ABSTRACT
N-Methylformamide may be released to the environment from its manufacture and use, and from the use of dimethylformamide, in which it is an impurity. N-Methylformamide may be released to the atmosphere as a result of the photolysis of dimethylamine or trimethylamine, and may occur in water as a result of photolysis of the aquatic herbicide fluridone. In soil, N-methylformamide may be subject to biodegradation based on its biodegradation by microorganisms obtained through soil enrichment and its structural similarities to dimethylformamide which biodegrades in river water. Based on the estimated vapor pressure, N-methylformamide is expected to exist almost entirely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. N-Methylformamide has been qualitatively detected in cigarette smoke. N-Methylformamide has been listed as an impurity in dimethylformamide; therefore, occupational exposure to N-methylformamide may occur during production and use of dimethylformamide.
