2-Butoxyethanol
Overview
CAS No. 111-76-2
2-Butoxyethanol (C₄H₉OCH₂CH₂OH) is a colorless liquid with a mild odor. It can harm the eyes, skin, kidneys, and blood. Workers may be harmed from exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
2-Butoxyethanol is used in many industries. It is used as a solvent and is found in paint strippers, thinners, and household cleaners. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to 2-butoxyethanol include the following:
- Workers in silk-screening and printing occupations
- Workers who make or refinish furniture
- Workers who use spray paints
- Employees exposed to certain household cleaners
- Mechanics and others exposed to hydraulic fluids
- Factory workers who manufacture certain cosmetics
NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses 2-butoxyethanol, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.
The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. Useful search terms for 2-butoxyethanol include “Butyl Cellosolve®,” “butyl oxitol,” “Dowanol® EB,” “EGBE,” “Ektasolve EB®,” “ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,” and “Jeffersol EB.”
NIOSH Chemical Resources
Related NIOSH Resources
- NIOSHTIC-2 search results on 2-butoxyethanol—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value Profile: 2-Butoxyethanol—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.
- NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
Selected Publications
- Criteria for a Recommended Occupational Exposure Standard for Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether and Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Acetate—DHHS (NIOSH) No. 90-118. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol).
- NIOSH Skin Notation (SK) Profile: 2-Butoxyethanol (BE)
- Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards
Related Resources
- ATSDR ToxFAQs for 2-Butoxyethanol
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile for 2-Butoxyethanol
- EPA Chemistry Dashboard: 2-Butoxyethanol
- EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): 2-Butoxyethanol
- IARC Monographs (Vol. 88): 2-Butoxyethanol
- NLM Haz-Map: 2-Butoxyethanol
- NLM TOXNET: 2-Butoxyethanol
- OSHA Chemical Dashboard: 2-Butoxyethanol
- OSHA Hazard Communication
- OSHA Occupational Chemical Database: 2-Butoxyethanol
- New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: 2-Butoxyethanol
International Resources
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): 2-Butoxyethanol
- Gestis Substance Database
- IARC Monograph Vol 88 (2006): 2-Butoxyethanol
- International Safety Chemical Card: Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
- IPCS INCHEM (CICADS 10): 2-Butoxyethanol
- OECD Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances
- WHO (CICADS 10, revised): 2-Butoxyethanol