Diglycidyl ether

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 10.6% (5 of 47) of reports.

H302 (89.4%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (85.1%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314 (83%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H330 (89.4%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 47 reports by companies from 5 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 5 of 47 reports by companies.

There are 4 notifications provided by 42 of 47 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.

H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]

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

H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

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

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

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

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

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

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

P210, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

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

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

Caution: Diglycidyl ether can cause permanent injury via oral and inhalation exposure.

Signs and Symptoms of Diglycidyl Ether Exposure: Acute exposure to diglycidyl ether may produce irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract may occur. Respiratory signs may include pulmonary edema and irritation of the respiratory tract, which may progress to pulmonary edema.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to diglycidyl ether may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to diglycidyl ether.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to diglycidyl ether.

3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.

2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!

4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.

6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

(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: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

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

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.

Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol foam.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

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.

Diglycidyl ether is to be regarded as hazardous cmpd, and personnel should be protected from all contact with liquid or its vapor.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit 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.

Where there is any possibility of a worker's body being exposed to DGE, facilities for quick drenching of the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use. ...

Where there is any possibility of a worker's eyes being exposed to DGE, an eye-wash fountain should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use. ...

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for DIGLYCIDYL ETHER (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from strong oxidants. Ventilation along the floor.

Seperated from strong oxidants. Ventilation along the floor.

0.30 [ppm]

8.5 [ppm]

10 [ppm]

0.1 ppm (0.5 mg/m³)

Ca TWA 0.1 ppm (0.5 mg/m3) See Appendix A

0.5 ppm (2.8 mg/m³)

C 0.5 ppm (2.8 mg/m3) See Appendix G

10 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024)

10.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the male mouse 4­hour LC50 of 30 ppm [Hine et al. 1956]. . . . Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

10 ppm; NIOSH has recommended that diglycidyl ether be treated as a potential human carcinogen.

Ca [10 ppm]

See: 2238075

0.01 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 0.01 ppm

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

0.01 ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).

0.01 ppm [2006]

skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 3

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

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. The substance may cause effects on the blood, kidneys, liver and testes. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Medical observation is indicated.

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diglycidyl ether:

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.

• DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc.

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.

Provide:

• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight-inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing, necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid glycidol. /Glycidol/

Nonimpervious clothing which becomes contaminated with liquid glycidol should be removed promptly and not reworn until the glycidol is removed from the clothing. /Glycidol/

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for DIGLYCIDYL ETHER (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:

Diglycidyl ether is a colorless liquid with a pronounced irritating odor. Used as a reactive dilutent for epoxy resin , as a chemical intermediate, as a stabilizer of chlorinated organic compounds, and as a textile-treating agent. (EPA, 1998)

Colorless liquid with a strong, irritating odor; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Colorless liquid with a strong, irritating odor.

Colorless liquid

Strong, irritating odor

500 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

at 100kPa: 260 °C

260 °C @760 [mm Hg]

147.2 °F (EPA, 1998)

[ACGIH] 64 °C

1.262 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink

1.262 at 50 °C

SP GR: 1.12 at 20 °C/4 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.26

1.262 @ 50°C

4.5 (ICSC, 2024) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

3.78 at 25 °C (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.5

0.09 mmHg at 77 °F (EPA, 1998)

2.9 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure, Pa at 25 °C: 12

0.09 mmHg at 77 °F

0.09 [mm Hg] @25 °C

(77 °F): 0.09 mmHg

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Odor Threshold Low: 5.0 [ppm]

An odor threshold has not been established, but DGE is recognizable by odor above 5 ppm

25 mg/cu m odor low; 25 mg/cu m odor high.

Flammable agents - 2nd degree

Plastics & Rubber -> Glycidyl Ethers

Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164].

Epoxides

Polymerizable Compounds

Polymerizable

Peroxidizable Compound

Epoxides, such as DIGLYCIDYL ETHER, are highly reactive. They polymerize in the presence of catalysts or when heated. These polymerization reactions can be violent. Compounds in this group react with acids, bases, and oxidizing and reducing agents. They react, possibly violently with water in the presence of acid and other catalysts.

Strong oxidizers.

Strong oxidizers

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

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

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Dizziness. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Weakness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Roughness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.

Nausea. Vomiting.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; skin burns; In Animals: hematopoietic system, lung, liver, kidney damage; reproductive effects; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, reproductive system

[in animals: skin tumors]

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

LC50 (rat) = 200 ppm/4H

LD50 Mouse iv 100 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit iv 141 mg/kg

LC50 Rabbit inhalation 13.3 ppm/24 hr

LC50 Mouse inhalation 86 ppm/4 hr

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for DIGLYCIDYL ETHER (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Provide a low-stimulus environment. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Treat frostbite by rapid rewarming ... . /Ethers and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors for hypotension with a normal fluid volume. Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Ethers and related compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Short-term (acute): Exposure to DGE can cause skin burns and severe irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Long-term (chronic): Exposure to DGE can cause dermatitis and skin sensitization.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Inhalation: Dizziness. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Weakness. Skin: ... Dry skin. Redness. Roughness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters. Eyes: Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Ingestion: Nausea. Vomiting.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Effects observed in man. Skin burns, slow in healing. Acute irritation of eyes and respiratory tract.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Dermal contact is the usual mode of exposure, but droplets in mist can also attack the eyes and respiratory tract. Glycidyl and diglycidyl ethers tend to be irritants and sensitizing agents. /Glycidyl and diglycidyl ethers/

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ /Diglycidyl ether/ exhibits radiomimetic effects following acute and chronic exposure as evidenced by depression of bone marrow and other rapidly growing cells.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Liquid ... causes severe but reversible corneal injury in rabbits ... applied as drop. It is also very irritating to skin. ... Rabbits exposed to 20 to 27 ppm ... in air for 4 hr showed complete loosening of corneal epithelium from stroma. But epithelium subsequently regenerated normally ... .

