Dimethylformamide and alcohol intolerance.

Abstract

(1977) showed that DMF or disulfiram administered (each in doses of 2 mmol/kg) to rats increased the blood acetaldehyde levels of these animals four-and five-fold respectively in response to ethanol (2 g/kg) given 18, but not three, hours later. An equivalent dose of N-methylformamide (MF) raised blood acetaldehydn levels equally, whether given three or 18 h before ethanol challenge. Eben and Kimmerle (1976) have shown that, in volunteers exposed for two hours to an atmosphere containing 50-80 ppm of DMF, blood DMF concentrations were of the order of 9-9 ,tg/ml and had fallen to undetectable levels within six hours. Blood MF over the same period rose from a mean of 2-5 jug/ml to 3-2 ,ug/ml and was still detectable in traces after 30 h.One hundred and two men, at various times over a period of three years, were engaged in running a chemical plant in which DMF was used as a solvent. Shortly after operations began in early 1974 some of the men reported that their customary

Acute solvent-ethanol interactions with special reference to xylene.

“…This effect on blood acetaldehyde was even more pronounced when the ethanol challenge was given 16-24 h after the solvent exposure (4,5). Symptoms of alcohol intolerance have also occurred for several days (8) and even weeks (16) after solvent exposure. The administration of acetaldehyde causes a dermal flush, hyperventilation, and tachycardia in man (1).…”

Dimethylformamid [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 1992]

“…B. Flush-Syndrom). Als Ursache hierfür wird die hemmende Wirkung von DMF auf Alkoholdehydrogenasen und Acetaldehyddehydrogenasen sowie die Interferenz von Alkohol mit dem DMF-Abbau angesehen [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-123-2082, Fashion Tannery, Johnstown, New York.

“…Occupational exposure to DMF followed by consumption of alcohol has resulted in dermal flushing (especially of the face), nausea, headache, and dizziness, indicating alcohol intolerance. 15,16 Overexposure to DMF (>10 ppm) is known to cause abdominal pain. 17 One study found that 67% of workers with overexposure to DMF complained of either anorexia, abdominal pain, or nausea.…”