OECD SIDS 2-BUTOXYETHANOL

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

FOREWORD INTRODUCTION

2-BUTOXYETHANOL

 CAS N°: 111-76-2
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 149

COVER PAGE 

SIDS Initial Assessment Report 

for 

6th SIAM 

(Paris, 9-11 June 1997) 

Chemical Name: 2-Butoxyethanol 

CAS No.: 111-76-2 

Sponsor Country: Australia 

National SIDS Contact Point in Sponsor Country: 

 Ms. Lesley Onyon 

HISTORY: 

The SIDS Dossier was sent to members on 13 August 1996. No further testing has been 

recommended. 

 no testing (X) 

 testing ( ) 

COMMENTS: 

For discussion at SIAM 6. 

The SIAR is based on a national assessment conducted under the Industrial Chemicals (Notification 

& Assessment) Act 1989 of 2-butoxyethanol in cleaning products and additional exposure 

information from Member countries. 

Deadline for circulation: 

Date of circulation: 28 February 1997 

(To all National SIDS Contact Points and the OECD Secretariat) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

150 UNEP Publications 

SIDS INITIAL ASSESSMENT PROFILE 

CAS NO. 111 - 76 - 2 

CHEMICAL NAME 2-BUTOXYETHANOL 

STRUCTURAL 

FORMULA

 CH3CH2CH2CH2 OCH2CH2OH 

RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPONSOR COUNTRY

2-Butoxyethanol is considered of low priority for further work. 

SHORT SUMMARY OF THE REASONS WHICH SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDATION

The main use is for 2-butoxyethanol is in paints and surface coatings, followed by cleaning 

products and inks. Other products which contain 2-BE include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt 

release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants and photographic strip 

solutions. 

The principal health effects following acute exposure to 2-butoxyethanol are irritation of the eyes 

and respiratory tract. The critical effect identified in repeated dose animal studies is 

haematotoxicity. The lowest reliable NOAEL for haemolysis in the most sensitive species, the rat, 

is 24.6 ppm (22.5 mg/kg/day). The haematological effects are transient at lower doses and there 

are large species differences in the haematological response to 2-butoxyethanol exposure, with 

evidence to show that humans are less sensitive than rats. 2-Butoxyethanol is readily absorbed 

through the skin. 

Taking into account the nature of the critical effect and the species difference, a comparison of 

estimated occupational exposures with the NOAEL for haemolytic effects indicates that the 

potential risk is generally low. However, for printing and cleaning, where there is prolonged 

exposure to high concentrations of 2-butoxyethanol, there are some concerns and adequate control 

measures are needed. 

Due to low and intermittent exposure, the public health risk from the use of products containing 2-

butoxyethanol is low. 2-Butoxyethanol is relatively non-volatile, miscible in water, readily 

biodegradable and non-bioaccumulative. There is no apparent risk to any of the environmental 

compartments. 

IF FURTHER WORK IS RECOMMENDED, SUMMARISE ITS NATURE

No further testing is recommended in the context of SIDS. An NTP 2-year inhalation study in rats 

and mice and an epidemiological study in France are currently being conducted. Given the 

potential for risk to human health in some situations, further work on the extent of dermal 

absorption would be useful. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 151

FULL SIDS SUMMARY 

CAS NO: 111-76-2 SPECIES PROTOCO

L 

RESULTS 

PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL 

2.1 Melting Point 

 

- 77°C 

2.2 Boiling Point 

 

170.8°C 

2.3 Density 

 

0.90 kg/m3

2.4 Vapour Pressure 

 

1.17 hPa at 25°C 

2.5 Partition Coefficient (Log 

Pow) 

 

0.81 

2.6

A 

Water Solubility 

 

miscible 

 

B 

pH 

 

7 

2.7 Flash Point 

 

62°C (closed cup) 

2.8 Autoignition temperature 

 

230-245°C 

2.9 Flammability limits 

 

1.10-12.7% 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

FATE/BIODEGRADATION 

 

3.1.

1 

Photodegradation 

 

Not expected to undergo direct 

photolysis 

3.1.

2 

Stability in Water 

 

Not expected to undergo 

hydrolysis 

3.1.

