Common Name:    2-Methoxyethanol CAS Number:     109-86-4

 DOT Number:     UN 1188

 Date:           January 31, 1986

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 HAZARD SUMMARY

 *    2-Methoxyethanol can affect you when breathed in and by

      passing through your skin.

 *    2-Methoxyethanol should be handled as a TERATOGEN WITH EXTREME

      CAUTION.

 *    2-Methoxyethanol can cause reproductive damage. Handle with

      extreme caution.

 *    Prolonged exposure causes low blood count (anemia) and other

      blood abnormalities.

 *    Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and

      lungs.

 *    Repeated exposure can cause headaches, weakness, drowsiness,

      personality changes and tremors.

 *    Exposure can damage the kidneys.



 IDENTIFICATION

 2-Methoxyethanol is a common colorless solvent for resins,

 lacquers, paints, and varnishes. It can also be found in cleaning

 compounds, cosmetics and is used as a fuel deicer additive.



 REASON FOR CITATION

 *    2-Methoxyethanol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it

      is cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA.

 *    Definitions are attached.



 HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED

 *    Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely

      evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA

      1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling

      results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing

      any workrelated health problems, see a doctor trained to

      recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with

      you.

 *    ODOR THRESHOLD = 2.3 ppm.

 *    The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not

      smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.



 WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS

 OSHA:     The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL)  is

           25 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.

 ACGIH:    The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm

           averaged over an 8 hour workshift.



 *    NIOSH recommends that exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol be reduced

      to the lowest possible level.

 *    2-Methoxyethanol may be a teratogen in humans. All contact

      with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible

      level.



 WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE

 *    Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust

      ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust

      ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be

      worn.

 *    Wear protective work clothing.

 *    Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol

      and at the end of the workshift.

 *    Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In

      addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,

      communicate all information on the health and safety hazards

      of 2-Methoxyethanol to potentially exposed workers.



 This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers,

 employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also

 find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact

 Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material

 Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

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 HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



 Acute Health Effects

 The following acute (short term) health effects may occur

 immediately or shortly after exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol:

 *    Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and

      lungs with cough and/or shortness of breath.

 *    Higher exposure may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs

      (pulmonary edema). This can cause death.

 *    Very high levels can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded

      and to pass out.



 Chronic Health Effects

 The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some

 time after exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol and can last for months or

 years:



 Cancer Hazard

 *    According to the information presently available to the New

      Jersey Department of Health, 2-Methoxyethanol has not been

      tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.



 Reproductive Hazard

 *    2-Methoxyethanol may be a TERATOGEN in humans since it has

      been shown to be a teratogen in animals.

 *    It may damage the testes (male reproductive glands) and also

      decrease fertility in males.



 Other Long Term Effects

 *    Prolonged exposure can cause low blood count (anemia) and

      other blood abnormalities.

 *    Repeated exposure can cause headaches, weakness, drowsiness,

      personality changes, sleepiness, loss of weight, upset

      stomach, and tremors.

 *    2-Methoxyethanol can damage the kidneys.

 *    Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not

      known whether 2-Methoxyethanol causes lung damage.



 MEDICAL



 Medical Testing

 For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV

 or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are

 recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that:

 *    Lung function tests.

 *    Complete blood count.

 *    Kidney function tests.



 If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may

 be useful:

 *    Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure.

 *    Exam of the nervous system.



 Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present

 symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already

 done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies

 of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information

 under OSHA 1910.20.



 Mixed Exposures

 Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer,

 emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen

 respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you

 have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of

 developing health problems.



 WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES



 Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous

 substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of

 reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations

 and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical

 release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using

 respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the

 controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.



 In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)

 how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is

 released into the workplace, and (3) whether harmful skin or eye

 contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly

 toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing

 exposures are possible.



 In addition, the following controls are recommended:

 *    Where possible, automatically pump liquid 2-Methoxyethanol

      from drums or other storage containers to process containers.

 *    Specific engineering controls are recommended for this

      chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: NIOSH

      Current Intelligence Bulletin 39, on Glycol Ethers, # 83 112.



 Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The

 following work practices are recommended:

 *    Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 2-

      Methoxyethanol should change into clean clothing promptly.

 *    Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members

      could be exposed.

 *    Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals

      who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2-

      Methoxyethanol.

 *    If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower

      facilities should be provided.

 *    On skin contact with 2-Methoxyethanol, immediately wash or

      shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift,

      wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2-

      Methoxyethanol, whether or not known skin contact has

      occurred.

