2-Butoxyethanol

*** IDENTIFICATION ***

RECORD NUMBER : 32

SYNONYM(S) :

* Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether

* Ethylene glycol n-butyl ether

* Ether monobutylique de l'ethylene glycol

TRADE NAME(S) : Butyl Cellosolve

CAS REGISTRY NUMBER : 111-76-2

PIN - UN/NA NUMBER(S) : 2369

RTECS NUMBER(S) : KJ8575000

CHEMICAL FAMILY : Glycol ether / alkoxy alcohol

MOLECULAR FORMULA : C6-H14-O2

STRUCTURAL FORMULA : CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-OH

LAST REVISION DATE : 1989-04-26

*** DESCRIPTION ***

APPEARANCE AND ODOUR : Colourless liquid with a mild odour

ODOUR THRESHOLD : Approx 0.4 ppm

WARNING PROPERTIES (ODOUR AND IRRITATION) :

Good - odour is normally detectable below the exposure limit

USES AND OCCURRENCES :

Solvent for nitrocellulose, natural and synthetic resins, soluble oils,

lacquers, varnishes and enamels Also used in textile dyeing and printing,

in the treatment of leather, in the production of plasticizers, as a

stabilizer in metal cleaners and household cleaners, and in hydraulic

fluids, insecticides, herbicides and rust removers.

*** HUMAN HEALTH HAZARD DATA ***

* EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM (ACUTE) EXPOSURE *

INHALATION :

Nose and throat irritation; a metallic taste in the mouth; and headache.

Exposure to high concentrations, probably in the range of 300 to 600 ppm,

for several hours, may cause respiratory tract irritation, unconsciousness,

and kidney and liver damage.

EYE CONTACT :

Vapour can irritate the eyes The liquid can cause irritation, pain,

reddening, and corneal injury which heals within a few days.

SKIN CONTACT :

Mild irritation

INGESTION :

No specific data Probably can cause irritation and effects described for

inhalation.

* EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM (CHRONIC) EXPOSURE *

HEALTH EFFECTS :

Some reports of respiratory tract and eye irritation, damage to blood

cells, and blood in urine.

CARCINOGENICITY :

Insufficient data

TERATOGENICITY AND EMBRYOTOXICITY :

Animal tests to date have not found severe effects seen in tests with

certain other glycol ethers.

MUTAGENICITY :

Insufficient data

POTENTIAL FOR ACCUMULATION :

Slight - eliminated via lungs; also changed to butoxyacetic acid and

eliminated via kidneys.

*** FIRST AID ***

INHALATION :

Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air If breathing has

stopped, properly trained personnel should begin artificial respiration or

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately Obtain medical attention

immediately.

EYE CONTACT :

Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing

water for 20 minutes, by the clock, holding the eyelid(s) open Obtain

medical attention immediately.

SKIN CONTACT :

As quickly as possible, flush contaminated area with lukewarm, gently

running water for at least 20 minutes, by the clock Under running water,

remove contaminated clothing, shoes, and leather goods (e.g watchbands,

belts) Obtain medical advice immediately Completely decontaminated

clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard. 2-Butoxyethanol

can be absorbed through skin in toxic amounts.

INGESTION :

Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth Obtain medical attention

immediately.

FIRST AID COMMENTS :

Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest) Consult a

physician and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposure except

minor instances of inhalation or skin contact.

*** ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA ***

ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA :

NOTE: Toxicity may differ significantly depending upon the age of the

animals studied Weanling rats are less sensitive than older ones. LD50

(oral, weanling rat): 3000 mg/kg LD50 (oral, 6 week old rat): 2400 mg/kg

LD50 (oral, 1 year old rat): 560 mg/kg LD50 (oral, mouse): 1200 mg/kg LD50

(oral, rabbit): 320 mg/kg LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 0.40 g/kg (material

confined to the skin for 24 hours) LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 1.8 g/kg

(material applied by gentle massage) LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 0.11 mL/kg

LC50 (inhalation, rat): 500 ppm;/duration of exposure: 4 hours LC50

(inhalation, mouse): 700 ppm;/ duration of exposure: 7 hours. ACUTE

TOXICITY COMMENTS: Changes in the kidney, liver, spleen, and lung were

found in animals exposed by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption

