Where It Comes From
Made for use as a solvent in coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and cleaners; may appear in specialty consumer products [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing vapors during use, skin contact with liquids or wipes, and workplace air; small amounts may off-gas from recently applied products indoors [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate eyes, nose, and skin and cause headaches or dizziness. Repeated high exposure to some ethylene glycol ethers has been linked to blood, liver, kidney, and reproductive/developmental effects [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in painting, printing, or cleaning; people who are pregnant; those in poorly ventilated spaces during application [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose low‑VOC or glycol‑ether‑free products; check Safety Data Sheets for CAS 23495‑12‑7. Use outdoors or with strong ventilation, keep containers closed, and wear nitrile gloves and eye protection. Follow workplace controls and exposure limits [2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Ethylene Glycol Ethers (1998).
- [2]U.S. EPA. Hazard Summary: Glycol Ethers (Hazardous Air Pollutants).
- [3]NTP-CERHR Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Ethylene Glycol Ethers (2004).