3 

Stability in Soil 

 

Koc of 67 indicates high mobility 

in soil 

3.2 Monitoring Data 

 

In air: 1-8 μg/m3 ; In ground 

water: 23 μg/L; In surface water: 

1.3-5.7 ppm (contam. site) 

3.3 Transport and 

Distribution 

 Calculated 

(Fugacity 

Level 1 

type) 

In water 84%, air 16%, 

sediment/soil 0.1% 

No significant transport expected 

from water to organic matter in 

sediments and suspended solids. 
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3.5 Biodegradation OECD 301 Readily biodegradable 

ECOTOXICOLOGY 

4.1 Acute/Prolonged Toxicity 

to Fish 

Fath’d min. 

Sh’ph’d m. 

Oyster 

W. shrimp 

4d LC50 = 2137 mg/L 

4d LC50 = 116 mg/L 

4d LC50 = 89 mg/L 

4d LC50 = 130 mg/L 

4.2 Acute Toxicity to Aquatic 

Invertebrates (Daphnia) 

D. magna 2d LC50 = 835 mg/L 

4.3 Toxicity to Aquatic Plants 

e.g Algae 

Sel.caprico

rnutum 

 7d EC50 > 1000 mg/L 

4.5.

1 

Chronic Toxicity to Fish Fathead 

minnow 

 32d MATC = 135 mg/L 

(QSAR result) 

4.5.

2 

Chronic Toxicity to 

Aquatic Invertebrates 

(Daphnia)

 

TOXICOLOGY 

5.1.

1 

Acute Oral Toxicity rat 

mouse 

guinea-pig 

rabbit 

OECD 401 LD50 = 530-3000 mg/kg 

LD50 = 1230 mg/kg 

LD50 = 950-1414 mg/kg 

LD50 = 320-370 mg/kg 

5.1.

2 

Acute Inhalation Toxicity rat 

mouse 

guinea-pig 

OECD 403 LC50 = 450-486ppm(2.2-2.4 mg/L) 

(4h) 

LC50 = 700 ppm (3.4 mg/L) (7h) 

LC50 = > 690 ppm (3.4 mg/L) (1h) 

5.1.

3 

Acute Dermal Toxicity rabbit 

guinea-pig 

OECD 402 LD50 = 100-610 mg/kg 

LD50 = 210-> 3000 mg/kg 

5.2.

1 

Skin Irritation rabbit 

guinea-pig 

OECD404 Moderate irritant 

Irritant 

5.2.

2 

Eye Irritation rabbit OECD405 Irritant 

5.2.

3 

Respiratory Irritation mouse Alarie test Weak irritant 

5.3 Sensitisation guinea-pig Maximisati

on 

Non-sensitising 

5.4 Repeat Dose Tox. - oral 

(d/w) 

 - oral 

rat 

rat 

 90d NOAEL (m) = 129 mg/kg/d; 

LOAEL (f) = 82 mg/kg/d 

(haematotox.) 

6 wk LOAEL (m) = 222 mg/kg/d 
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(gav) 

 - 

inhalation 

 - 

dermal 

rat 

rabbit 

(haematotox.) 

9d NOAEL = 20 ppm 

(haematotox.); 90d NOAEL = 24.6 

ppm (haematotox.) 

2 wk NOAEL = 90 mg/kg/d 

(haematotox.); 90d NOAEL = 150 

mg/kg/d (haematotox.) 

5.5 Genetic Toxicity In Vitro 

A Bacterial Test 

(Gene Mutation) 

S. typhimur

E. coli

Ch.hamster 

V79 cells 

OECD 471 TA100, 1535, 1537, 97, 98 

negative with and without 

metabolic activation 

Negative 

Negative (with and without m. 

activation) 

Positive at high doses 

B Non-Bacterial In Vitro 

Test 

 - Chromosomal 

aberrations 

 - Sister chromatid 

exchange 

 - Unscheduled DNA 

synthesis 

Ch.hamster 

Ch.hamster 

V79 cells 

rat liver 

 

Negative (with and without m. 

activation) 

Negative (with and without m. 

activation) 

Weakly positive at high doses 

Inconclusive 

5.6 Genetic Toxicity In Vivo 

 - Mouse micronucleus 

 - DNA binding 

mouse 

rat, mouse 

 

Negative 

Negative 

5.8 Toxicity to Reproduction 

 - oral (d/w) rat (m) 

mouse 

 

