ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ETHYLENE GLYCOL (CH2OHCH2OH)
SYNONYMS
1,2ethanediol, 1,2dihydroxyethane, ethylene alcohol, ethylene
dihydrate, glycol, glycol alcohol, monoethylene glycol,
ethane1,2diol, 2hydroxyethanol.
CHARACTERISTICS
Hygroscopic, clear, colourless liquid, odourless with a sweet
taste. Combustible. Odour threshold 25 ppm.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Ethylene glycol is incompatible with:
Strong oxidants violent reaction.
Perchloric acid violent decomposition on contact, products are
explosive on contact with water.
Phosphorus sulphide explosive reaction when heated.
Sulphuric acid violent reaction with an increase in pressure.
Oleum violent reaction with an increase in pressure.
Chlorosulphonic acid violent reaction with an increase in
pressure.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A combustible liquid that should never be handled or stored
close to heat or a naked flame. It is highly toxic by ingestion
with a minimum lethal dose of 100 ml. Systemic effects will
result, particularly liver and kidney damage. Urgent treatment
is essential. Foetal damage has been reported in laboratory
animals. Acute exposure to the eyes from the liquid can cause
moderate irritation. Skin contact can produce localised
irritation with prolonged contact causing degreasing. Ethylene
glycol can be absorbed through the skin but high concentrations
are required to produce narcosis. Low volatility of the liquid
almost rules out any inhalation hazard except when there is
aerosol formation. Symptoms of toxicity are coughing, headache,
cyanosis, vomiting, hypotension, amnesia and coma. Ingestion
causes intoxication with nausea, vomiting and possible death. If
death does not occur then acute kidney failure and brain damage
are likely.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Mutagen, do not allow staff who are pregnant to handle this
chemical.
Avoid skin contact.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from strong oxidants.
Keep lid tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limit, i.e. 50 ppm (vapour) (NH & MRC,
Australia). If exposure is expected to exceed this limit then a
respirator is recommended. Wear protective clothing. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves (natural rubber,
PVC, neoprene or nitrile), safety goggles and a face mask as a
minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothes and shoes immediately, 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). Seek medical advice if irritation or
pain persist. 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 advice.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest and seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash the mouth with water, then if the victim is
conscious give two to four glasses of water or milk to drink and
induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat.
If breathing stops apply artificial respiration. Seek immediate
medical attention.
STORAGE
Keep the lid tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from heat or naked flame. Keep away from strong oxidants
and other incompatible substances.
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
This substance is a toxic pollutant and must be contained. It
should never be disposed of to sewer.
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