Deaths usually resulted from central nervous system depression, lung

damage, and kidney injury. EFFECTS OF BLOOD CELLS: Long-term exposure to

2-butoxyethanol can cause blood changes, including anemia, in rats Both

2-butoxyethanol and its metabolite butoxyacetic acid can cause breakdown of

red blood cells Humans appear to be less sensitive to this effect than

rats. REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS: 2-Butoxyethanol has been found to produce

toxic effects in pregnant rats at about 200 ppm, with no apparent increase

in congenital defects among the offspring It did not cause testicular

atrophy in males.

*** OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS ***

* THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES (TLVS) / AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF

GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS (ACGIH) / 1987-88 *

TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TLV-TWA) : 25 ppm (120 mg/m3) - skin

EXPOSURE LIMIT COMMENTS :

SKIN NOTATION -- Absorption through intact skin, eyes, or mucous membranes

may contribute to the overall exposure Prevent absorption by these routes.

NOTE: In many Canadian jurisdictions, exposure limits are similar to the

ACGIH TLVs Since the manner in which exposure limits are established,

interpreted, and implemented can vary, obtain detailed information from the

appropriate government agency in each jurisdiction.

*** SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ***

SAMPLING & ANALYSIS :

DETECTOR TUBES: Short- and long-term sampling INFRARED: Continuous

monitoring GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY: Continuous monitoring PASSIVE DOSIMETER:

Long-term sampling NIOSH METHOD: 1403 - NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods

3rd ed Vol 1

*** EXPOSURE CONTROL ***

* Note: Exposure to this material can be controlled in many

ways. The measures appropriate for a particular worksite

depend on how this material is used and on the extent of

exposure. Use this general information to help develop

specific control measures. Ensure that control systems are

properly designed and maintained. Comply with occupational,

environmental, fire, and other applicable regulations. *

* ENGINEERING CONTROLS *

ENGINEERING CONTROLS :

Local exhaust ventilation is normally required when used in small

quantities Process enclosure or worker isolation are preferred when used in

large quantities.

* PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT *

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION :

Not normally required if engineering controls are adequate If concentration

of airborne contaminant exceeds the recommended exposure limit, wear

appropriate approved respiratory protection Emergency respirators should be

available in case of leak or spill.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES :

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2-BUTOXY ETHANOL CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR: UP TO

250 ppm: SAR; or SCBA. UP TO 625 ppm: Powered air-purifying respirator

with organic vapour cartridge(s); or SAR operated in a continuous flow

mode. UP TO 700 ppm: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or

full-facepiece chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour

cartridge(s); or full-facepiece SAR; or full-facepiece SCBA. EMERGENCY OR

PLANNED ENTRY IN UNKNOWN CONCENTRATION OR IDLH CONDITIONS: Positive

pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR

with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA. ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic

vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA. NOTE: The IDLH concentration for

2-Butoxy ethanol is 700 ppm. NOTE: Substance reported to cause eye

irritation or damage; may require eye protection. ABBREVIATIONS: SAR =

supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus IDLH =

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health. NOTE: In these recommendations

the IDLH concentration is defined as the maximum concentration which would

not cause any escape-impairing symptoms or irreversible health effects to a

person exposed for 30 minutes if the respirator failed.

EYE/FACE PROTECTION :

Chemical splash goggles or face shields (eight inch minimum), as required

SKIN PROTECTION :

Impervious gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective

clothing Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the

immediate work area.

RESISTANCE OF MATERIALS FOR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING :

GOOD - Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) NOTE: Some types of rubber and plastics are

non-resistant. NOTE: Resistance of specific materials can vary from

product to product. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and

maintain clothing carefully.

PERSONAL PROTECTION COMMENTS :

Remove contaminated clothing promptly Keep contaminated clothing in closed

containers Discard or launder before rewearing Inform laundry personnel of

contaminant's hazards. Do not smoke, eat or drink in work areas Wash hands

thoroughly after handling this material Maintain good housekeeping.

