Odor threshold is 1.6 ppm, irritation may occur at 5 ppm or higher. Exposure Routes are via inhalation, skin and/or eye contact. Symptoms range from irritation of nose and throat; sneezing, cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); pulmonary edema; conjunctivitis; dermatitis; liquid: frostbite.
Because of its good solubility in lipids, dimethylamine is readily and rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and acts as a central nervous system depressant. Concentrated dimethylamine vapors are highly irritating to mucous membranes. There is no evidence of carcinogenic potential.