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CHEMICAL INFORMATION SHEETS > ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DATA SEARCH
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Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether

RECORD NUMBER : 32

SYNONYM(S) :

* 2-Butoxyethanol

* Ethylene glycol n-butyl ether

* Ether monobutylique de l'ethylene glycol

TRADE NAME(S) : Butyl Cellosolve

CAS REGISTRY NUMBER : 111-76-2

PIN - UN/NA NUMBER(S) : 2369

RTECS NUMBER(S) : KJ8575000

CHEMICAL FAMILY : Glycol ether / alkoxy alcohol

MOLECULAR FORMULA : C6-H14-O2

STRUCTURAL FORMULA : CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-OH

LAST REVISION DATE : 1989-04-26

*** DESCRIPTION ***

APPEARANCE AND ODOUR : Colourless liquid with a mild odour

ODOUR THRESHOLD : Approx 0.4 ppm

WARNING PROPERTIES (ODOUR AND IRRITATION) : Good - odour is normally detectable below the exposure limit

USES AND OCCURRENCES : Solvent for nitrocellulose, natural and synthetic resins, soluble oils, lacquers, varnishes and enamels Also used in textile dyeing and printing, in the treatment of leather, in the production of plasticizers, as a stabilizer in metal cleaners and household cleaners, and in hydraulic fluids, insecticides, herbicides and rust removers.

*** HUMAN HEALTH HAZARD DATA ***

* EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM (ACUTE) EXPOSURE *

INHALATION :

Nose and throat irritation; a metallic taste in the mouth; and headache.

Exposure to high concentrations, probably in the range of 300 to 600 ppm,

for several hours, may cause respiratory tract irritation, unconsciousness,

and kidney and liver damage.

EYE CONTACT :

Vapour can irritate the eyes The liquid can cause irritation, pain,

reddening, and corneal injury which heals within a few days.

SKIN CONTACT :

Mild irritation

INGESTION :

No specific data Probably can cause irritation and effects described for

inhalation.

* EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM (CHRONIC) EXPOSURE *

HEALTH EFFECTS :

Some reports of respiratory tract and eye irritation, damage to blood

cells, and blood in urine.

CARCINOGENICITY :

Insufficient data

TERATOGENICITY AND EMBRYOTOXICITY :

Animal tests to date have not found severe effects seen in tests with

certain other glycol ethers.

MUTAGENICITY :

Insufficient data

POTENTIAL FOR ACCUMULATION :

Slight - eliminated via lungs; also changed to butoxyacetic acid and eliminated via kidneys.

*** FIRST AID ***

INHALATION :

Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air If breathing has stopped, properly trained personnel should begin rtificial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately Obtain medical attention immediately.

EYE CONTACT :

Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes, by the clock, holding the eyelid(s) pen Obtain medical attention immediately.

SKIN CONTACT :

As quickly as possible, flush contaminated area with lukewarm, gently running water for at least 20 minutes, by the clock Under unning water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes, and leather goods (e.g watchbands, belts) Obtain medical advice mmediately Completely decontaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard. 2-Butoxyethanol can be absorbed through skin in toxic amounts.

INGESTION :

Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth Obtain medical attention immediately.

FIRST AID COMMENTS :

Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest) Consult a physician and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposure except minor instances of inhalation or skin contact.

*** ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA ***

ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA :

NOTE: Toxicity may differ significantly depending upon the age of the animals studied Weanling rats are less sensitive than older ones.
LD50
(oral, weanling rat): 3000 mg/kg LD50 (oral, 6 week old rat): 2400 mg/kg
LD50 (oral, 1 year old rat): 560 mg/kg LD50 (oral, mouse): 1200 mg/kg
LD5
(oral, rabbit): 320 mg/kg LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 0.40 g/kg (material confined to the skin for 24 hours) LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 1.8 g/kg (material applied by gentle massage) LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 0.11 mL/kg LC50 (inhalation, rat): 500 ppm;/duration of exposure: 4 hours LC50 (inhalation, mouse): 700 ppm;/ duration of exposure: 7 hours.

ACUTE
TOXICITY COMMENTS: Changes in the kidney, liver, spleen, and lung were found in animals exposed by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption Deaths usually resulted from central nervous system depression, lung damage, and kidney injury.

EFFECTS OF BLOOD CELLS: Long-term exposure to
2-butoxyethanol can cause blood changes, including anemia, in rats Both 2-butoxyethanol and its metabolite butoxyacetic acid can cause breakdown of red blood cells Humans appear to be less sensitive to this effect than rats.

REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS: 2-Butoxyethanol has been found to produce toxic effects in pregnant rats at about 200 ppm, with no apparent increase in congenital defects among the offspring It did not cause testicular atrophy in males.

*** OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS ***

* THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES (TLVS) / AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF

GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS (ACGIH) / 1987-88 *

TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TLV-TWA) : 25 ppm (120 mg/m3) - skin

EXPOSURE LIMIT COMMENTS :

SKIN NOTATION -- Absorption through intact skin, eyes, or mucous membranes may contribute to the overall exposure Prevent absorption by these routes.

NOTE: In many Canadian jurisdictions, exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH TLVs Since the manner in which exposure limits are established, interpreted, and implemented can vary, obtain detailed information from the appropriate government agency in each jurisdiction.

*** SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ***

SAMPLING & ANALYSIS :

DETECTOR TUBES: Short- and long-term sampling INFRARED: Continuous monitoring

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY: Continuous monitoring PASSIVE DOSIMETER:

Long-term sampling NIOSH METHOD: 1403 - NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods

3rd ed Vol 1

*** EXPOSURE CONTROL ***

* Note: Exposure to this material can be controlled in many ways. The measures appropriate for a particular worksite depend on how this material is used and on the extent of exposure. Use this general information to help develop specific control measures. Ensure that control systems are properly designed and maintained. Comply with occupational, environmental, fire, and other applicable regulations. *

* ENGINEERING CONTROLS *

ENGINEERING CONTROLS :

Local exhaust ventilation is normally required when used in small quantities Process enclosure or worker isolation are preferred when used in large quantities.

* PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT *

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION :

Not normally required if engineering controls are adequate If concentration of airborne contaminant exceeds the recommended exposure limit, wear appropriate approved respiratory protection Emergency respirators should be available in case of leak or spill.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES :

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2-BUTOXY ETHANOL CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR: UP TO

250 ppm: SAR; or SCBA. UP TO 625 ppm: Powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or SAR operated in a continuous flow mode. UP TO 700 ppm: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or full-facepiece chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or full-facepiece SAR; or full-facepiece SCBA.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY IN UNKNOWN CONCENTRATION OR IDLH CONDITIONS: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA. ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.
NOTE: The IDLH concentration for
2-Butoxy ethanol is 700 ppm. NOTE: Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.
NOTE: In these recommendations
the IDLH concentration is defined as the maximum concentration which would not cause any escape-impairing symptoms or irreversible health effects to a person exposed for 30 minutes if the respirator failed.

EYE/FACE PROTECTION :

Chemical splash goggles or face shields (eight inch minimum), as required

SKIN PROTECTION :

Impervious gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

RESISTANCE OF MATERIALS FOR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING :

GOOD - Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) NOTE: Some types of rubber and plastics are non-resistant. NOTE: Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

PERSONAL PROTECTION COMMENTS :

Remove contaminated clothing promptly Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers Discard or launder before rewearing Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. Do not smoke, eat or drink in work areas Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material Maintain good housekeeping.

*** STORAGE AND HANDLING ***

STORAGE CONDITIONS :

2-Butoxyethanol should be stored in tightly closed, grounded containers in a cool area with adequate ventilation, away from normal work areas and sources of heat and sparks Fans and other electrical equipment should be spark-resistant Approved safety solvent containers are preferred. Containers should be covered when not in use and stored in a fire-resistant grounded cabinet Use solvent resistant materials in storage and handling area.

HANDLING :

Use 2-butoxyethanol in minimal quantities in designated areas with adequate ventilation and away from sources of heat or sparks Whenever possible, fire-resistant containers should be used Wear appropriate protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contact.

*** SPILL AND LEAK PROCEDURES ***

PRECAUTIONS :

Restrict access to area Provide adequate protective equipment and ventilation Remove sources of heat and flame Only trained personnel should perform or supervise clean-up operations.

CLEANUP :

Stop or reduce discharge if it can be done safely Contain material. Material should be recovered if possible or collected on absorbent materials such as dry clay, sand, or sawdust Prevent entry into water or sewer systems Notify appropriate environmental authorities in the event of any significant release of this material into the environment Some companies sell cleanup kits which may be appropriate for small spills involving this material.

*** DISPOSAL ***

DISPOSAL :

Review federal, provincial and local regulations prior to disposal Dispose of in a designated landfill site or burn in an approved incinerator.

*** FIRE AND EXPLOSION ***

FLASH POINT : 61 deg C (142 deg F)

LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (LEL) : 1.1%

UPPER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (UEL) : 10.1%

AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE :

244 deg C (472 deg F)

FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS :

Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol foam

FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES :

Water spray can be used to cool 2-butoxyethanol below its flash point. Vapours can accumulate in low areas.

COMBUSTION (THERMAL DECOMPOSTITION) PRODUCTS :

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

* NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) HAZARD INDEX *

HEALTH : 2 - Hazardous to health

FIRE : 2 - Must be moderately heated before ignition will occur

REACTIVITY : 0 - Normally stable

*** CHEMICAL REACTIVITY ***

STABILITY : Normally stable

INCOMPATIBILITY - MATERIALS TO AVOID :

Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong caustics Attacks some types of rubber, plastics and coatings.

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION : Does not occur

CORROSIVITY TO METALS :Not corrosive

*** PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ***

MOLECULAR WEIGHT : 118.17

CONVERSION FACTOR :1 ppm = 4.8 mg/m3 @ 25 deg C

BOILING POINT : 171.2 deg C (340 deg F)

RELATIVE DENSITY (SPECIFIC GRAVITY) :0.90 (water = 1)

SOLUBILITY IN WATER :Soluble

SOLUBILITY IN OTHER LIQUIDS :Soluble in alcohol, ether

VAPOUR DENSITY : 4.1 (air = 1)

VAPOUR PRESSURE : 0.76 mm Hg @ 20 deg C

SATURATION VAPOUR CONCENTRATION : Approximately 1,000 ppm (0.1%)

EVAPORATION RATE : 0.1 (butyl acetate = 1)

*** WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS)

CLASSIFICATION ***

WHMIS INGREDIENT DISCLOSURE LIST : Confirmed A; meets criteria for disclosure at 1% or greater

*** TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS (TDG) SHIPPING INFO ***

* (Source: Transport Canada, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations) *

TDG INFORMATION : SHIPPING NAME AND DESCRIPTION: Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN): 2369

CLASSIFICATION: 6.1 - Poisonous substance

SPECIAL PROVISIONS: ---

IMO CLASSIFICATION: 6.1; 3

ICAO CLASSIFICATION: 6.1

PACKING GROUP: III

*** SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY ***

BIBLIOGRAPHY :

2-Butoxyethanol : chemical hazard summary : no 3. Hamilton, Ontario : CCOHS, 1984

NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards (Repr with corr.) NIOSH, Feb.1987. p 62-63