Where It Comes From
Manufactured as a high‑boiling industrial and lab solvent, including in electronics and lithium‑battery applications [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Mostly at work by breathing vapors/aerosols or through skin contact; possible home exposure from products that list it, especially in poorly ventilated spaces [2][3].
Why It Matters
Can irritate eyes/skin and cause headache or dizziness at high levels; some glycol ethers have harmed fertility and development in studies. EPA requires review before certain new consumer uses of triglyme due to these concerns [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling solvents; pregnant people or those trying to conceive; people in small or poorly ventilated work areas [2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
At work, use closed systems or local exhaust, wear chemical‑resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile/butyl), and follow your Safety Data Sheet. At home, check labels for “triethylene glycol dimethyl ether,” “TEGDME,” or “triglyme,” choose alternatives when possible, ventilate well, and store/dispose per local guidance [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) for Glymes. https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/significant-new-use-rules-snurs-subject-glymes
- [2]CDC/NIOSH. Glycol Ethers and Reproductive Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/chemical-exposures/glycol-ethers.html
- [3]NIH/NLM PubChem. Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (CAS 112-49-2). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11219537