Ethylene Glycol

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (3 of 8196) of reports.

H302 (> 99.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H373 (24.8%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P264, P270, P301+P317, P319, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 8196 reports by companies from 68 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 3 of 8196 reports by companies.

There are 67 notifications provided by 8193 of 8196 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Not Classified

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 1 of 1 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P317, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P261, P264, P270, P271, P301+P317, P304+P340, P319, P330, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Water wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If symptoms occur after washing, get medical attention immediately.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.

- Ethylene glycol is combustible.

- Extinguish fires using an agent suitable for the type of surrounding fire.

- Use “alcohol” foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

- Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents.

Environmental considerations: Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to top leak if without undue personnel hazard.

Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for ETHYLENE GLYCOL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and strong acids. Dry. Ventilation along the floor.

... Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from oxidizing agents.

Temperature: Ambient

10.0 [ppm]

50 [ppm]

400 [ppm]

670 [ppm]

See Appendix D

none See Appendix G

See: IDLH INDEX

25.0 [ppm], vapor fraction

50.0 [ppm], vapor fraction (10 mg/m3, inhalable particulate matter, aerosol only

Ceiling Limit: 100 mg/cu m (Aerosol only).

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

(vapour and aerosol): 25 ppm as TWA.

25 ppm (vapor fraction) [2016]

50 ppm (vapor fraction), 10 mg/m³ (inhalable particulate matter, aerosol only) [2016]

Acute Inhalation: 2 mg/m3 (L134)

Acute Oral: 0.8 mg/kg/day (L134)

ERPG-1: 50 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 1 = mild transient health effects or objectionable odor [AIHA]

ERPG-2: 200 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 2 = impaired ability to take protective action [AIHA]

ERPG-3: 300 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 3 = life threatening health effects [AIHA]

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys, central nervous system and acid-base balance in the body. This may result in renal failure, brain injury and metabolic acidosis. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

Ethylene glycol is not classifiable as a human carcinogen. Limited studies have not found ethylene glycol to be a carcinogen. It is not known whether chronic or repeated exposure to ethylene glycol increases the risk of reproductive toxicity or developmental toxicity. Chronic or repeated exposure to ethylene glycol may lead to: irritation of the throat, mild headache, low backache, loss of consciousness, and nystagmus. These will resolve if the source of exposure is removed.

Residues of ethylene glycol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: Encapsulating agent for pesticides being applied post-harvest as residual, and crack and crevice sprays in and around food and nonfood areas of residential and nonresidential structures, including food handling establishments. Limit: without limitation.

Residues of ethylene glycol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: Antifreeze, deactivator for all pesticides used before crop emerges from soil and in herbicides before or after crop emerges. Limit: none.

Residues of ethylene glycol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: Pesticide inert ingredient as a solvent, stabilizer and/or antifreeze. Limit: without limitation.

Ethylene glycol as a component of pesticide formulations is exempt from the requirement of a tolerance when used in foliar applications to peanut plants.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Ethylene glycol:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2024)

/Breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for natural rubber (nat Rub), neoprene (neop), nitrile rubber (nitrile), polyethlene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Some data suggesting breakthrough times of approximately an hour or more for neoprene/natural rubber (Neop/Nat Rub) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). No data for butyl rubber (Butyl) Neoprene/styrene-butadiene (Neop/SBR), nitrile rubber/polyvinyl chloride (Nitrile/PVC), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyurethane (PU), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and viton.

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

GENERAL INFORMATION

First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit. Responders should wear these when entering an area with an unknown contaminant or when entering an area where the amount of the contaminant is unknown. Level A protection is necessary until monitoring results confirm the contaminant and the amount of the contaminant.NOTE:Safe use of protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills from training and experience.

LEVEL A: (RED ZONE)

Select this level when workers need the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection. This is the maximum protection for workers in danger of exposure to unknown chemical hazards or levels above the IDLH or greater than the AEGL-2.

- A NIOSH-certified CBRN full-face-piece SCBA operated in a pressure-demand mode or a pressure-demand supplied air hose respirator with an auxiliary escape bottle.

- A Totally-Encapsulating Chemical Protective (TECP) suit that protects against CBRN agents.

Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless syrupy liquid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Since it is a liquid it can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams.

CBI; Other Solid; Liquid

PEG 400 is a clear, viscous, colourless or almost colourless hygroscopic liquid; PEG 3000, PEG 3350, PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and PEG 8000 are white or almost white solids with a waxy or paraffin-like appearance

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

ODOURLESS COLOURLESS VISCOUS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID.

Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid.

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

Clear, colorless, syrupy (viscous) liquid at room temperature. Often colored fluorescent yellow-green when used in automotive antifreeze.

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

Odorless

Sweet taste

Bittersweet taste

387.7 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

197.3 °C

197.00 to 198.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

197.3 °C @760 [mm Hg]

9 °F (NTP, 1992)

PEG 400: 4-8 °C; PEG 3000: 50-56 °C; PEG 3350: 53-57 °C; PEG 4000: 53-59 °C; PEG 6000:55-61 °C; PEG 8000: 55-62 °C

-12.69 °C

4 - 10 °C

232 °F (NTP, 1992)

232 °F (111 °C) (closed cup)

111.11 °C c.c., 115 °C o.c.

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992)

PEG 400 is miscible with water, very soluble in acetone, in alcohol and in methylene chloride, practically insoluble in fatty oils and in mineral oils; PEG 3000 and PEG 3350: very soluble in water and in methylene chloride, very slightly soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in fatty oils and in mineral oils; PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and PEG 8000: very soluble in water and in methylene chloride, practically insoluble in alcohol and in fatty oils and in mineral oils.

Miscible with lower aliphatic alcohols, glycerol, acetic acid, acetone and similar ketones, aldehydes, pyridine, similar coal tar bases; slightly soluble in ether (1:200); practically insoluble in benzene, its homologs, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum ether, oils

Miscible with water

Solubility in water: miscible

Miscible

1.115 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.1135 g/cu cm AT 20 °C

Bulk density: 9.31 lb/gal (15/15C)

Relative density (water = 1): 1.1

1.1135 @ 20°C

2.14 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

2.1 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.1

0.06 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 127.4 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.05 [mmHg]

0.092 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Alcohols and Polyols

Mixing ETHYLENE GLYCOL in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, oleum, sulfuric acid, [NFPA 1991].

Mixing ethylene glycol and 96% sulfuric acid in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase.

Contact of aq ethylene glycol soln with DC-energized silvered copper wires causes ignition of the latter. Bare copper or nickel- or tin-plated wires were inert and silver-plated wire can be made by adding benzotriazole as a metal deactivator to the coolant soln. This problem of electrical connector fires in aircraft has been studied in detail to identify the significant factors.

A mixture of phosphorus(V) sulfide, ethylene glycol, and hexane in a mantle-heated flask spontaneously overheated and exploded at an internal temperature of about 180 °C. It had been intended to maintain the reaction temp at 60 °C, but since alcoholysis of the sulfide is exothermic, presence of the heating mantle prevented the dissipation of heat, and the reaction accelerated continuously until explosive decomposition occurred.

Mixing of equal weights /of ethylene glycol and potassium dichromate/ at ambient temp uneventful, but at 100 °C an exotherm of 170 °C occurs.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for ETHYLENE GLYCOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Strong oxidizers, chromium trioxide, potassium permanganate, sodium peroxide [Note: Hygroscopic (i.e., absorbs moisture from the air).]

