Where It Comes From
Used as a solvent in paints, inks, coatings, cleaners, and other industrial products. [1]
How You Are Exposed
Breathing vapors during use or near freshly applied products; skin contact from splashes, wipes, or contaminated tools; workplace air in painting, printing, or cleaning tasks. [1][2]
Why It Matters
Can cause irritation, headache, and dizziness at higher levels. Certain glycol ethers have been linked to fertility/developmental effects and blood changes in workers and animals; human data for this specific ether are limited. [1][2][3]
Who Is at Risk
Workers who handle solvents (painters, printers, cleaners); pregnant workers; people with asthma or skin conditions; children present in newly painted/cleaned spaces. [1][2][3]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose low‑VOC or glycol‑ether‑free products; ventilate well; avoid skin contact (use chemical‑resistant gloves/eye protection per product SDS); keep containers closed; avoid use during pregnancy when safer alternatives exist; follow workplace controls and PPE. [1][2]
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Glycol Ethers — Hazard Summary. Technology Transfer Network Air Toxics.
- [2]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: 2‑Butoxyethanol and 2‑Butoxyethanol Acetate.
- [3]NTP-CERHR. Monographs on 2‑Methoxyethanol and 2‑Ethoxyethanol: Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects.