Product Name: Ethylene Glycol
Chemical Formula: C2H6O2
Synonyms: 1,2-Ethanediol, Glycol, Ethylene Alcohol
CAS Number: 107-21-1
Recommended Use: Antifreeze, coolant, industrial solvent, component in hydraulic fluids
Manufacturer: Major chemical producers globally, including global corporations based in the US, Europe, and Asia
Contact Information: 24-hour emergency hotline by company, national poison information centers, and local emergency services
Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4; Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure) Category 2
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Can cause kidney, liver, or central nervous system damage after exposure. Vapors and mist may irritate respiratory tract.
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for acute toxicity; Health hazard for organ damage risk
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, convulsions, kidney failure with substantial ingestion
Environmental Risk: Can be toxic to aquatic life in large quantities; risk increases in confined water systems
Chemical Identity: Ethylene Glycol
Concentration: 95%–100% pure (industrial and laboratory grades)
Impurities: Trace water, aldehydes, acidic compounds possible depending on supplier and storage
Other Additives: Commercial antifreezes may include corrosion inhibitors, colorants, and denaturants
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately. Monitor for signs of breathing difficulty or confusion. Seek medical attention especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. For large area contact or irritation, seek medical evaluation.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Remove contact lenses after a few minutes unless glued to the eye. Rapid care is important.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water only if person is conscious. Urgently arrange transport to emergency room. Inform medical providers that ethylene glycol poisoning can be fatal; specific antidotes (fomepizole or ethanol) may be required.
Symptoms to Watch: Nausea, confusion, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, seizures, or unconsciousness.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical. Water mist can cool containers.
Specific Fire Hazards: Combustion releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potentially toxic aldehydes.
Firefighter Protection: Full protective gear required, including positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
Precautions: Containers may rupture under fire conditions. Cool containers with water spray from a safe distance.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Wear protective clothing: chemical goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and suitable respiratory protection where vapors or mist are likely.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface water, or groundwater. Alert relevant authorities for larger spills.
Spill Cleanup: Stop leak if doing so safely. Absorb small spills with sand or inert material, then collect in appropriate chemical waste containers. Large volumes may require containment dikes and vacuuming.
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapors and skin contact. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in working areas.
Storage Conditions: Store in original tightly closed containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Keep away from oxidizers and strong acids. Storage temperature should remain below 35°C to prevent degradation and container pressure build-up.
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with nitrates, oxidizing agents, and concentrated alkalis.
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (Ceiling, vapor); ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm (ceiling, vapor, aerosol)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general mechanical ventilation recommended, especially in confined or poorly ventilated places.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (like nitrile or butyl rubber), long-sleeve lab coat or coveralls, and approved respirator in poorly ventilated or aerosol-prone situations.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Appearance: Colorless, clear, syrupy liquid
Odor: Virtually odorless or faint sweet aroma
Boiling Point: 197°C (386.6°F)
Melting Point: -13°C (8.6°F)
Flash Point: 111°C (232°F, closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 0.06 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, acetone, alcohol
Density: 1.11 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: High viscosity, thicker than water
pH: 6.0–8.0 (neat solution)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Can react violently with strong oxidizing agents. May form explosive peroxides with ongoing air exposure.
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and potentially toxic smoke during combustion
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, sparks, open flames, and moisture ingress over extended storage periods
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, nitrates, chlorinating agents, alkalis, and oxidizers
Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 (rat): 4700 mg/kg; severe effects in humans reported after ingestion of as little as 100 ml
Chronic Effects: Repeated high exposure to vapors or mists may damage liver and kidneys. Animal studies suggest possible reproductive toxicity with prolonged exposure.
Symptoms: Nausea, central nervous system depression, incoordination, metabolic acidosis, kidney failure, cardiac and respiratory collapse
Routes of Entry: Primarily ingestion, inhalation of mist, skin absorption less significant but can occur with large area exposure.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Most current data suggest low mutagenic risk
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life at certain concentrations. LC50 (fish): 8000–55000 mg/L (96 hours)
Bioaccumulation: Ethylene glycol does not bioaccumulate significantly in organisms.
Degradation: Biodegradable in water and soil over several days to weeks; breakdown products include CO2 and water
Soil Absorption: Mobile in soil; can leach to groundwater if large amounts enter environment
Potential Environmental Impact: Indirect risks through oxygen depletion in water bodies due to microbial degradation
Disposal Method: Collect and transfer to a licensed hazardous waste disposal agent. Do not pour into drains, surface water, or onto the ground. Best option is high-temperature incineration with appropriate air pollution control.
Container Disposal: Empty containers may contain toxic residue. Triple rinse, puncture, and send to authorized disposal facility.
Regulations: Follow federal, state, and local guidelines for hazardous chemical disposal. Background checks on waste contractors advised.
Recycling: Commercial recycling services reclaim used ethylene glycol; check for solvent recovery programs where possible.
UN Number: UN 3082
Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S. (Ethylene Glycol)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
DOT Hazard Label: Class 9 label; consider environmental hazard warning
Transportation Precautions: Secure containers upright on pallets. Prevent leaks and spills during transit.
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA 313: Ethylene glycol reportable under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
OSHA: Regulated under Hazard Communication Standard due to acute toxicity
Canada WHMIS Classification: D2A (Very Toxic Material); D2B (Toxic Material causing other effects)
EU Classification: Xn (Harmful)
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Country Specific Regulations: Product regulated under national chemical control laws in Europe, Asia, Australia
