Common Name: 2-Ethoxyethanol CAS Number: 110-80-5 DOT Number: UN 1171 Date: February, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 2-Ethoxyethanol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 2-Ethoxyethanol should be handled as a teratogen--with extreme caution. * It may damage the testes, resulting in decreased fertility. * Exposure may affect blood cells causing a low blood count (anemia). * It can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. High levels may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. * 2-Ethoxyethanol may damage the kidneys. IDENTIFICATION 2-Ethoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweetish odor. It is widely used as a solvent and as an anti-icing additive in brake fluids and aviation and automobile fuels. REASON FOR CITATION * 2-Ethoxyethanol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and EPA. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 2.7 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 200 ppm averaged over an 8-hour work-shift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * 2-Ethoxyethanol may be a teratogen in humans. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. 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 at the end of the work-shift. * 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-Ethoxyethanol to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to 2-Ethoxyethanol: * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Very high levels may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. * Contact can irritate the eyes and skin. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2-Ethoxyethanol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 2-Ethoxyethanol has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * 2-Ethoxyethanol has been shown to be a teratogen in animals, and is a possible teratogen in humans. * 2-Ethoxyethanol may damage the testes (male reproductive glands) and decrease fertility in males. Other Long-Term Effects * Exposure may damage blood cells, causing a low blood count (anemia). * 2-Ethoxyethanol may damage the kidneys. 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: * Complete blood count. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Kidney function tests. 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. 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-Ethoxyethanol 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: 2- Ethoxyethanol #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- Ethoxyethanol 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- Ethoxyethanol. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2- Ethoxyethanol at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2-Ethoxyethanol 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-Ethoxyethanol. Wear solvent- resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * 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 when working with liquid 2- Ethoxyethanol, unless full face-piece 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 2-Ethoxyethanol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 2-Ethoxyethanol must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as NITRATES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 2-Ethoxyethanol is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: 2-Ethoxyethanol DOT Number: UN 1171 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 110-80-5 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 2 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 2-Ethoxyethanol is a combustible liquid. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 2-Ethoxyethanol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep 2-Ethoxyethanol out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 2-Ethoxyethanol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID 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 contaminated skin with large amounts of water. 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 4 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 120oF (48.9oC) Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethanol, 2-Ethoxy- Other Names and Formulations: Cellosolve; Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether; Dowanol EE. ------------------------------------------ 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-Ethoxyethanol is a liquid used as a solvent, diluent, and fuel additive. 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-Ethoxyethanol has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 2-Ethoxyethanol 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-Ethoxyethanol is has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 2-Ethoxyethanol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 2-Ethoxyethanol 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-Ethoxyethanol 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 95% of this chemical 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-Ethoxyethanol found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 2- Ethoxyethanol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL, Duluth, U.S.EPA, Phytotox.