We performed the tests of acute and subchronic inhalation toxicity of methyl formate, which has limited toxicological data in spite of its widespread use and enhanced hazard consequent on its high volatility. The median lethal concentration (LC<SUB>50</SUB>) was evaluated to be above 5,000 ppm (12.27 ㎎/L). In the test with subchronic inhalation, there are no deaths, but with reduction of body weight, food intake, organ weight by exposure to 400 (0.98 ㎎/L) and 1,600 (3.92 ㎎/L) ppm, dose-dependently. There were statistical differences in some hematological and blood biochemical parameters as compared to control (e.g. neutrophile and lymphocyte in the 1,600 ppm group, calcium and A/G in 1,600 ppm group). Methyl formate under the exposure of 1,600 ppm showed the respiratory findings with nasal, it was confirmed that the chemical has respiratory hazard with 1,600 ppm inhalation exposure, induces nasal epithelial atrophy, olfactory cell degeneration/regeneration and the contraction of olfactory cells, etc. According to the notification with Ministry of Labor (No. 2009-68) for classification, labeling and MSDS of chemicals, it is suggested for methyl formate to be classified as category 4 in acute (10.0 ＜ category 4≤20.0 ㎎/L), category 2 (0.2 ＜ concentration ~ 1.0 ㎎/L/6h, 90 days) in specific target organ-repeated exposure.
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