Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

Made for use as a solvent/coalescent in coatings, inks, detergents, and similar products; regulated under EPA’s “glycol ethers” hazardous air pollutant category [1][3].

Breathing vapors during use of paints/cleaners, skin contact with liquid products, and workplace exposure during manufacturing, painting, printing, or cleaning tasks [1][2].

Short-term exposure can cause eye/skin irritation, headache, dizziness, and nausea; very high doses have caused organ effects in animals. Cancer data are limited; some glycol ethers have caused blood and reproductive effects at higher exposures in workers [1][2].

Workers handling solvents (painters, printers, cleaners), people using many solvent products in small or poorly ventilated spaces, and pregnant workers because of class-related concerns [1][2].

Choose low-VOC or glycol‑ether‑free products, ventilate well, avoid skin contact, wear gloves, close containers, and follow workplace controls and PPE guidance [1][2].