60d NOAEL (parental) = 443 

mg/kg/d 

NOAEL (parental) = 720 mg/kg/d 

5.9 Developmental Toxicity/ 

Teratogenicity - oral 

(gav) 

 - 

inhalation 

 - dermal 

rat 

rat 

rabbit 

rat 

 

NOAEL = 350 mg/kg/d (maternal 

tox.); 650 mg/kg/d (embryo-, 

foetotoxicity) 

NOAEL = 200 ppm 

NOAEL = 100 ppm (maternal 

tox., embryotox.); 200 ppm 

(foetotoxicity 

NOAEL = 1760 mg/kg/d 

5.11 Experience with Human Irritation of the eyes, nose and 
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Exposure throat. 

Headache and nausea. 
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SIDS INITIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

1. IDENTITY

Name: 2-Butoxyethanol 

CAS number: 111-76-2 

IUPAC name: Ethylene glycol butyl ether 

EINECS number: 203-905-0 

Molecular formula: C6H14O2.

Structural formula: CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH2CH2OH. 

Synonyms: 2-BE, Butoxyethanol, n-Butoxyethanol, 2-Butoxy-1-ethanol, Butyl ethoxol, 

O-Butyl ethylene glycol, Butyl glycol, Butyl monoether glycol, EGBE, 

Ethylene glycol butyl ether, Ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, Ethylene glycol 

monobutyl ether, Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, Glycol butyl ether, 

Glycol monobutyl ether, Monobutyl glycol ether, 3-Oxa-1-heptanol. 

 2-Butoxyethanol is known commercially under the following trade names. 

Butyl Cellosolve®, Butyl Icinol®, Butyl Oxitol®, Dowanol EB®, Eastman®

EB Solvent, Gafcol EB®, Glycol ether EB®, Jeffersol EB®, Poly-Solv EB®. 

Purity: When 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) is manufactured from ethylene oxide and nbutanol, other glycol ethers such as the di- and triethylene glycol ethers are 

produced. Consequently, commercial 2-BE may contain small 

concentrations of other glycol ethers, n-butanol and ethylene glycol. A 

stabiliser, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol, is often added at 

approximately 0.01% to prevent the formation of peroxides. 

Physical and chemical properties: These properties are summarised in the table in the Full SIDS 

Summary. 2-BE is relatively non-volatile and miscible in water. 

Hazard classification: The current European Union (EU) classification is R20/21/22 (Harmful by 

inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed) and R37 (Irritating to 

respiratory system). Based on this assessment, risk phrase R36 (Irritating to 

eyes) is appropriate. The following concentration cut-offs apply: 12.5% for 

R20/21/22 and 20% for R36 and R37. 

EEC classification number is 603-014-00-0. 

2. GENERAL INFORMATION ON EXPOSURE

2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE) is used in many different applications. The main use is in paints and 

surface coatings, followed by cleaning products and inks. Other products which contain 2-BE 

include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil 
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spill dispersants and photographic strip solutions. 2-BE is also used as a feedstock in the 

manufacture of other chemicals, for example, butyl glycol acetate (BGA). 

In international databases, 2-BE is also listed as a solvent for greases, oils, dyestuffs and 

nitrocellulose resins and enamels. It has been used as an ingredient in agricultural chemicals, 

cosmetics and brake oils, and as a raw material in the production of phthalate and stearate 

plasticisers. 

In Europe, the total EU production of all butyl glycol ethers is given in CEFIC statistics as 181,000 

tonnes. Process chemistry predicts that approximately 50% of this will be 2-BE, that is 

approximately 90,000 tonnes. Virtually no 2-BE is believed to be imported into the EU (CEFIC, 

1995). 

The best estimates available for supplies of 2-BE to EU markets are presented in Table 1 (in tonnes 

per year). The final column gives the typical maximum 2-BE concentration in formulated products. 

Table 1 - Volume* of 2-BE in the EU (by Product Type)

Product Type Total Industrial Public Typical 

Max %

Surface Coatings 

- Anticorrosion coatings 

- Can coating 

- Coil coating 

- Decorative retail (water based) 

- Decorative trade (water based) 

- General industrial (water based) 

- Auto OEM (solvent based) 

- Auto OEM (water based) 

- Wood coating (water based) 

70000 

2600 

9000 

6500 

10400 

15500 

16800 

1300 

6500 

1300 

59600 

2600 

9000 

6500 

15500 

16800 

1300 

6500 

1300 

10400 

10400 

1 

7 

7 

1.5 

1.5 

3 

2 

8 

2 

Detergents and Cleaners 4000 3000 1000 10 

Inks 5000 5000 0 20 

Feedstock for BGA Production 11000 11000 

TOTALS 90000 78600 11400

* tonnes per year 

In an analysis of the use patterns of glycol ethers in Sweden over the period 1986-1993, the usage 

of 2-BE in 1993 was 2100 tonnes, of which 1680 tonnes were imported as 2-BE and the remainder 

imported in chemical products, mainly paints (Johanson and Rick 1996). In data from the Products 

Register, 666 products containing 2-BE were listed, with the use pattern (in terms of tonnes 2-BE) 

being 68% as solvent, 23% in paints and lacquers, 3% in binders, 3% in cleaning agents, and 3% in 

other uses. 
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An analysis of the uses of the 434 cleaning products identified during the national assessment in 

Australia revealed a wide variety of applications (as stated on the Material Safety Data Sheet and/or 

the label for each product). The main uses are tabled below. 

Table 2 - Main Types of 2-BE Cleaning Products in Use in Australia

Use Number % of total 2-BE

min.

%

max.

surface cleaner 

floor stripper 

glass/window cleaner 

carpet cleaner 

laundry detergent 

rust remover 

oven cleaner 

ink/resin remover 

others 

 214 

 49 

 47 

 40 

 15 

 11 

 11 

 9 

 38 

 49 

 11 

 10 

 9 

 4 

 3 

 3 

 2 

 9 

 0.57 

 < 1 

 < 1 

 < 1 

 < 1.5 

< 10 

 < 1 

 1 

< 10 

 71 

 30.5 

 40 

 10-30 

 10-30 

 30-60 

 10-30 

 10-93 

 94 

Information from Europe indicates that usage of 2-BE in cosmetics is low. It is used as a solvent in 

hair products such as hair dyes. 

3. ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Environmental Exposure

3.1.1 General Discussion 

2-BE will enter the environment via effluent at sites where it is formulated into products and via the 

disposal of any wash water used in cleaning, printing and surface treatment processes. It will also 

enter the atmospheric compartment due to evaporation. Release to water is the predominant 

pathway for cleaning processes, whereas evaporation is the main pathway for the other major use, 

paints/surface coatings. 

Biodegradation studies indicate that 2-BE will be readily degraded by micro-organisms present at 

sewage treatment plants. Ready biodegradability tests showed that 2-BE achieved a biodegradation 

rate of greater than 77% after 3 days and 100% after 7 days. A 20-day biochemical oxygen demand 

test and an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 28-day closed bottle 

test gave 2-BE degradation rates of 75% and 88% respectively. Literature data confirm these 

results. 

Any 2-BE that passes through sewage treatment plants and enters receiving waters is likely to 

remain in the water column until biodegraded by micro-organisms present in the water. 

Accordingly 2-BE half-lives in surface water range from 4 weeks to 7 days. The complete 

miscibility of 2-BE in water suggests that volatilisation, adsorption and bioconcentration are not 

important fate processes. 2-BE is expected to have a short residence time in the atmosphere. 

Disposal of waste 2-BE to landfill may result in contamination of groundwater. A Koc of 67 for 2-

BE indicates that it will be highly mobile in soil, and unlikely to partition from the water column to 
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158 UNEP Publications 

organic matter contained in sediments and suspended solids. 2-BE has been detected in aquifers 

underlying a municipal landfill and a hazardous waste site in the USA. 

2-Butoxyethanol was detected at 8 ug/m3 in 1 of 6 samples selected for GC-MS from indoor air 

samples collected from 14 homes and 1 small office in Italy (De Bortoli et al., 1986). The 

Environmental Protection Agency’s volatile organic compounds national ambient database includes 

data on indoor air showing an average for 14 samples of 0.214 ppb (Shah & Singh, 1988) 

2-Butoxyethanol is listed as a contaminant in drinking water samples analysed between September 

1974 and January 1980 in a survey of US cities (Lucas, 1984). In Kentucky, USA, 2-BE was 

detected in ground water at a concentration of 23 ug/L in 1/7 samples collected in February 1974 

near the Valley of Drums (Stonebreaker & Smith, 1980) 

In Japan, 2-BE was detected in surface water at a concentration of 1310 and 5680 ppb in the water 

of the Hayashida River as a contaminant from leather industry effluents. The values represent 

levels after steam and vacuum distillation respectively (Yasuhura et al., 1981). 