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

IDENTIFICATION: Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet tasting, relatively non-volatile liquid and is completely soluble in water. This chemical has numerous uses, in manufacturing of polyethylene terephthalate, in natural gas processing, and as an antifreeze agent. HUMAN EXPOSURE: In humans ethylene glycol has induced only minimal dermal irritation, Nasal and or throat irritation were reported in a small number of subjects inhaling ethylene glycol, while higher concentrations caused eye irritation. Available data from acute poisoning cases indicate that the kidney is the critical organ for the toxicity of ethylene glycol. Available data are inadequate to assess the potential adverse neurological or immunological effects associated with long term exposure to ethylene glycol, although neurobehavioral and neurological disorders have been reported in cases of acute ethylene glycol poisonings in humans. In the limited number of investigations examined, neurological effects have not been observed at doses below those that have induced renal toxicity. ANIMAL STUDIES: Ethylene glycol has low acute toxicity in experimental animals following oral, inhalation and dermal exposure. Ethylene glycol exhibited no evidence of carcinogenicity based on a two year bioassay with rats and mice. Ethylene glycol induces developmental effects in rats and mice by all routes of exposure, although at doses greater than those associated with renal effects in male rats. Ethylene glycol is teratogenic, inducing primarily skeletal and external malformations, sometimes at doses less than those that are maternally toxic, with mice being more sensitive than rats. Reproductive studies with ethylene glycol show that in repeated dose toxicity studies, no evidence of an adverse impact on reproductive organs was observed. In special studies, including a three generation study in rats and continuous breeding protocols in mice, evidence of reproductive effects have been restricted to mice (but not rabbits or rats) exposed to doses considerably higher than those associated with developmental effects in this species or renal effects in rats. Consistent treatment related effects on the immune system related parameters have not be observed in repeated dose toxicity studies, in which several species have been exposed to ethylene glycol either orally or by inhalation.

Ethylene glycol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to glycoaldehyde, which is then metabolized to glycolic, glyoxylic, and oxalic acids. These acids, along with excess lactic acid are responsible for the anion gap metabolic acidosis. Oxalic acid readily precipitates with calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Tissue injury is caused by widespread deposition of oxalate crystals and the toxic effects of glycolic and glyoxylic acids. Ethylene glycol produces central nervous system depression. The glycol probably causes the initial CNS depression; oxalate and the other intermediates seem to be responsible for nephrotoxicity. Glycoaldehyde and glyoxylate may be the principal metabolites responsible for EG nephrotoxicity and do so by causing ATP depletion and phospholipid and enzyme destruction. Glycine and acidosis, by-products of EG metabolism, can attenuate glyoxylate-mediated injury. This suggests that naturally occurring but incomplete protective pathways may be operative during the evolution of EG cytotoxicity. (A612, A613, A310)

Ethylene glycol

2 mg/kg-day

Drug-Induced Liver Injury Severity and Toxicity (DILIst)

DILI Positive

DOI:10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.022

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Ethylene Glycol

TR-413: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Ethylene Glycol (CASRN 107-21-1) in B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies) (1993 )

07/09/91

Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex

No Evidence

Under the conditions of these 2-year feed studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of ethylene glycol in male B6C3F1 mice receiving 6, 250, 12,500, or 25,000 ppm, or in female B6C3F1 mice receiving 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm. Administration of ethylene glycol resulted in hepatocellular hyaline degeneration in male mice fed diets containing 12,500 or 25,000 ppm and in female mice fed diets containing 50,000 ppm. An increased incidence of medial hyperplasia of small pulmonary arteries and arterioles occurred in female mice fed diets containing 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm ethylene glycol.

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Health effects of ethylene glycol poisoning include tachycardia, hypertension, hyperventilation, and metabolic acidosis. Stage 3 of ethylene glycol poisoning is the result of kidney injury, leading to acute kidney failure. Oxalic acid reacts with calcium and forms calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney (L1023).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Systemic ethylene glycol toxicity can occur through ingestion. Breathing ethylene glycol vapors may irritate eyes and lungs but is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity. Ethylene glycol does not absorb well through the skin so systemic toxicity is unlikely. Eye exposure may lead to local adverse health effects but is unlikely to result in systemic toxicity.

Oral (T29) ; dermal (T29)

Cough. Dizziness. Headache.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Sore throat. Nausea. Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); dizziness, stupor, convulsions, central nervous system depression; skin sensitization

- Exposure to vapors of ethylene glycol may cause irritation.

- Exposure to liquid ethylene glycol may result in swelling of the eyelid and cornea, swelling of the conjunctiva and iris, and conjunctival or corneal injury.

- Mild to moderate, Stage 1: Reduced level of consciousness (CNS depression), euphoria, dizziness, headache, slurred speech, drowsiness, disorientation, inability to coordinate movements (ataxia), irritation and restlessness, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), and nausea and vomiting (emesis).

