Chemical Name:

2-Ethoxyethanol

Formula:

C₂H₅OCH₂CH₂OH

CAS #:

110-80-5

Synonyms:

Ethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether, Cellosolve, Ethyl Cellosolve, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Ethanol, 2-Ethoxy-, Cellosolve Solvent, Dowanol EE, Glycol Ethyl Ether, Glycol Ether EE, Hydroxy Ether, NCI-C54853, Oxitol, Poly-Solv EE, Ektasolve EE, Jeffersol EE

Exposure Limits:

TLV: 5 ppm; 18 mg/m³ (as TWA) (skin) (ACGIH 1992-1993).
MAK: 20 ppm; 75 mg/m³; H,B (1993).
OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (740 mg/m³) skin
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.5 ppm (1.8 mg/m³) skin
NIOSH IDLH: 500 ppm

Uses:

Solvent for nitrocellulose, lacquers, and dopes; in varnish removers, cleansing solutions, dye baths; finishing leather; water pigments and dye solution; increasing stability of emulsions.  Solvent for natural and synthetic resins; mutual solvent for formulation of soluble oils; dyeing and printing textiles; anti-icing additive for aviation fuels; and antifreeze for explosives.

Consumer products that may contain 2-Ethoxyethanol include:

cleaning products; varnish removers; art products; leather products.

Routes of Exposure:

Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin or eye contact

Symptoms of exposure:

Irritation of the eyes, including conjunctival and corneal irritation;   irritation of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract;  central nervous system depression; lung, liver, or kidney injury;   hematuria;  vertigo;  unconsciousness;   cyanosis;  tachy-pneumonary edema;  and tonic-clonic spasms.   Cough. Drowsiness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Weakness.

Target organs:

Eyes, respiratory system, blood, kidneys, liver, reproductive system, hematopoietic system

Effects of short-term exposure:

The substance irritates the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. Exposure could cause central nervous system depression and liver and kidney damage. Exposure may result in unconsciousness. Medical observation is indicated.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure:

The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the bone marrow and blood, resulting in anaemia and lesions of blood cells. May cause reproductive toxicity in humans.

Inhalation risk:

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Special Warnings:

Prevent generation of mists!
Avoid exposure of (pregnant) women!