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2-Butoxyethanol

2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent with the formula C₆H₁₄O₂. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour. It is a butyl ether of ethylene glycol, but should not be confused with it.

Production

In 2006, the total European production of all butyl glycol ethers amounted to 181 kilotons per annum (kt/a), approximately 50% (90 kt/a) of which was 2-butoxyethanol. World production is estimated to be 200 to 500 kt/a, of which 75% is for paints and coatings.

Main producers include:

• ICI
• Union Carbide
• BP Chemicals
• Shell Chemicals
• Eastman Chemical
• The Dow Chemical Company

Uses

The main use of 2-butoxyethanol is as a solvent in paints and surface coatings, followed by cleaning products and inks. Other products which contain 2-butoxyethanol include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants and photographic strip solutions. 2-Butoxyethanol is a primary ingredient of various whiteboard cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, dry cleaning solutions, lacquers, varnishes, herbicides, and latex paints. It also seems to be excellent at killing most insects and arachnids.

It is the main ingredient of many home, commercial, and industrial cleaning solutions. It is manufactured by the Eastman Kodak company under catalog # EK1364579, and Kodak Laboratory Chemicals catalog # P2270.

Safety

It is recommended that one use precautions when working with glycol ethers such as 2-butoxyethanol. Employers are required by United States federal law to inform employees when they are working with these substances.^[1]

Some animal studies indicate that it produces reproductive problems, such as reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects.^[2] People exposed to high levels of 2-butoxyethanol for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths. In addition to inhaling 2-butoxyethanol vapor, research has shown that skin can also absorb 2-butoxyethanol vapor from the air, making skin a major pathway of exposure to this chemical.

2-Butoxyethanol is frequently found in popular cleaning products. It is difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers are not required to list it on the label.^[3][4]

This compound is on California's list of toxic air contaminants,^[5] though it was removed from the U.S. EPA's list of hazardous air pollutants in 1994.^[6]

In recent years 2-butoxyethanol has come under increased scrutiny in Canada, and Environment and Health Canada has recommended that it be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).^[7]

Environmental impact

2-Butoxyethanol usually decomposes in the environment within a few days and has not been identified as a major environmental contaminant. It is not known to build up in any plant or animal species.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ Glycol Ethers Fact Sheet. California Hazard Evaluation and Information Service.
2. ^ Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl. Environmental Health Perspectives (1997-05-02).
3. ^ Jane Kay. "Hazard warning on home cleaners: Study says many use chemicals linked to fertility problems", San Francisco Chronicle, 2007-07-24. 
4. ^ Alexandra Gorman. Potential Hazards of Home Cleaning Products. Women's Voices for the Earth.
5. ^ California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 339. The Hazardous Substances List. State of California Department of Labor Relations. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.
6. ^ List of Hazardous Air Pollutants, Petition Process, Lesser Quantity Designations, Source Category List; Petition To Delist of Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2004-11-29).
7. ^ Current Use Patterns in Canada, Toxicology Profiles of Alternatives, and the Feasibility of Performing an Exposure Assessment Survey. Environment Canada.

External links

• International Chemical Safety Card 0059
• NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
• Inchem SIDS dossier
• Eastman EB solvent info
• ToxFAQs™ for 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Butoxyethanol Acetate from the Centers for Disease Control
• Toxicological Profile for 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Butoxyethanol Acetate, from the CDC