3.1.2 Predicted Environmental Concentration

The predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were calculated on the basis of data available 

for the national Australian assessment, that is, a total volume of approximately 2500 tonnes, with 

40% into cleaning products, approximately 50% in paints and surface coatings, and the remainder in 

inks and other applications. A daily output of 250 million litres from the sewage treatment plant 

was assumed. 

In other countries, the use and release patterns may differ. For example, data from Europe indicates 

that the greater percentage of 2-BE goes into paints/surface coatings (see Table 1) and that the daily 

output from a sewage treatment plant may be 2 million litres. In these circumstances, the PECs 

may be different from the following concentrations calculated for a large metropolis. 

In the following estimates, the PEC of 2-BE in water was calculated according to the methods in the 

Technical Guidance Document and formula from the USES model. 

The assumptions used for calculating the PECs included: 

. All 2-BE used is released to the environment. 

. When used in cleaning products, 90% is released to water, with 10% to the atmosphere. All 

release to water is via the sewage treatment plant. 

. When used in paints/surface coatings; inks; and other uses, 10% is released to sewer, with 

90% to the atmosphere due to evaporation. 

. 300 days per year of 2-BE handling. 

. Manufacture of 2-BE occurs on 300 days per year (at one site only), with 1% released to 

sewer, that is, a daily release of 67 kg. 

. In the absence of data, 40% use of 2-BE will be assumed to occur in the Sydney 

metropolitan area, for which the PEClocal is calculated. 
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Based on these assumptions, the following daily release figures through end use have been 

calculated. 
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Table 3 - Estimated Daily Release of 2-BE for End Use

Cleaning products Paints/surface 

coatings

Inks and other

Use per day (continental) 3.33 te 4.17 te 0.83 te 

Amount to sewer 

(continental) 

3000 kg 416.7 kg 83.3 kg 

Amount to sewer (local) 1200 kg 166.7 kg 33.3 kg 

PEC(local)

The PEC(local) for water can be calculated using the equation: 

PEClocal(water) = Ceff/((1+Kp(susp) . C(susp)) . D) 

Ceff = the concentration of the chemical in the sewage treatment plant; 

Kp(susp) = suspended matter-water adsorption coefficient; 

C

susp = concentration of suspended matter in receiving waters (default value 15 mg/L); 

D = dilution factor (= 10). 

Ceff = W.(100 - P)/(100.Q) 

where 

 W = emission rate (see values in Table 4); 

 Q = volume of waste water (= 250 million litres/day); 

 P = % removal in the sewage treatment plant (= 91%). 

Kp(susp) = Foc(susp).Koc, Koc = a.Pow (a = 0.411) 

where 

 Foc(susp)= fraction organic carbon in suspended matter (= 100 mg/L); 

 Pow = octanol-water partition coefficient (= 6.46). 

For the Australian case, PEC(local) is based in Sydney, where the Sewage Treatment Plant is assumed 

to carry a daily output of 250 million litres. 

Because of the biodegradability of 2-BE, a high percentage could reasonably be expected to be 

removed from the Sewage Plant prior to release to receiving waters. According to the 

SIMPLETREAT model, 91% is eliminated in the Sewage Plant. 

These equations have been used to calculate PEC local for the water compartment based on release 

of 2-BE through its use as cleaning agents, in paints/surface coatings, and in inks and other 

applications. The PECs calculated are given in Table 4. The PEC value calculated for production is 

probably conservative as a release of 1% is used. Production is carried out in a closed system, with 

product being recovered during purging processes being recycled. 
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The PECeffluent is equivalent to the PEClocal(surface water) before dilution. A dilution rate of 10 

is used so values for PECeffluent have also been calculated and are in Table 4. 

Table 4 - Local PECs Calculated for the Aquatic Environment

Process Emission rate to 

sewer (kg/day) 

PEClocal (μg/L) PECeffluent

(μg/L) 

Production 67 2.4 24 

Total use 1400 50.4 504 

 - in cleaning products 1200 43.2 432 

 - in paints/surface coatings 166.7 6 60 

 - in inks/other 33.3 1.2 12 

NB: Figures are based on a total annual use of 2500 tonnes of 2-BE. 

PEC (continental)

A continental PEC has been calculated based on an Australian population of 18 million people, with 

a total sewer output of 2700 million litres per day (150 L per person). 

Assuming all 2-BE used is released, the daily continental release is 8.3 tonnes. Of this, 3.5 tonnes 

is released to sewer through end use activities. Based on these estimates, the continental 

concentration of 2-BE in receiving waters was estimated to be 12 μg/L. 

Atmosphere

It has been estimated that 10% of 2-BE used in cleaning agents is released to the atmosphere, while 

90% used in paints; inks; and other applications is released to the atmosphere through volatilisation. 

A PEC (local) for air release of 2-BE from end uses can be calculated. The following equation can 

be used to calculate the concentration in air at 100 m from the site. 

Cair = Emission x Cstdair

where Cair = concentration in air at 100 m from a point source (kg/m3

); 

 Emission = emission rate to air (kg/sec); and 

 Cstdair = standard concentration in air at source strength of 1 kg/sec (= 24 x 10-6). 

Table 5 - Local PECs Calculated for the Atmospheric Environment

Process Emission to air 

(kg/day) 

PEClocal(μg/m3

) 

Use in cleaning products 133.3 37 

Use in paints/surface coatings 1500 417 
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162 UNEP Publications 

Use in inks/other 300 83 

Total 1933 537

These are conservative estimates as they assume all release is from a single point source. 

2-BE is expected to have a short half-life in air through reaction with hydroxyl radicals, with a halflife of less than 1 day. The level 1 Mackay fugacity model indicates that, at equilibrium, 84% of 2-

BE will partition to water, and 16% will partition to air. 

3.2 Effects on the Environment

3.2.1 Aquatic Effects

The results of aquatic toxicity studies are summarised in table 6. 

Table 6 - Aquatic Toxicity Results

Test Species Result (mg/L) Reference

Acute Fish 

toxicity Fathead minnow (F) 4d LC50 = 2137 Dow Chemical (1979) 

 Sheepshead minnow (S) 4d LC50 = 116 US EPA (1984) 

 Inland silverside (F) 4d LC50 = 1250 AQUIRE 

Invertebrates 

 Oyster (S) 4d LC50 = 89 US EPA (1984) 

 White shrimp (S) 4d LC50 = 130 US EPA (1984) 

 Brine shrimp (S) 24h LC50 = 1000 AQUIRE 

Daphnia magna (F) 2d LC50 = 835 Dow Chemical (1979) 

 24h EC50 = 1815 AQUIRE 

Growth Algae 

inhibition Green algae 7d EC50 > 1000 Dow Chemical USA 

(1988) 

 Blue-green algae EC50 > 35 AQUIRE 

Micro-organisms 

 Sewage bacteria 16h IC50 > 1000 Union Carbide Chemicals 

and Plastics Co. Inc. 

(1989) 

F=Freshwater species; S=Saltwater species 

The lowest definitive LC50 result was for the oyster (Crassotera virginicas) and was 89.4 mg/L. 

This was chosen over the result obtained for testing on blue green algae, as this result is a toxicity 

threshold and was therefore considered inappropriate to base a PNEC on. A good range of test 

results are available. Even so, an assessment factor of 1000 was used. While this is very 

conservative, it will demonstrate the potential hazard of 2-BE in a worst case situation. Applying 

the assessment factor of 1000, the PNEC is 89.4μg.L-1. 

3.2.2 Terrestrial Effects

No data available. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 163

3.3 Initial Assessment for the Environment

Aquatic Compartment

PEC/PNEC ratios for the aquatic compartment can be calculated using the worst-case local 

scenario, in this instance, the PEC (local) of 52.8 μg/L. This was based on a worst case emission 

factor from 40% of all 2-BE being released in the Sydney metropolitan area. 

The PEC/PNEC ratio has been calculated for local and continental compartments as follows: 

 PEC/PNEClocal = 0.59 

 PEC/PNECcontinental = 0.13 

These ratios suggest that 2-BE is unlikely to cause adverse effects in the aquatic environment. 

