Product Name: Ethylene Glycol
Chemical Formula: C2H6O2
Synonyms: 1,2-Ethanediol, Monoethylene glycol, Glycol alcohol
Recommended Uses: Antifreeze, coolant, heat transfer fluid, raw material in polyester fiber manufacturing, hydraulic fluids
Manufacturer/Supplier: Information available on product packaging or company literature for safety reference
Emergency Telephone Number: Refer to local poison control or emergency services
UN Number: 3082 (Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s.)
Classification: Acute oral toxicity – Category 4; Eye irritation – Category 2A; Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure) – Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin, eyes
Symptoms of Exposure: Headache, dizziness, nausea, central nervous system depression, abdominal pain, confusion, convulsions, kidney damage
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapor and mist, prevent contact with eyes or skin, do not eat, drink, or smoke while using, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Main Ingredient: Ethylene Glycol
Chemical Identity: Ethylene Glycol
Concentration: 95-100%
CAS Number: 107-21-1
Impurities: Trace levels of diethylene glycol, water, and additives depending on supplier
Other Components: No hazardous components above disclosure limits
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist such as coughing or shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin with soap and water, avoid delayed cleansing, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, take care to remove contact lenses if applicable, obtain prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water only if person is conscious, seek immediate medical advice or contact poison control, monitor for delayed symptoms such as confusion or rapid breathing
Most Important Effects: Central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, kidney failure possible with severe overdose
Note to Physicians: Consider administration of ethanol or fomepizole as antidotes for toxic ingestions, monitor metabolic status closely, hemodialysis may be required in severe cases
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray (do not use direct water jet)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water streams may spread fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides (CO and CO2), toxic smoke, formaldehyde
Fire-Fighter Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhalation of fumes, use protective equipment
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water spray, remove containers from fire area if safe to do, contain contaminated fire-water to prevent environmental entry
Explosion Risks: Moderate fire hazard in case of leaks or spills, vapors can form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, use protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, prevent inhalation and direct contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into surface water, soil, and drains, risk to aquatic organisms and groundwater supplies
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material such as vermiculite, sand, or earth, collect spilled liquid into suitable, labeled containers for disposal, wash contaminated area with water
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate spill area, isolate hazard zone, avoid unprotected personnel
Disposal: Dispose collected material in accordance with local and national regulations, do not allow spilled liquid to reach sewage system
Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear recommended personal protective equipment, prevent ingestion, do not smoke or eat while handling, use non-sparking tools where possible
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers away from direct sunlight, incompatible substances, and heat sources, use corrosion-resistant materials for tanks and pipes
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases, peroxides
Storage Temperature: Maintain stable, cool temperature, avoid freezing or excessive heat
Additional Notes: Label storage vessels clearly, maintain secondary containment to capture leaks, keep away from food or animal feed supplies
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 50 ppm vapor (ceiling), ACGIH TLV 100 mg/m3 aerosol
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed systems where feasible, use of splash guards and containment
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or chemical-resistant suit, appropriate respiratory protection if ventilation inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse, keep food and beverages away
Monitoring: Air monitoring for vapor in enclosed spaces, medical surveillance for occupational exposure
Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Odorless to faintly sweet
pH: 6-8 (at 10% solution in water)
Boiling Point: 197.6°C (388°F)
Melting Point: -12.9°C (8.8°F)
Flash Point: 111°C (232°F) closed cup
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Not highly flammable but combustible at high temperatures
Vapor Pressure: 0.06 mmHg at 20°C
Relative Density: 1.113 (water = 1)
Solubility: Completely soluble in water
Partition Coefficient (Octanol/Water): -1.36
Viscosity: 16.1 mPa·s at 20°C
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: 3.2% – 15.3% (volume in air)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, sparks, contact with strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and bases, nitrates, perchlorates, chlorine compounds
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde under fire conditions
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected
Reactivity: May react with hypochlorites and chloroform to produce undesirable byproducts
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity (LD50 Oral, Rat): 4700 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Dermal, Rabbit): 9530 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure impacts kidneys and central nervous system
Irritation: Eyes and skin, may cause moderate to severe irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA; no confirmed carcinogenic effects in humans
Reproductive Toxicity: Negative in typical occupational settings
Symptoms of Overexposure: Headache, vomiting, drowsiness, metabolic acidosis, kidney injury, rapid heartbeat, confusion, respiratory depression
Sensitization: Not reported
Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms: Moderate toxicity to freshwater species, LC50 (fish, 96h): 41000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water, breaks down under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; partition coefficient indicates little accumulation
Mobility in Soil: High, leaches easily to groundwater if released
Other Harmful Effects: Large spills risk eutrophication, can reduce available oxygen for aquatic species; proper protective measures essential to avoid watershed contamination
Disposal Methods: Appropriate for chemical waste, hazardous waste incineration or waste treatment plant; do not pour into drains
Regulatory Requirements: Handle according to local and national hazardous waste regulations
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse, puncture, and dispose at approved site
Contaminated Packaging: Process as hazardous waste
Precautions: Prevent leaching into soil and waterways; label containers clearly for hazardous waste
UN Number: 3082
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (contains ethylene glycol)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Label: Environmentally hazardous
Hazard Identification Number: 90
Transport Precautions: Avoid transport with incompatible substances, secure containers tightly, prevent leaks or damage during shipment, adhere to local and international regulations
OSHA: Covered under the Hazard Communication Standard, requires labeling and safety training for exposed workers
TSCA Status: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed, permitted for production/use in the EU
SARA Title III: Reportable under Section 313 (toxic chemical category)
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2A (Very Toxic), D2B (Toxic)
Other National Regulations: Subject to state and local controls in the US; various international restrictions and labeling required
Labelling Requirements: GHS-compliant labeling necessary for workplace and shipment containers; proper hazard statements, pictograms, and precautionary measures mandated by law