Substance information Substance Information Formic acid
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Substance Information
Substance information
Infocards are automatically generated based on industry data. What is an infocard?
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Formic acid
Substance identity The ‘Substance identity’ section links substance identification information from all ECHA databases. The substance identifiers displayed in the InfoCard are the substance name, substance identifiers (EC and CAS number) and/or the molecular formula.
Substance identifiers may have been claimed confidential, or may not have been provided, and therefore not displayed.
EC (European Community) number
The EC Number is the numerical identifier for substances in the EC Inventory. The EC Inventory is a combination of three independent European lists of substances from the previous EU chemicals regulatory frameworks (EINECS, ELINCS and the NLP-list). More information about the EC Inventory can be found here.
If the substance was not covered by the EC Inventory, ECHA attributes a list number in the same format, starting with the numbers 6, 7, 8 or 9.
The EC or list number is the primary substance identifier used by ECHA.
CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number
The CAS number is the substance numerical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstract Service, a division of the American Chemical Society, to substances registered in the CAS registry database. A substance identified primarily by an EC or list number may be linked with more than one CAS number, or with CAS numbers that have become obsolete. In these cases, the preferred CAS number is displayed first and obsolete CAS numbers are displayed in brackets. More information about CAS and the CAS registry can be found here.
Molecular formula
The molecular formula identifies each type of element by its chemical symbol and identifies the number of atoms of each element found in one discrete molecule of the substance. This information is only displayed if the substance is well–defined, if such information is available in ECHA’s database and is it not claimed confidential.
Molecular structure
The molecular structure is based on InChI annotations stored in the ECHA database. The image is a computer–generated visualisation of the InChI character string, which is broadly used as an identifier of chemical structures. This information is only displayed if the substance is well-defined, if such information is available in ECHA’s database and is it not claimed confidential.
More help available here.
EC / List no.: 200-579-1
CAS no.: 64-18-6
Mol. formula: CH2O2
Hazard classification and labelling The ‘Hazard classification and labelling’ section shows the hazards of a substance through a standardised system of statements and pictograms, as has been established under the CLP (Classification Labelling and Packaging) Regulation. The CLP Regulation makes sure that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the European Union. The CLP Regulation uses the UN Global Harmonised System (GHS) and European Union Specific Hazard Statements (EUH).
This section searches three sources for information (harmonised classification and labelling (CLH), REACH registrations and CLP notifications). The source of the information is mentioned in the introductory sentence of the hazard statements. When information is available in all sources, the first two are displayed as a priority.
Please note:
The purpose of the information provided under this section is to highlight the substance hazardousness in a readable format. It does not represent a new labelling, classification or hazard statement, neither reflect other factors that affect the susceptibility of the effects described, such as duration of exposure or substance concentration (e.g. in case of consumer and professional uses). Other relevant information includes the following:
- Substances may have impurities and additives that lead to different classifications. If at least one company has indicated that the substance classification is affected by impurities or additives, this will be indicated by an informative sentence. However, substance notifications in the InfoCard are aggregated independently of the impurities and additives.
- Hazard statements were adapted to improve readability and may not correspond textually to the hazard statements codes description in the European Union Specific Hazard Statements (EUH) or the UN Global Harmonised System (GHS).
To see the full list of notified classifications and to get more information on impurities and additives relevant to classification please consult the C&L Inventory.
More information about Classification and Labelling is available in the Regulations section of ECHA website.
More help available here.
Harmonised classification and labelling (CLH)
Harmonised classification and labelling is a legally binding classification and labelling for a substance, agreed at European Community level. Harmonisation is based on the substance’s physical, toxicological and eco-toxicological hazard assessment.
The ‘Hazard classification’ and labelling section uses the signal word, pictogram(s) and hazard statements of the substance under the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) as its primary source of information.
If the substance is covered by more than one CLH entry (e.g. disodium tetraborate EC no. 215–540–4, is covered by three harmonisations: 005–011–00–4; 005–011–01–1 and 005–011–02–9), CLH information cannot be displayed in the InfoCard as the difference between the CLH classifications requires manual interpretation or verification. If a substance is classified under multiple CLH entries, a link to the C&L Inventory is provided to allow users to view CLH information associated with the substance, instead of having the information automatically generated in the InfoCard.
It is possible that a harmonisation is introduced through an amendment to the CLP Regulation. In that case, the ATP (Adaptation to Technical Progress) number is displayed.
More info on CLH can be found here.
Classification and labelling under REACH
If available, additional information on classification and labelling (C&L) is derived from REACH registration dossiers submitted by industry. This information has not been reviewed or verified by ECHA, and may change without prior notice. REACH registration dossiers have greater data requirements (support studies) than notifications under CLP.
