Industrial Degreaser Containing 2-Butoxyethanol (EGBE, Glycol Ether Solvent, Hemolytic Anemia, Hepatotoxicity, Consumer Product Exposure) — household safety profile
Moderate risk2-Butoxyethanol (EGBE, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, CAS 111-76-2) is the most widely used glycol ether solvent in cleaning products, present at 1-15% concentration in all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, glass cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and automotive products — an estimated 2.5 million tons produced globally per year.
What is this product?
2-Butoxyethanol (EGBE, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, CAS 111-76-2) is the most widely used glycol ether solvent in cleaning products, present at 1-15% concentration in all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, glass cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and automotive products — an estimated 2.5 million tons produced globally per year. EGBE is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to 2-butoxyacetic acid (BAA), a potent hemolytic agent that causes osmotic hemolysis of red blood cells by disrupting membrane phospholipid organization. Occupational and consumer exposures occur primarily through inhalation and dermal absorption (EGBE has excellent skin penetration — dermal absorption rate 0.16 mg/cm2/hour). At concentrations found in consumer products (1-15%), acute exposure scenarios include hemolytic anemia with hemoglobinuria, hepatotoxicity, metabolic acidosis, and central nervous system depression. The EPA removed EGBE from the hazardous air pollutant (HAP) list in 2004 based on risk assessment showing consumer product exposures generally below levels of concern, but OSHA maintains a PEL of 50 ppm and ACGIH recommends a much lower TLV of 20 ppm with a skin notation indicating significant dermal absorption. California Proposition 65 does not list EGBE, but the EU classifies it as an acute toxicant (Category 4) requiring hazard labeling.
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