2-Ethoxyethanol: Health effects
Description
2-Ethoxyethanol can effect you when breathed in or by passing through your skin. Short-term exposures may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Very high levels may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. Long-term effects from exposure to 2-Ethoxyethanol are possible kidney damage, damaged blood cells, damaged testes in males, and decreased fertility in males. 2-Ethoxyethanol has been shown to be a teratogen in animal studies, and is a possible human teratogen. A teratogen is a substance that harms a foetus.
Entering the body
2-Ethoxyethanol will enter the body if we breathe in contaminated air or drink contaminated water. It can also pass through the skin.
Exposure
Workers in the industries that use or produce 2-Ethoxyethanol are at risk of exposure. Consumers can be exposed to 2-Ethoxyethanol by exposure to air from production and processing facilities using 2-Ethoxyethanol. Consumers may also be exposed to 2-Ethoxyethanol when using consumer products containing 2-Ethoxyethanol, especially if there is not good ventilation. Household hard surface cleaners, paints, varnishes, lacquers, inks and paint removers are some of the consumer products that may release 2-Ethoxyethanol.
Health guidelines
According to Worksafe Australia, it is allowable for workers to be exposed to 5 parts per million 2-Ethoxyethanol over an eight hour workshift. Worksafe Australia has determined that 2-Ethoxyethanol may cause birth defects and may be teratogenic (harm a foetus).
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