2-Methoxyethanol acetate: Health effects
Description
Exposure to vapour can cause irritation to the eyes, nose mouth, throat and lungs. Prolonged exposure to concentrated vapour can result in dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness. It has effects on the blood, central nervous system as well as the liver and kidneys. Test results indicate that in high concentrations it can have severe effects on human reproduction and growth. It will impede development of the human foetus and retard growth. Exposure to a high concentration can have severe effects.
Entering the body
Methoxyethanol acetate can be swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Breathing air containing the vapour is the most common means of absorbing the compound. It can be swallowed or readily absorbed through the skin. Small amounts are present on clothing that has been dry-cleaned, on newly painted or glued surfaces on household fittings or fixtures.
Exposure
Most people are exposed indoors to very low amounts from contact from newly glued, some painted or varnished surfaces and clothing which has been subjected to specialised dry-cleaning techniques. People living near industries that produce or use methoxyethanol acetate as a major component of their manufacturing or production process could be exposed to the compound from exhaust fumes and odours derived from the work place.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia:
Suggest that the compound should be limited in exposure to humans in a normal 8 hour work period to a time weighted average (TWA) of no more than 24 milligrams per cubic metre of air.
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