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ After a single application of 1.13 g/kg DGE to the shaved dorsal skin of male New Zealand rabbits (weight 1.9-4.2 kg), a significant reduction (p<0.001) was found in the number of leukocytes and in the hemoglobin level on the sixth day of the investigation. All rabbits showed weight loss. A few hours after the application, skin edema with subsequent induration and staining of the skin occurred.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Autopsy /of rabbit after iv injection/ showed severe congestion of the lungs, congestion of patchy ischemia of the liver, slight ischemia of the kidneys, and ascites. Single injections of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg had an effect on the peripheral blood cell counts and cell morphology. These consisted of leukopenia due to a decrease of polynuclear cells, the duration of which increased with the dose. In animals given 100 mg/kg, an increase was observed in nucleated red blood cells which appeared 7 days after injection. In surviving animals there was eventually a full recovery.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The immediate effects of vapor were few and due to irritation of the mucosal membranes; however, after removal from the chamber within 24 hr the rabbits showed cloudy corneas as well as irritation of the mucous membranes and the skin. High vapor exposure (113 ppm) in rats also caused dyspnea. Necropsy showed lung congestion, granular, discolored livers, enlarged kidneys, and prominent adrenals. At single 24-hr vapor exposures of rabbits (to 3, 6, 12, and 24 ppm) the morphology of the blood cells was not affected at the 3 and 6 ppm level; at 12 ppm a possible thrombocytosis was noted; and at 24 ppm there was a marked leukocytosis preterminally. At 3 ppm there was still clear evidence of mucous membrane irritation, which became very severe at the highest level.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for DIGLYCIDYL ETHER (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Diglycidyl ether's production and use as an ingredient in epoxy resins, textile treating agent, and chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diglycidyl ether will exist solely as a vapor. Vapor-phase diglycidyl ether 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 1.1 days. If released to soil, diglycidyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 1. Biodegradation data were not available. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. Diglycidyl ether may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released into water, diglycidyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7 through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions. Occupational exposure to diglycidyl ether may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where diglycidyl ether is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to diglycidyl ether dermal contact with epoxy resins and other products containing diglycidyl ether. (SRC)

Diglycidyl ether's production and use as an ingredient in epoxy resins(1), textile treating agent(2), and chemical intermediate(3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that diglycidyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diglycidyl ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7(4) through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions(5). Diglycidyl ether may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2006).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that diglycidyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC) from an estimated log Kow of 8.5X10-1(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7(7) through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions(8). Hydrolysis products are usually the corresponding diol and sometimes re-arranged products(8). While data specific to diglycidyl ether were not located(SRC, 2006), the hydrolysis half-life for an analogous compound glycidyl alcohol is 28 days at pH 7(7). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2006).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diglycidyl ether, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diglycidyl ether 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 1.1 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.5X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC), that was derived using a structure estimation method(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of diglycidyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.5X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.1 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Glycidyl ethers, such as diglycidyl ether, can react readily with water and with nucleophiles such as proteins and nucleic acids(2). Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7(3) through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions(4). Hydrolysis products are usually the corresponding diol and sometimes re-arranged products(4). While data specific to diglycidyl ether were not located(SRC, 2006), the hydrolysis half-life for an analogous compound glycidyl alcohol is 28 days at pH 7(3).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for diglycidyl ether(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of -0.85(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Diglycidyl ether's production and use as an ingredient in epoxy resins, textile treating agent, and chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diglycidyl ether will exist solely as a vapor. Vapor-phase diglycidyl ether 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 1.1 days. If released to soil, diglycidyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 1. Biodegradation data were not available. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. Diglycidyl ether may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released into water, diglycidyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7 through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions. Occupational exposure to diglycidyl ether may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where diglycidyl ether is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to diglycidyl ether dermal contact with epoxy resins and other products containing diglycidyl ether. (SRC)

Diglycidyl ether's production and use as an ingredient in epoxy resins(1), textile treating agent(2), and chemical intermediate(3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that diglycidyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diglycidyl ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7(4) through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions(5). Diglycidyl ether may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2006).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that diglycidyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC) from an estimated log Kow of 8.5X10-1(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7(7) through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions(8). Hydrolysis products are usually the corresponding diol and sometimes re-arranged products(8). While data specific to diglycidyl ether were not located(SRC, 2006), the hydrolysis half-life for an analogous compound glycidyl alcohol is 28 days at pH 7(7). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2006).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diglycidyl ether, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diglycidyl ether 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 1.1 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.5X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC), that was derived using a structure estimation method(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of diglycidyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.5X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.1 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Glycidyl ethers, such as diglycidyl ether, can react readily with water and with nucleophiles such as proteins and nucleic acids(2). Epoxides in general hydrolyze rapidly at 25 °C and pH 7(3) through neutral, acid, or base-mediated reactions(4). Hydrolysis products are usually the corresponding diol and sometimes re-arranged products(4). While data specific to diglycidyl ether were not located(SRC, 2006), the hydrolysis half-life for an analogous compound glycidyl alcohol is 28 days at pH 7(3).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for diglycidyl ether(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of -0.85(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of diglycidyl ether can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that diglycidyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for diglycidyl ether is estimated as 1.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that diglycidyl ether is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). Diglycidyl ether's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may not occur(SRC). Diglycidyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.9 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 86 workers are potentially exposed to diglycidyl ether in the US(1). Occupational exposure to diglycidyl ether may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where diglycidyl ether is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to diglycidyl ether dermal contact with epoxy resins and other products containing diglycidyl ether(SRC).

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.

Corrosive Poison