The national Health Council for the Netherlands has just published an
evaluation of formamide.

Formamide, also known as methanamide, is an amide derived from formic acid. It
is a clear liquid which is miscible with water and has an ammonia-like odor. It
is used primarily for manufacturing sulfa drugs and synthesizing vitamins and
as a softener for paper and fiber. In its pure form, it dissolves many ionic
compounds that are insoluble in water, so it is also used as a solvent.

In this report, the Committee evaluated formamide. Formamide is an agent that
is among others used as intermediate in various industrial processes, and in
the production of pharmaceuticals, and pesticides, and as solvent in the
production of plastics.

Based on the available information, the Committee is of the opinion that
formamide is a suspected carcinogenic to man, and recommends classifying the
substance in category 2.

More information

AplusA-online.de - Source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work