Furan

Synonyms

1,4-Epoxy-1,3-butadiene; Axole; Divinylene oxide; Furfuran; Oxacyclopentadiene; Oxole; Tetrole; UN2389; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Ethers, Other

Description

Colorless liquid with an ethereal odor; darkens on exposure to light and air; [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used as a chemical intermediate; [HSDB]

Comments

Inhalation can cause anesthesia; Absorbed through skin; [Merck Index] May cause liver damage; Corrosive to the mouth and GI tract in toxicology studies; [HSDB] Causes narcosis; Contact can irritate or burn skin and eyes; [CHRIS] Furan is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] A respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of vapor can cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] Doses as low as 2 mg/kg can cause severe injury to the liver and kidneys. Causes liver tumors in high-dose animal studies; No data on human use; "Worker exposure by all routes should be minimized to the fullest extent possible." [AIHA]

Biomedical References

0.02 ppm

13 ppm

600 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 3,398 ppm/1H

Explanatory Notes

VP from HSDB;

burn readily

Yes

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect