MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET ETHYLENE GLYCOL
PRODUCT CODE NUMBER(S): 4650-1
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
Chemical Name and Synonyms: Ethylene glycol; Flammability: Can probably burn if strongly heated.
1,2-Ethanediol; 2-Ethoxyethanol Vapour is heavier than air and may travel considerable dis-
tance to source of ignition and flash back. Concentrated
Chemical Family: Aliphatic dihydric alcohol
solutions in water may be flammable. Closed containers
Chemical Formula: CH2OHCH2OH
may rupture violently when heated.
Product Use: Laboratory reagent Extinguishing Media: Alcohol or polymer foam, dry chemi-
Manufacturer's Name and Address: cal powder, carbon dioxide, water. Water as spray or fog will
Caledon Laboratories Ltd. cause frothing that will smother the fire. Water can also be
used to cool containers and disperse vapours or flush spills
40 Armstrong Avenue
away from ignition sources. Fight fire from upwind, from a
Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4R9
safe distance. Firefighters must wear NIOSH/MSHA ap-
Telephone No: (905) 877-0101 proved, full face-piece, positive-pressure self-contained
Fax No: (905) 877-6666 breathing apparatus and chemical splash suit.
Emergency Telephone No: CANUTEC (613) 996-6666 Flash Point (Method Used): 111癈 (CC)
Autoignition Temperature: 398癈
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS OF MATERIALS Upper Explosion Limit (% by volume): 15.3
Lower Explosion Limit (% by volume): 3.2
Ingredients % TLV Units CAS No.
Hazardous Combustion Products: CO2, CO
Ethylene glycol 99 Not established 107-21-1
Sensitivity to Impact: None identified
PHYSICAL DATA Sensitivity to Static discharge: Probably not sensitive
(high flash point)
Physical State: Liquid
TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND HEALTH DATA
Odour and Appearance: Clear, colourless, syrupy liquid
Odour Threshold (ppm): 0.08 to 25 ppm. Not reliable
Toxicological Data:
warning properties, thresholds vary widely.
Vapour Pressure (mm Hg): 0.05 mm Hg at 20癈 LD50: (oral, rat) 5.89 g/kg; (dermal, rabbit) 9.5 g/kg
Vapour Density (Air = 1): 2.14 LC50: Not available
Evaporation Rate (Bu ac=1): < 0.1
Effects of Acute Exposure to Product:
Boiling Point (degrees C): 198癈
Freezing Point (degrees C): -13癈 Inhaled: Concentrations of 56 ppm cause severe irritation
of eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Because of low
pH: Neutral
vapour pressure, concentrations at room temperature are
Specific Gravity: 1.1135 at 20癈
normally too low to cause toxic effects. If heated, adverse
Coefficient of Water/Oil distribution: Log P (oct)=-1.93 effects, including drowsiness and CNS depression have oc-
curred, without irritation.
SHIPPING DESCRIPTION In contact with skin: TOXIC. May be harmful or fatal by
skin absorption. Readily absorbed through broken skin,
UN: Not regulated
causing systemic poisoning. Absorption through intact skin
T.D.G. Class: Not regulated not known, but animal studies indicate that prolonged skin
Pkg. Group: Not regulated contact can cause toxic effects, as in "Ingested". Contact
with vapour, mist or liquid may cause defatting, drying and
REACTIVITY DATA cracking of skin. Prolonged or repeated contact may lead to
dermatitis.
Chemical Stability: Stable, hygroscopic In contact with eyes: Liquid, vapour or mist may cause irri-
Incompatibility with other substances: Increased risk of tation, redness and pain.
fire and explosion with strong oxidizing agents, phosphorus Ingested: TOXIC. Ingestion of small quantities may cause
pentasulphide. Decomposes violently with strong bases, restlessness, unsteady gait, drowsiness. Lethal dose re-
strong acids, with increased temperature and pressure. Sil- ported to be 100 cc. Death results from respiratory or
vered copper wires carrying DC current will ignite on contact cardiac arrest. If the victim survives, kidney failure may oc-
with ethylene glycol. Not corrosive to most metals; corrosive cur in the next few days. Ethylene glycol poisoning occurs
to aluminum above 100癈. in three stages: CNS depression, cardiopulmonary failure
Reactivity: Avoid temperatures above 111癈, sparks and and kidney failure.
flame, all incompatible materials. Avoid generation of mist.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: CO, CO2
ETHYLENE GLYCOL
MSDS
CODE: 4650-1
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Product: and away from all sources of ignition and incompatible ma-
terials. Keep tightly closed when not in use. Protect from
Workers exposed to ~12 ppm for 22 h through 28 days ex- damage and inspect regularly for signs of leaking or dam-
perienced only mild throat irritation, slight headache, and age. Storage facilities should be made of fire-resistant
low backache. Prolonged or repeated exposure causes materials, and should have raised sills and trenches to drain
blood changes, CNS toxicity, kidney damage, Symptoms in- to a safe area.
clude, headaches, lethargy, uremia. Skin sensitization may
FIRST AID MEASURES
occur. Toxic exposure is primarily by inhalation or skin ab-
sorption.
Specific Measures:
Carcinogenicity: No human information available. Nega-
tive in animal testing. Not classifiable as human carcinogen Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with gently running water for
(ACGIH). five to ten (5-10) minutes, holding eyelids open during flush-
Teratogenicity: No human information available. Possible ing, or until no trace of chemical remains. Take care not to
animal teratogen; embryotoxic and teratogenic in animal flush contaminated water into unafffected eye. Wear protec-
studies at doses that were not maternally toxic. tive gloves and other clothing to avoid contact. Get medical
Reproductive Effects: Some effects in animal testing attention.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing, including watches,
Mutagenicity: No human information available. Negative
rings, belts, and shoes. Drench skin with plenty of running
in Ames test.
water for at least fifteen (15) minutes. Wear protective
Synergistic Products: None known
gloves and other clothing to avoid contact. Get medical at-
tention immediately. Decontaminate clothing before reuse,
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
or discard.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation required Inhalation: Immediately remove to fresh air. Give oxygen
or get medical attention for any breathing difficulty. If
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA approved chemical
breathing has stopped begin artificial respiration immedi-
cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridges, or pow-
ately. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Onset of symptoms
ered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridges.
may be delayed; if victim feels unwell during the next 24
High or unknown concentrations, as in fire or spill condi-
hours, get medical attention immediately.
tions: positive pressure, full facepiece self-contained
Ingestion: If victim is alert and not convulsing, rinse mouth
breathing apparatus, or positive pressure, full face-piece
thoroughly with water, give 2 to 4 glasses of water to drink
air-supplied respirator with an auxiliary positive pressure
to dilute. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. If breathing has
self-contained breathing apparatus.
stopped begin artificial respiration immediately. If spontane-
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles/ face shield.
ous vomiting occurs, rinse mouth thoroughly with water, and
Skin Protection: Butyl, nitrile,or natural rubber, neoprene,
give 2 to 4 more glasses of water to drink. Onset of symp-
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon , Viton , Barri -
toms may be delayed; if victim feels unwell during the next
cade , Saranex , 4H , or Trellchem HPS gloves. Im- 24 hours, get medical attention immediately.
pervious apron, boots, and other protective clothing
sufficient to prevent contact. REFERENCES USED
Other Personal Protective Equipment: An eyewash and
Budavari: The Merck Index, 12th ed., 1997
safety shower should be nearby and ready for use.
Leak and Spill Procedure: Eliminate all sources of igniton. Sax, Lewis: Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th
Ventilate area. Restrict access to area of spill. Cleanup ed., 1987
personnel must be trained in the hazards of this chemical Royal Society of Chemistry, Chemical Safety Data Sheets,
and its safe handling, and must wear protective equipment
Vol. 1, 1992
and clothing sufficient to prevent inhalation of dust or fumes,
Suppliers' Material Safety Data Sheets
and contact with skin and eyes. Mix with inert material.
Transfer carefully into container and arrange removal by dis-
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
posal company. Contaminated absorbent may pose the
same hazards as the spilled product; treat with caution.
Date Issued: November 1, 1988
Wash site of spillage thoroughly with water and detergent.
Revision: May 2010
Waste Disposal: Follow all federal, provincial and local
MSDS: 4650-1
regulations for disposal.
Handling Procedures and Equipment: VERY TOXIC Proposed WHMIS Designation: D2A (possible teratogen
(suspect reproductive hazard). Have all engineering con- and reproductive toxin)
trols operating before handling. Workers must be
thoroughly trained in the hazards of this material and its safe Prepared by: Caledon Laboratories Ltd. (905) 877-0101
use, and must wear appropriate protective equipment and Caledon Laboratories Ltd. believes the information contained
clothing. Follow routine safe handling procedures. Use the herein is reliable and accurate. Caledon makes no warranty
smallest amount possible for the purpose in an area with ap-
with respect thereto and expressly disclaims all liability for reli-
propriate ventilation. Avoid generating vapour or mist.
ance thereon. Such information is solely for your consider-
Avoid all contact and inhalation. Keep away from all incom-
ation, investigation, and verification.
patible materials (see "Incompatibility with other
substances". Do not return contaminated mateiral to the
original container. Empty containers may contain hazardous
residues; treat with caution.
Storage Requirements: Store in suitable, labelled contain-
ers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight
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