IPCS INCHEM Home
ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHERICSC: 0061 (August 2003)
2-Methoxyethanol
Monomethyl glycol ether
Methyl oxitol
EGME
Methyl cellosolve
CAS #: 109-86-4
UN #: 1188
EC Number: 203-713-7

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Flammable.  Above 39°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Above 39°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.  Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN! STRICT HYGIENE! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Confusion. Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Weakness.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Further see Inhalation.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Further see Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Cool. 
PACKAGING
Airtight.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHER ICSC: 0061
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The substance can form explosive peroxides. Reacts with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some forms of plastic and coatings. 

Formula: C3H8O2 / CH3OCH2CH2OH
Molecular mass: 76.1
Boiling point: 125°C
Melting point: -85°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.96
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 0.83
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.01
Flash point: 39°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 285°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.3-24.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.503  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, blood, bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Exposure at high levels could cause unconsciousness. Medical observation is indicated. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the blood and bone marrow. This may result in anaemia and lesions of blood cells. May cause toxicity to human reproduction or development. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.1 ppm as TWA; (skin); BEI issued.
MAK: 3.2 mg/m3, 1 ppm; peak limitation category: II(8); skin absorption (H); pregnancy risk group: B.
EU-OEL: 1 ppm as TWA; (skin) 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: T; R: 60-61-10-20/21/22; S: 53-45; Note: E 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations