ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
2BUTOXYETHANOL (C4H9OCH2CH2OH)
SYNONYMS
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, butyl icinol, butyl cellosolve,
butyl oxitol.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with slightly rancid odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Flammable liquid, keep away from heat or naked flames. Heating
produces toxic fumes including carbon monoxide.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a flammable liquid and should never be handled close to
heat or a naked flame. The vapour is heavier than air and can
travel along the ground for a considerable distance to a source
of ignition and flash back. Butoxyethanol is toxic by ingestion
and skin absorption and is an eye and respiratory tract
irritant. It can be absorbed through the skin in sufficient
amounts to cause toxicity. It is a central nervous system
depressant. The vapour is also toxic and an irritant. A splash
to the eye can produce transient conjunctivitis and corneal
damage. Inhalation of the vapour and ingestion of the liquid can
cause damage to lungs, liver, kidneys and blood. The no effect
threshold limit value (TLV) is 25 ppm.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If signs of toxicity develop seek
medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek
medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If irritation persists or develops seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water or milk to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to
the back of the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak - keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid - absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas - pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit and
allow to burn.
A liquid - atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid - make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT
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