Ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol): Health effects
Description
Short term exposure from oral intake of ethylene glycol (in increasingly large doses) can cause vomiting, drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure, convulsions, cardiopulmonary effects, and kidney and brain damage. Ethylene glycol vapour (almost always from a workplace environment) can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose. Large concentrations of the vapour can cause the same effects as oral doses.
Entering the body
Ethylene glycol can enter your body when it is ingested, or when materials that contain it are ingested (antifreeze/coolant, inks, brake fluids, etc.) It can also pass through the skin. If you work in an industry that uses or manufactures ethylene glycol you may also could be exposed by ethylene glycol vapour.
Exposure
You are not likely to be exposed to ethylene glycol in the general environment. You may be exposed to ethylene glycol if you work where it is manufactured or used. Examples: the chemical industry, automotive repair, airplane deicing. Consumers can be exposed to ethylene glycol when they change their radiator fluid or use other products with a high ethylene glycol content.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia recommends that workers be exposed to no more than 0.060 grams per cubic metre of ethylene glycol on a time weighted average basis, and short term exposures be no greater than 0.12 grams per cubic metre.
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