The risk of 2-BE to sewage micro-organisms is considered to be minimal as the PECeffluent figure 

of approximately 528 μg/L (Table 4) is several orders of magnitude below the only available test 

result of 16h IC50 > 1000 mg/L. 

4. HUMAN HEALTH

4.1 Human Exposure

4.1.1 Occupational Exposure

The major routes of exposure to 2-BE are inhalation and skin absorption. 2-BE is a liquid which is 

miscible with water. It is readily absorbed through the skin, including absorption from aqueous 

solution, and in vapour and aerosol form. The total exposure of workers to 2-BE must take into 

account the inhalation uptake of vapours and aerosols and the dermal absorption of 2-BE in liquid, 

vapour and aerosol form. 

Exposure estimates were calculated from the available monitoring data and by modelling. 

Measured data were limited, particularly for dermal exposure. The worst-case estimates generated 

in this exposure assessment are considered to be ‘feasible’ worst-case estimates, as they describe 

high end or maximum exposures in ‘feasible but not unrealistic’ situations. The estimates are not 

intended to account for extreme or unusual use scenarios which are unlikely to occur in the 

workplace. The vast majority of occupational exposures are expected to be well below these 

estimates. 

For occupational exposure to vapours, a respiratory rate of 1.3 m3

/h and a bioavailability of 0.75 

were assumed. Based on toxicological data, it was assumed that an additional 20% of the vapour 

uptake was due to dermal absorption. For the dermal absorption of 2-BE liquid, a skin absorption 

rate of 0.2 mg/cm2

/h and a skin surface area of 1000 cm2 were assumed. For all occupational 

exposure estimates, a body weight of 70 kg was assumed. Details of occupational exposure 

estimates are given in Appendix 1. 

4.1.1.1 Exposure during manufacture
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2-BE is manufactured by the reaction of n-butanol and ethylene oxide. The process is enclosed as 

extensive precautions are taken to prevent and minimise exposure to workers in the production area, 

due to the toxicity of the ethylene oxide feedstock. 

2-BE is stored in sealed tanks which are bunded to contain any spills. 

Exposure during manufacture is low as the process is sealed. Exposure during transfer to tankers or 

drums is generally minimised by the use of automated filling, where the operator is segregated from 

the area during transfer, and the use of local exhaust ventilation. Incidental exposure may occur 

when the process is breached or when spills occur. Exposure may occur during maintenance 

activities, however, the purging of plant and equipment is generally standard practice. 

Atmospheric monitoring for 2-BE is usually conducted regularly by manufacturers in their plant 

areas (see table 7). 

Table 7 - Measured Inhalation Data for Manufacture

Manufacturer Monitoring Area No. of 

readings

Mean ppm Maximum 

ppm

BASF (EU) Production 

Filling 

Technical unit 

Laboratory 

Various 

 97 

 66 

 9 

 14 

 8 

 0.09 

 1.3 

 0.25 

 1.3 

 0.5 

 1.2 

 5.3* 

 1.2 

 11* 

 2.7 

BP (EU) All 311 < 0.1 1.6 

Eastman (US) Production 

Tanker loading 

 16 

 11 < 0.25 

 < 0.04 

 1.8 

Huls (EU) Production 

Filling 

Laboratory/Sampling 

 30 

 10 

 20 

 < 0.14 

 < 0.14 

 < 0.38 

 0.31 

 0.22 

 1.1 

ICI (Australia) All (personal 

monitoring) 

Maintenance (area) 

 0.1 

 1.8 

* These values are reported as outliers by the department of Work Safety (Germany). 

The above results are supported by monitoring data available for a US plant. For a similar process, 

where the manufacturing operation is also enclosed, the highest results were obtained during drum 

filling, with a time-weighted average (TWA) reading of 1.7 ppm ( 8.3 mg/m3) obtained in area 

monitoring. The highest personal monitoring reading was 0.1 ppm (0.5 mg/m3

). During drum 

filling, local exhaust ventilation was in place to minimise inhalation exposure in case of spills. 

Taking 3 ppm (14.7 mg/m3

) as a maximum atmospheric concentration (taken from Table 7, where 

highest maximum reading was 2.7 ppm), the estimated daily dose for exposure to 2-BE vapours 

(inhalation and dermal) during manufacture is 2.0 mg/kg/day. 
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For dermal exposure to 2-BE liquid during manufacture, it is assumed that skin contact will be 

incidental, that is, for 1% of the work period. The estimated dermal exposure is 0.2 mg/kg/day. 