- Mild to moderate, Stage 2: Increased heart rate (tachycardia); abnormal or disordered heart rhythms (dysrhythmia); increased blood pressure (hypertension); and build-up of toxic breakdown products in the blood stream (metabolic acidosis), resulting in increased rate and depth of breathing (hyperventilation).

- Mild to moderate, Stage 3: Effects are unusual following a mild to moderate exposure.

- Severe, Stage 1: Decreased reflex responses, seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma.

- Severe, Stage 2: More severe build-up of toxic breakdown products in the blood stream, resulting in increased rate and depth of breathing; heart damage, including congestive heart failure, resulting in buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema); lung damage, including adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), resulting in a decreased oxygen supply to the body; multi-system organ failure; and death.

- Severe, Stage 3: Reduced urine excretion; absence of urine excretion; and acute kidney failure, causing a build-up of toxic chemicals and chemical imbalances in the blood stream.

- Exposure to very high levels of ethylene glycol vapors causes irritation of mucous membranes and the upper respiratory tract.

- Exposure to levels of ethylene glycol concentrations higher than 80 ppm results in intolerable respiratory discomfort and cough.

- Irritation.

Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning usually follow a three-step progression. Stage 1 consists of neurological symptoms including victims appearing to be intoxicated, exhibiting symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, slurred speech, and confusion. Over time, the body metabolizes ethylene glycol into other toxins, it is first metabolized to glycolaldehyde, which is then oxidized to glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid, and finally oxalic acid. Stage 2 is a result of accumulation of these metabolites and consists of tachycardia, hypertension, hyperventilation, and metabolic acidosis. Stage 3 of ethylene glycol poisoning is the result of kidney injury, leading to acute kidney failure. Oxalic acid reacts with calcium and forms calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney. (L1023, A2703)

Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system

LC50; Species: Xenopus laevis (African Clawed Frog) age 3-4 wk; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C; Concentration: 326000 ug/L for 48 hr /formulation/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age <24 hr neonate; Conditions: freshwater, static, 21 °C, pH 7.6; Concentration: 782.7 mM for 24 hr; Effect: intoxication, immobilization

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20-22 °C; Concentration: >10000000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulation/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 10000000 ug/L for 48 hr /formulation/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for ETHYLENE GLYCOL (33 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Tests performed on lamprey larvae at 5.0 ppm, conducted for a 24-hr period at water temperature of 55 °F, indicated no effect.

5.10e+04

6.60e+05

4.20e+02

1.80e+03

1.60e+04

7.00e+02

3.20e+00

8.00e-01

4.00e-01

Volatile

1.50e+05

2.00e+06

1.30e+03

5.30e+03

4.80e+04

Environmental effects of the substance have been adequately investigated, but no significant effects have been found.

Ethylene glycol's production and uses such as a coolant and antifreeze, solvent, brake fluid, in cosmetics (up to 5%), ball point pen inks, printing inks, and adhesives may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Ethylene glycol's use as a component of deicing fluid for airport runways and drilling fluids will result in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.0878 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethylene glycol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylene glycol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 days. Ethylene glycol is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm. If released to soil, ethylene glycol is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 0.2. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.00X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. Ethylene glycol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Ethylene glycol is biodegraded in soil 97-100% in 2-12 days. If released into water, ethylene glycol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. In a river die-away test, degradation was complete within 3 days at 20 °C and 5-14 days at 8 °C. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. A BCF of 10, reported for ethylene glycol in fish, Golden ide (Leuciscus idus melanotus), after 3 days of exposure suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to ethylene glycol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethylene glycol is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to ethylene glycol via inhalation of ambient air and dermal contact with consumer products containing ethylene glycol. The primary exposure to ethylene glycol for the general population is probably from contact with antifreeze, coolants, and latex paints containing ethylene glycol. (SRC)

The metabolism of ethylene, generated as a natural grown regulator in pea plants, is reported to produce ethylene glycol as a metabolic product(1).

