid used for?
Formic acid is principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. It is
usually sprayed on animal feed or fresh hay to reduce the rate of decay. It is also used as a
pesticide to treat and control mites that infest honey bee hives. Other uses of formic acid
include dying textiles, tanning leather and electroplating.
How does formic acid get into the environment?
Formic acid can enter the environment during its production and use in industry. It may leach
into water and soil where it biodegrades and vapours in the air will be degraded by sunlight.
As a result, there are very low levels of formic acid in the environment.
How will I be exposed to formic acid?
Exposure to formic acid is most likely to be within an occupational setting and safe levels are
enforced to protect workers. The general public is very unlikely to be exposed to formic acid
at concentrations that may cause adverse health effects.
If there is formic acid in the environment will I have any adverse health effects?
The presence of formic acid in the environment does not always lead to exposure. Clearly, in
order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may
be exposed by breathing or drinking the substance, or by skin contact. Following exposure to
any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors,
including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the
duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other
chemicals.
Occupational exposure may occur via inhaling vapours of formic acid, or contact with skin
and eyes. Breathing vapours of formic acid can cause irritation of eyes and nose with sore
throat, cough, chest tightness and headache. Ingestion can cause burning of the mouth and
throat, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and stomach pain. Spillages on skin or in eyes can
cause burns and pain with increased sensitivity of the eyes to light.
Can formic acid cause cancer?
There are no data on whether formic acid can cause cancer in humans.
Does formic acid affect children or damage the unborn child?
Children exposed to formic acid are expected to show similar effects to adults. There are no
data available on the effects of formic acid on the unborn child.
What should I do if I am exposed to formic acid?
You should remove yourself from the source of exposure.
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FORMIC ACID – GENERAL INFORMATION
If you have got formic acid on your skin, remove soiled clothing, wash the affected area with
lukewarm water and soap for at least 10-15 minutes and seek medical advice.
If you have got formic acid in your eyes remove contact lenses if necessary, wash the
affected area with lukewarm water for at least 10 – 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
If you have inhaled or ingested formic acid seek medical advice.
This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years or sooner if substantive evidence becomes
available.
General information: Page 4 of 4