Common Name: 2-Methoxyethanol CAS Number: 109-86-4 DOT Number: UN 1188 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2-Methoxyethanol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 2-Methoxyethanol should be handled as a TERATOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * 2-Methoxyethanol can cause reproductive damage. Handle with extreme caution. * Prolonged exposure causes low blood count (anemia) and other blood abnormalities. * Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. * Repeated exposure can cause headaches, weakness, drowsiness, personality changes and tremors. * Exposure can damage the kidneys. IDENTIFICATION 2-Methoxyethanol is a common colorless solvent for resins, lacquers, paints, and varnishes. It can also be found in cleaning compounds, cosmetics and is used as a fuel deicer additive. REASON FOR CITATION * 2-Methoxyethanol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any workrelated health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 2.3 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 25 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * NIOSH recommends that exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol be reduced to the lowest possible level. * 2-Methoxyethanol may be a teratogen in humans. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of 2-Methoxyethanol to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol: * Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs with cough and/or shortness of breath. * Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Very high levels can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 2-Methoxyethanol has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * 2-Methoxyethanol may be a TERATOGEN in humans since it has been shown to be a teratogen in animals. * It may damage the testes (male reproductive glands) and also decrease fertility in males. Other Long Term Effects * Prolonged exposure can cause low blood count (anemia) and other blood abnormalities. * Repeated exposure can cause headaches, weakness, drowsiness, personality changes, sleepiness, loss of weight, upset stomach, and tremors. * 2-Methoxyethanol can damage the kidneys. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether 2-Methoxyethanol causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. * Complete blood count. * Kidney function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Exam of the nervous system. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace, and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid 2-Methoxyethanol from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 39, on Glycol Ethers, # 83 112. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 2- Methoxyethanol should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2- Methoxyethanol. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with 2-Methoxyethanol, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2- Methoxyethanol, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2-Methoxyethanol is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with 2-Methoxyethanol. Wear solvent resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * Neoprene is recommended as a protective material by manufacturers. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 2,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 2,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 2-Methoxyethanol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 2-Methoxyethanol must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES) and STRONG CAUSTICS since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where 2-Methoxyethanol is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Wherever 2-Methoxyethanol is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: 2-Methoxyethanol DOT Number: UN 1188 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 109-86-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 2-Methoxyethanol is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * Vapors may travel to sources of ignition and flash back. * Vapor explosion hazard. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 2-Methoxyethanol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Use water spray to reduce vapors. * Keep 2-Methoxyethanol out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 2-Methoxyethanol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 6 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 107oF Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2-Methoxyethanol Other Names and Formulations: Ethylene Glycol Mono Methyl Ether; EGME; MECS; Methyl Cellosolve; Methyl Glycol; Poly Solv EM. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 2-Methoxyethanol is a colorless, flammable liquid used as a solvent to dissolve gums and resins. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. 2-Methoxyethanol has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 2-methoxyethanol to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. 2-Methoxyethanol has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 2-methoxyethanol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2-Methoxyethanol is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2-Methoxyethanol is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 98.5% of 2-methoxyethanol will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in the air. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of 2-methoxyethanol found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 2- methoxyethanol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.