*** STORAGE AND HANDLING ***

STORAGE CONDITIONS :

2-Butoxyethanol should be stored in tightly closed, grounded containers in

a cool area with adequate ventilation, away from normal work areas and

sources of heat and sparks Fans and other electrical equipment should be

spark-resistant Approved safety solvent containers are preferred.

Containers should be covered when not in use and stored in a fire-resistant

grounded cabinet Use solvent resistant materials in storage and handling

area.

HANDLING :

Use 2-butoxyethanol in minimal quantities in designated areas with adequate

ventilation and away from sources of heat or sparks Whenever possible,

fire-resistant containers should be used Wear appropriate protective

equipment to prevent skin and eye contact.

*** SPILL AND LEAK PROCEDURES ***

PRECAUTIONS :

Restrict access to area Provide adequate protective equipment and

ventilation Remove sources of heat and flame Only trained personnel should

perform or supervise clean-up operations.

CLEANUP :

Stop or reduce discharge if it can be done safely Contain material.

Material should be recovered if possible or collected on absorbent

materials such as dry clay, sand, or sawdust Prevent entry into water or

sewer systems Notify appropriate environmental authorities in the event of

any significant release of this material into the environment Some

companies sell cleanup kits which may be appropriate for small spills

involving this material.

*** DISPOSAL ***

DISPOSAL :

Review federal, provincial and local regulations prior to disposal Dispose

of in a designated landfill site or burn in an approved incinerator.

*** FIRE AND EXPLOSION ***

FLASH POINT : 61 deg C (142 deg F)

LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (LEL) : 1.1%

UPPER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (UEL) : 10.1%

AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE :

244 deg C (472 deg F)

FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS :

Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol foam

FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES :

Water spray can be used to cool 2-butoxyethanol below its flash point.

Vapours can accumulate in low areas.

COMBUSTION (THERMAL DECOMPOSTITION) PRODUCTS :

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

* NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) HAZARD INDEX *

HEALTH : 2 - Hazardous to health

FIRE : 2 - Must be moderately heated before

ignition will occur

REACTIVITY : 0 - Normally stable

*** CHEMICAL REACTIVITY ***

STABILITY :

Normally stable

INCOMPATIBILITY - MATERIALS TO AVOID :

Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong caustics Attacks some

types of rubber, plastics and coatings.

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION : Does not occur

CORROSIVITY TO METALS :

Not corrosive

*** PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ***

MOLECULAR WEIGHT : 118.17

CONVERSION FACTOR :

1 ppm = 4.8 mg/m3 @ 25 deg C

BOILING POINT : 171.2 deg C (340 deg F)

RELATIVE DENSITY (SPECIFIC GRAVITY) :

0.90 (water = 1)

SOLUBILITY IN WATER :

Soluble

SOLUBILITY IN OTHER LIQUIDS :

Soluble in alcohol, ether

VAPOUR DENSITY : 4.1 (air = 1)

VAPOUR PRESSURE : 0.76 mm Hg @ 20 deg C

SATURATION VAPOUR CONCENTRATION : Approximately 1,000 ppm (0.1%)

EVAPORATION RATE : 0.1 (butyl acetate = 1)

*** WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS)

CLASSIFICATION ***

WHMIS INGREDIENT DISCLOSURE LIST : Confirmed A; meets criteria for disclosure

at 1% or greater

*** TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS (TDG) SHIPPING INFO ***

* (Source: Transport Canada, Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Regulations) *

TDG INFORMATION : SHIPPING NAME AND DESCRIPTION: Ethylene

glycol monobutyl ether

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN): 2369

CLASSIFICATION: 6.1 - Poisonous substance

SPECIAL PROVISIONS: ---

IMO CLASSIFICATION: 6.1; 3

ICAO CLASSIFICATION: 6.1

PACKING GROUP: III

*** SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY ***

BIBLIOGRAPHY :

2-Butoxyethanol : chemical hazard summary : no 3. Hamilton, Ontario :

CCOHS, 1984

NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards (Repr with corr.) NIOSH, Feb.

1987. p 62-63

* Information on chemicals contained in the CHEMINFO Database

is drawn from a number of publicly available sources. The

sources used are available on request. *