Ethylene glycol's production and uses such as a coolant and antifreeze, solvent, brake fluid, in cosmetics (up to 5%), ball point pen inks, printing inks, and adhesives(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Ethylene glycol's use as a component of deicing fluid for airport runways(1) and drilling/fracturing fluids as crosslinker/breaker fluid/scale inhibitor(2,3), and friction reducer(4) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 0.2(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that ethylene glycol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Percent adsorption to 4 soils (two clay and two sandy clay soils) ranged from 0-0.5%(7). Volatilization of ethylene glycol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 6.00X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(3). Ethylene glycol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.0878 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Ethylene glycol (100 ppm) added to Texas soil (sandy silt loam) was biodegraded 100% in 2 days; Mississippi soil (sandy loam) containing 100 ppm ethylene glycol showed 90, 95, and 97% biodegradation in 3, 4, and 12 days, respectively(5). Ethylene glycol at 100 ppm and 1000 ppm required 6 and 8 days, respectively, for complete biodegradation using a Mississippi soil inoculum(5). Biodegradation of aircraft deicing fluid components, containing ethylene glycol, was studied at 8 °C using a sandy loam soil collected from the side of an airport runway; corrected biodegradation rates of ethylene glycol ranged from 18.9-20.3 mg/kg of soil per day(6). Complete disappearance was reported in 29 days; 63% of the theoretical carbon dioxide was recovered after 34 days indicating that substantial mineralization was taking place(6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 0.2(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that ethylene glycol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.00X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(4) According to a classification scheme(5), a BCF of 10 reported in fish (Golden ide (Leuciscus idus melanotus)) after 3 days exposure to ethylene glycol(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). In a river die-away test, degradation was complete within 3 days at 20 °C and 5-14 days at 8 °C(7), indicating that biodegradation in water is expected to be an important environmental fate process(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethylene glycol, which has a vapor pressure of 0.0878 mm Hg at 25 °C,(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylene glycol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 50 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 7.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Ethylene glycol is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(SRC).

AEROBIC: There is a large body of information confirming the biodegradability of ethylene glycol in aerobic systems using activated sludge, sewage, and soil inocula(1-10). Degradation was essentially complete in <1-4 days, although 100% theoretical biological oxygen demand may not be realized for several weeks(1-10).

AEROBIC: With ethylene glycol at 100 mg/L, 83-96% of the theoretical BOD was reached within 14 days using activated sludge as an inoculum(1). In the BOD20 screening test 51, 80, 85, and 97% of the ethylene glycol was biooxidized in 5, 10, 15, and 20 days, respectively(2). In the OECD 301D screening test, 44, 83, and 96% of the ethylene glycol was biooxidized in 5, 15, and 28 days, respectively(2). Another biodegradation study indicated reaching 90% theoretical biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)and 100% total organic carbon (TOC) for biodegradation under a modified MITI test, OECD 301C, and was classified as readily biodegradable(3).

AEROBIC: Ethylene glycol (100 ppm) added to Texas soil (sandy silt loam) was biodegraded 100% in 2 days; Mississippi soil (sandy loam) containing 100 ppm ethylene glycol showed 90, 95, and 97% biodegradation in 3, 4, and 12 days, respectively(1). Ethylene glycol at 100 ppm and 1000 ppm required 6 and 8 days, respectively, for complete biodegradation using a Mississippi soil inoculum(1). Biodegradation of aircraft deicing fluid components, containing ethylene glycol, was studied at 8 °C using a sandy loam soil collected from the side of an airport runway; corrected biodegradation rates of ethylene glycol ranged from 18.9-20.3 mg/kg of soil per day, complete disappearance was reported in 29 days(2). Biodegradation resulted in mineralization of the parent compound as 63% of the theoretical carbon dioxide was recovered after 34 days(2). An initial ethylene glycol concentration of 111 ppm was biodegraded by 7, 48, 78, and 100% in 2, 3, 4, and 6 days, respectively, using a groundwater inoculum(1). In a river die-away test, degradation was completed in 3 days at 20 °C, and 5-14 days at 8 °C(3).

ANAEROBIC: Under anaerobic conditions, ethylene glycol at 30 mg carbon/L was completely biodegraded within 7 days; glucose was added to this culture at 15 mg-C/L(1). Dilute organic wastes (13 lb COD/day/1000 cu ft), containing ethylene glycol at 135 mg/L were added to an anaerobic lagoon resulting in an effluent concentration of 30 mg/L ethylene glycol; anaerobic lagoons receiving concentrated wastes (22 and 48 lb COD/day/1000 cu ft) with ethylene glycol at 755 mg/L resulted in effluent ethylene glycol concentrations of 155 and 190 mg/L, respectively(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethylene glycol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been reported as 7.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 50 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). Ethylene glycol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(3). Ethylene glycol is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3). Photooxidation in aqueous systems will not be an important environmental fate process(4,5).

