| Agent Name |
Ethylene glycol |
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| CAS Number |
107-21-1 |
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| Formula |
C2-H6-O2 |
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| Major Category |
Solvents |
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| Synonyms |
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 |
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| Category |
Glycols |
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| Description |
Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid. [antifreeze] [Note: A solid below 9 degrees F.]; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
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] |
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| Comments |
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] 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] 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] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR Medical Management - Ethylene glycol |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| Ceiling (ACGIH) |
100 mg/m3 |
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| MAK |
26 mg/m3 |
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| Vapor Pressure |
0.09 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
0.08 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
25 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC (rats) > 200 mg/m3/4h |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Flash point = 232 deg F; Odor thresholds from CHEMINFO; |
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| Half Life |
Serum: 2-3 hours; not detectable in urine or tissues after 24-48 hours (metabolites present for longer periods); [TDR, p. 659] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ETHYLENE GLYCOL
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