Notifications under the Classification Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation
If no EU harmonised classification and labelling exists and the substance was not registered under REACH, information derived from classification and labelling (C&L) notifications to ECHA under CLP Regulation is displayed under this section. These notifications can be provided by manufacturers, importers and downstream users. ECHA maintains the C&L Inventory, but does not review or verify the accuracy of the information.
For readability purposes, only the pictograms, signal words and hazard statements referred in more than 5% of the notifications under CLP are displayed.
Danger! According to the harmonised classification and labelling (CLP00) approved by the European Union, this substance causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Additionally, the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations identifies that this substance is toxic if inhaled, causes damage to organs, is a flammable liquid and vapour, is harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye damage.
About this substance This section provides an overview of the volume in which the substance is manufactured or imported to the European Economic Area (EU28 + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Additionally, if available, information on the use of the substance and how consumers and workers are likely to be exposed to it can also be displayed here.
The use information is displayed per substance life cycle stage (consumer, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites or in manufacturing). The information is aggregated from REACH registered dossiers provided by industry.
For a detailed overview on identified uses and environmental releases, please consult the registered substance dossier.
Use descriptors are adapted from ECHA guidance to improve readability and may not correspond textually to descriptor codes described in Chapter R.12: Use Descriptor system of ECHA Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment.
The examples provided are generic examples and may not apply to the specific substance you are viewing. A substance may have its use restricted to certain articles or products and therefore not all the examples may apply to the specific substance. Furthermore, some substances can be found in an article, but with unlikely exposure (e.g. inside a watch) or with very low concentrations considered not to pose risks to human health or the environment.
Please note:
For readability purpose, only non-confidential use descriptors occurring in more than 5% of total occurrences are displayed.
The described Product category (i.e. the products in which the substance may be used) may refer to uses as intermediate and under controlled conditions, for which there is no consumer exposure.
More help is available here.
This substance is manufactured and/or imported in the European Economic Area in 100 000 - 1 000 000 tonnes per year.
This substance is used by consumers, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Biocidal Uses
This substance is being reviewed for use as a biocide in the EEA and/or Switzerland, for: disinfection, veterinary hygiene, food and animals feeds, drinking water, product preservation, preservation for liquid systems, controlling slimes.
Consumer Uses
This substance is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, leather treatment products, polymers, textile treatment products and dyes, biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products), coating products, metal surface treatment products, pH regulators and water treatment products and plant protection products.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Article service life
ECHA has no public registered data on the routes by which this substance is most likely to be released to the environment. ECHA has no public registered data indicating whether or into which articles the substance might have been processed.
Widespread uses by professional workers
This substance is used in the following products: laboratory chemicals and pH regulators and water treatment products.
This substance is used in the following areas: scientific research and development and health services.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Formulation or re-packing
This substance is used in the following products: laboratory chemicals.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles and as processing aid.
Uses at industrial sites
This substance is used in the following products: polymers.
This substance is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
This substance is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, textile, leather or fur and plastic products.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, as processing aid, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), in the production of articles, for thermoplastic manufacture, formulation of mixtures and as processing aid.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.
How to use it safely This section provides links to the list of precautions (precautionary statements) and to the guidance on safe use if they have been provided in REACH registration dossiers.
- Precautionary statements - describe recommended measures to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product.
- Guidance on safe use - recommendations by substance registrant on the proper use of the substance in various situations. Examples include recommended measures on fire-fighting, transport and recycling and disposal.
Please note: Precautionary measures and guidance on safe use concern the use and handling of the specific substance as such, not of the presence of the substance in other articles or mixtures. The precautionary measures and guidance on safe use are as submitted to ECHA by registrants under the REACH Regulation. Information on precautionary measures and the safe use is submitted by the registrant of a substance and the registrant is solely responsible for its accuracy and completeness.
More help available here.
Precautionary measures suggested by manufacturers and importers of this substance.
Guidance on the safe use of the substance provided by manufacturers and importers of this substance.
The InfoCard summarises the non-confidential data of a substance held in the databases of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). InfoCards are generated automatically based on the data available at the time of generation.
The quality and correctness of the information submitted to ECHA remains the responsibility of the data submitter. The type of uses and classifications may vary between different submissions to ECHA and for a full understanding it is recommended to consult the source data. Information on applicable regulatory frameworks is also automatically generated and may not be complete or up to date. It is the responsibility of the substance manufacturers and importers to consult official publications, e.g. the electronic edition of the Official Journal of the European Union.
InfoCards are updated when new information is available. The date of the last update corresponds to the publication date of the InfoCard and not necessarily to the date in which the update occurred in the source data.
More help available here.
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