ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
2ETHOXY ETHANOL (C2H5OCH2CH2OH)
SYNONYMS
Cellosolve, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethyl icinol,
oxitol.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with a faint ether odour sweet, musty.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Flammable liquid keep away from heat and all sources of
ignition. Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a flammable liquid and should never be handled close to
heat or a naked flame. It is a teratogen and foetotoxin and
should never be handled by staff who are pregnant. Has decreased
sperm counts in tests on laboratory animals. It is a toxic
substance and a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant. The
vapour is also toxic and an irritant. It can be absorbed through
the skin in amounts sufficient to cause toxicity. Inhalation of
the vapour can cause headache, dizziness and nausea. Systemic
effects include anaemia and liver and kidney damage. The
threshold limit value (TLV) is 5 ppm.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Not to be handled by staff who are pregnant.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
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 irritation persists or signs of
toxicity develop seek immediate medical attention. 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
immediate 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 to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back
of the throat. Seek immediate medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or ignition
sources.
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 leak: 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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