Chemical Name:

Ethyl Acetate

Formula:

CH₃COOC₂H₅

CAS #:

141-78-6

Synonyms:

Acetic Acid, Ethyl Ester; Acetic Ether; Acetoxyethane; Ethyl Acetic Ester; Ethyl Ethanoate; Vinegar Naphtha; Acetidin 

Exposure Limits:

TLV: 400 ppm; 1440 mg/m³ A4 (ACGIH 1997).
OSHA PEL: TWA 400 ppm (1400 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 400 ppm (1400 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 2000 ppm LEL

Uses:

This compound is used in artificial fruit essences and as a solvent for varnishes, airplane dopes, coatings, plastics, lacquers, nitrocellulose, smokeless powders, organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals.  It is used as an insect fumigant and in the manufacture of artificial leather, photographic film and plates, artificial silks, perfumes and cleaning textiles.  It is also a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant.

Some products that may contain Ethyl Acetate include:

Food products; some adhesives; lacquers

Routes of Exposure:

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapor.

Symptoms of exposure:

Irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes, gums and respiratory tract.  Irritation of the nasal passages and throat may occur.  Skin irritation may also occur.  Prolonged contact may cause corneal clouding.  Prolonged inhalation can cause renal or hepatic damage.  Prolonged inhalation may also cause damage to the lungs and heart.  Other symptoms include gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting.  Exposure may cause narcosis and dermatitis.  It may also cause drowsiness, unconsciousness and sleepiness.  High concentrations can cause stupor.  Repeated or prolonged contact can cause drying of the skin and cracking.  Central nervous system depression may occur.  Chronic exposure may lead to anemia, leucocytosis, cloudy swelling and fatty degeneration of the viscera.

Target organs:

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Inhalation risk:

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

Effects of short-term exposure:

The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the Exposure Limit may result in death.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure:

The liquid defats the skin.

Special Warnings:

SAX TOXICITY EVALUATION: THR: Moderately irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, gums and respiratory tract.  Prolonged inhalation can cause renal or hepatic damage.  Prolonged contact can cause conjunctival irritation and corneal clouding. Poison by inhalation.  Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route.  Mildly toxic by ingestion.  Mutagenic data.