 *    Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2-Methoxyethanol is handled,

      processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.

      Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.



 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT



 WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

 However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,

 jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace

 controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be

 appropriate.



 The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply

 to every situation.



 Clothing

 *    Avoid skin contact with 2-Methoxyethanol. Wear solvent

      resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment

      suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the

      most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation.

 *    Neoprene is recommended as a protective material by

      manufacturers.

 *    All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)

      should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.



 Eye Protection

 *    Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when

      working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory

      protection is worn.



 Respiratory Protection

 IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should

 only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into

 account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,

 respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA

 1910.134.



 *    Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 ppm, use a

      MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full

      facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a

      full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode,

      or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing

      apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or

      other positive pressure mode.

 *    Exposure to 2,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and

      health. If the possibility of exposures above 2,000 ppm

      exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing

      apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or

      other positive pressure mode.



 HANDLING AND STORAGE



 *    Prior to working with 2-Methoxyethanol you should be trained

      on its proper handling and storage.

 *    2-Methoxyethanol must be stored to avoid contact with

      OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES,

      CHLORATES, and NITRATES) and STRONG CAUSTICS since violent

      reactions occur.

 *    Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are

      prohibited where 2-Methoxyethanol is used, handled, or stored

      in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion

      hazard.

 *    Wherever 2-Methoxyethanol is used, handled, manufactured, or

      stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.



 Common Name: 2-Methoxyethanol

 DOT Number: UN 1188

 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26

 CAS Number: 109-86-4



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 NJ DOH Hazard rating

 FLAMMABILITY                        2

 REACTIVITY                          0

 ----------------------------------------

 COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID

 POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE

 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE

 ----------------------------------------

 Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;

 4=severe



 FIRE HAZARDS



 *    2-Methoxyethanol is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.

 *    POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.

 *    CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.

 *    Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers.

 *    Vapors may travel to sources of ignition and flash back.

 *    Vapor explosion hazard.

 *    If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained

      and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.



 SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES



 If 2-Methoxyethanol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:

 *    Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of

      spill or leak until cleanup is complete.

 *    Remove all ignition sources.

 *    Ventilate area of spill or leak.

 *    Use water spray to reduce vapors.

 *    Keep 2-Methoxyethanol out of a confined space, such as a

      sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the

      sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive

      concentrations.

 *    It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 2-Methoxyethanol

      as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program

      for specific recommendations.



 ==========================================

 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire

 department.

 ==========================================



 FIRST AID



 POISON INFORMATION



 Eye Contact

 *    Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15

      minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.



 Skin Contact

 *    Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area

      with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention.



 Breathing

 *    Remove the person from exposure.

 *    Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if

      heart action has stopped.

 *    Transfer promptly to a medical facility.

 *    Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after

      breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.



 PHYSICAL DATA



 Vapor Pressure:     6 mm Hg at 68oF

 Flash Point:           107oF

 Water Solubility:   Miscible



 OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES



 Chemical Name:

 2-Methoxyethanol



 Other Names and Formulations:

 Ethylene Glycol Mono Methyl Ether; EGME; MECS; Methyl Cellosolve;

 Methyl Glycol; Poly Solv EM.



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 Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.

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 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

 Right to Know Program

 CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368

 ------------------------------------------

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 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION



 2-Methoxyethanol is a colorless, flammable liquid used as a solvent

 to dissolve gums and resins.  It may enter the environment from

 industrial discharges or spills.



 ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS



 Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or

 fish, and death or low growth rate in plants.  Acute effects are

 seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with

 a toxic chemical substance.



 2-Methoxyethanol has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life.

 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-

 term effects of 2-methoxyethanol to plants, birds, or land animals.



 CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS



 Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive

 problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.

 Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic

 chemical.



 2-Methoxyethanol has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life.

 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-

 term effects of 2-methoxyethanol to plants, birds, or land animals.



 WATER SOLUBILITY



 2-Methoxyethanol is highly soluble in water.  Concentrations of

 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.



 DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT



 2-Methoxyethanol is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life

 of between 2 to 20 days.  The half-life of a pollutant is the

 amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be

 degraded.  About 98.5% of 2-methoxyethanol will eventually end up

 in water; the rest will end up in the air.



 BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS



 Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in

 living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink

 contaminated water, or eat contaminated food.  These chemicals can

 become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals

 and humans.



 The concentration of 2-methoxyethanol found in fish tissues is

 expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 2-

 methoxyethanol in the water from which the fish was taken.



 SUPPORT DOCUMENT:  AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.