A BCF of 10 was reported for fish, Golden ide (Leuciscus idus melanotus), after 3 days of exposure(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A BCF of 190 after 1 day exposure was reported for algae (Chlorella fusca)(1). Crawfish were exposed to ethylene glycol at three concentrations (50 ug/mL, 200 ug/mL, and 1000 ug/mL) for 61 days and then transferred to clean water for 67 days; BCF values of 0.21 to 0.61 were recorded(3). Crawfish were able to completely eliminate the accumulated ethylene glycol within 5 days for animals exposed to 50 ug/mL and 6 days for those exposed to 200 and 1000 ug/mL ethylene glycol(3).

The Koc of ethylene glycol is estimated as 0.2(SRC), using a log Kow of -1.36(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that ethylene glycol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Percent adsorption to 4 soils (two clay and two sandy clay soils) ranged from 0-0.5% indicating that this compound is not readily adsorbed to these soils and should have high mobility(4). Desorption was almost complete at the end of a 4 hour experiment using the same soils and a montmorillonite sample(4). Leaching experiments with undisturbed soil cores of sandy till showed that 14C-labelled ethylene glycol closely followed the movement of water when chloride was used as a tracer; no adsorption was observed for this compound onto subhorizons of sandy till, clayey till, and melt water sand(5).

The Henry's Law constant for ethylene glycol is 6.00X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that ethylene glycol is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). Ethylene glycol's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected(SRC). Ethylene glycol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.0878 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).

GROUNDWATER: Following the spring runoff at the Ottawa Airport in Canada groundwater samples collected from a perched water table and main water table contained 415 and 20 mg/L of ethylene glycol respectively(1).

SURFACE WATER: The median concentration of ethylene glycol was below the detection limit of 18 mg/L in runoff from a medium sized airport where aircraft deicing and anti-icing fluids were applied(1). Another airport study monitoring sites in and around the Dallas Fort Worth, Texas airport December 2002 and February 2004, detected ethylene glycol at concentrations ranging from <18 to 20,000 mg/L. Average concentrations in mg/L of ethylene glycol reported at each monitoring site were: (upstream, <18); (airport drainage, 196), (Trigg Lake, <18); (airport drainage, 2,630); (receiving stream, 37.6)(2). At an outfall site adjacent to General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin ethylene glycol was detected at a maximum level of 10.7 mg/L in April of 1998(3). Concentrations of ethylene glycol ranging from 75-3,100 mg/L were reported in runoff drainage from the Toronto International Airport in Canada and up to 5,050 mg/L from the Denver Airport in Colorado(4).

RAIN/SNOW/FOG: A 10 mL fog sample (pH 2.54) was collected at the top of Mount Maya (700 m in altitude) adjacent to the midtown of Kobe City Japan on June 10, 1997 and preserved by freezing(1). This sample was determined to contain ethylene glycol at a concentration of 4.0 ug/mL(1). In a study of aircraft deicing and anti-icing fluids used at a medium-sized airport, ethylene glycol was detected in snowbanks sampled at six different times in February and March over a four year period. The range of ethylene glycol concentrations reported for 5 out of 6 of the samples was approximately 0-1600 mg/L melted snow. An additional sample taken on March 3, 2002 indicated a median level of about 1000 mg/L with a range of approximately 1800-2200 mg/L(2).

Ethylene glycol is released during the production of polyethylene terephthalate(1). Ethylene glycol is primarily emitted by the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry(2). Ethylene glycol was measured in 7 formulations of paints, primers, and varnishes, making up 26-80.6% by weight of the VOC present in the coating formulation(3). This compound was also measured in one formulation of automobile antifreeze at 95.01% by weight of the VOC present(3). Ethylene glycol was detected, but not quantified in chemical effluent in Brandenburg, KY(4).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.