Ethylene glycol

107-21-1

C2-H6-O2

Other Classes

1,2-Dihydroxyethane; 1,2-Ethanediol; 146AR; 2-Hydroxyethanol; Aethylenglykol [German]; Dowtherm SR 1; Ethylene alcohol; Ethylene dihydrate; Ethylene glycol; Fridex; Glycol; Glycol alcohol; Glycol, ethylene-; Lutrol-9; Macrogol 400 BPC; Monoethylene glycol; Norkool; Ramp; Tescol; Ucar 17; Union Carbide XL 54 Type I De-icing Fluid; Zerex; [ChemIDplus] UN8027

Ethylene Glycols

Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid. [antifreeze] [Note: A solid below 9 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]

Used in antifreeze and deicing solutions for cars, boats, and aircraft; also used as a solvent for paints, plastics, photographic developing solutions, coolants, hydraulic fluids, and inks; [ATSDR ToxFAQs] Highest risk for exposure in deicing aircraft and runways; [Reference #2]

Ethylene glycol is a skin irritant and a poison by ingestion. No health effects have been reported in persons chronically exposed to levels of ethylene glycol found in the environment. [ATSDR Case Studies #30] "Toxic inhalation of ethylene glycol is unlikely at room temperature because of the chemical's low volatility, but can occur when the liquid is heated, agitated, or sprayed." Toxicity after ingestion includes inebriation, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure. [ATSDR Medical Management] Low toxicity by the dermal route; "The acute toxic effects of EG in laboratory animals an humans can include narcotic effects, metabolic acidosis and renal toxicity." Exposure below 1000 mg/kg/day results in developmental toxicity in animals only by oral route and only after rapid bolus; [Reference #2] Ethylene glycol is not significantly absorbed through the skin. Poisoning after inhalation exposure is "unlikely." [Ford, p. 758] Combined osmolar and anion gaps suggest poisoning by methanol or ethylene glycol, but also may occur in severe alcoholic ketoacidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis. [Olson, p. 33-4] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause effects on the kidneys and CNS; [ICSC] Causes acute tubular necrosis after ingestion but not after occupational exposures because of low vapor pressure; [Rosenstock, p. 1006]

ATSDR Medical Management - Ethylene glycol

Insufficient data

100 mg/m3

26 mg/m3

0.09 mm Hg

0.08 mg/m3

25 mg/m3

LC (rat) > 200 mg/m3/4h

Flash point = 232 deg F; Odor thresholds from CHEMINFO;

Serum: 2-3 hours; not detectable in urine or tissues after 24-48 hours (metabolites present for longer periods); [TDR, p. 659]

OECD SIDS: Ethylene Glycols - 2004

1: Must be preheated

Other CNS Neurotoxin

Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank:

• ETHYLENE GLYCOL

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Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Photographic Processing