Where It Comes From
Manufactured solvent in household and industrial cleaning products, paints/coatings, printing inks, and metalworking fluids [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing vapors during use, skin contact while cleaning or painting, workplace mixing/spraying/wiping, or accidental swallowing by children [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Causes serious eye irritation/damage and skin irritation; can be absorbed through skin. Long-term data for this chemical are limited, but some related glycol ethers have shown reproductive/developmental effects in studies, so minimizing exposure is prudent [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers who clean, paint, or print; people using products in small or poorly ventilated spaces; pregnant workers; individuals with existing skin or eye conditions [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose products labeled glycol-ether–free or water-based; ventilate well; wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection; avoid spraying/aerosols; close containers and wash skin after use; store out of children’s reach; workplaces should use local exhaust and PPE [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Glycol Ethers. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]CDC/NIOSH. Glycol Ethers – Workplace Safety & Health Topics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- [3]ECHA. 2-Hexoxyethanol (CAS 112-25-4) – Substance Information and CLP Classification. European Chemicals Agency.