Therefore, the combined dermal and inhalation exposure during manufacture would not be expected 

to exceed 2.2 mg/kg/day. 

4.1.1.2 Exposure during formulation

During the formulation of products containing 2-BE, workers may be exposed to 2-BE during 

preweighing before mixing, during transfer to the mixing tank, during mixing and during the filling 

of containers with product. The whole operation is generally carried out at room temperature. 

The potential exposure of workers to 2-BE during mixing is variable as the process may be enclosed 

or relatively open. When the transfer of 2-BE to the mixing vessel is carried out in a sealed system, 

potential exposure will be minimal, but when the operator adds the raw materials directly by drum 

to the mixing tank, exposure may be greater due to possible splashing and vapour and/or aerosol 

generation. Information obtained from the national assessment of 2-BE in Australia indicated that a 

number of formulators of cleaning products containing 2-BE use the latter procedure and that 

approximately 50% of formulators carry out mixing in open top tanks, with greater potential for 

exposure. 

There is potential for worker exposure during the product filling operation. The design of the filling 

operation will influence exposure, for example, if the packing line is enclosed at the point of filling, 

then inhalation exposure will be reduced. If filling is an automatic operation with containers 

pneumatically filled, then exposure is likely to be lower. 

Little measured data were available for exposure during the formulation of products containing 2-

BE. In exposure data supplied by one large UK formulator, Holden (part of the ICI group), 2-BE 

was detected in 15 cases out of 89 personal monitoring samples, with the mean 0.7 ppm and the 

maximum 1.5 ppm. In personal monitoring data from Germany, 2-BE was generally below the 

analytical detection limit, with and without mechanical ventilation. In 204 measurements during 

weighing and filling operations (bead mills), 95% of samples were below 2.5 ppm (12 mg/m3

). 

In the scientific literature, in the only data available for formulation, the maximum TWA air 

concentration for workers in a varnish production plant was 8.1 ppm (39.7 mg/m3

), the 2-BE 

content in the product(s) not being stated. 

Occupational exposures were calculated for a range of 2-BE concentrations. As operators are 

generally involved in both mixing and filling, the estimates of exposure are for the formulation 

process as a whole. Considering the process and the tasks during formulation where exposure may 

occur, inhalation exposure is assumed to be continuous and dermal exposure intermittent (skin 

contact for 20% of the work time). Inhalation estimates were based on the available monitoring 

data for formulation and cleaning operations. The following combined inhalation and dermal 

estimates (in mg/kg/day) were calculated for an 8-hour work period (Table 8). 

Table 8 - Exposure Estimates for Formulation*

% 2-BE Max. 2-BE in air

(ppm) 

Max. daily dose (est.) 

(mg/kg/d) 

 10 2 1.9 
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166 UNEP Publications 

 30 10 8.2 

 60 10 9.5 

 * See Appendix 1 

4.1.1.3 Exposure during use of products containing 2-BE

A considerable amount of atmospheric monitoring data for 2-BE is available for exposure during 

use of the various products containing the chemical. In some cases, biological monitoring (for the 

major metabolite of 2-BE, 2-butoxyacetic acid (BAA), has also been conducted. The available 

atmospheric monitoring data for 2-BE is summarised in table 9. 

Table 9 - Atmospheric Monitoring Data for 2-BE during Product Use

Operation % 2-BE Mean ppm Max. ppm Reference

Cleaning

Car window cleaning 

Office cleaning 

Floor scrubbing 

Cleaning of floors 

General window cleaning 

Schoolroom cleaning 

Cleaning print machines 

Cleaning printing press 

rollers 

Surface cleaning 

5.7-21.2 

0.9-9.8 

 0.3 

 0.25 

10-50 

 1.8 

 0.3 

 n.d 

< 0.2 

< 0.7 

 5.2 

 0.3 

 n.d 

 7.3 

 0.7 

 1.6 

 <9.61 

 9.7 

 0.5 

 <4.91 

Vincent (1993) 

Vincent (1993) 

NIOSH (1979) 

BGAA (1996) 

NIOSH (1983) 

NICNAS (1996) 

NIOSH (May 1987) 

NIOSH (1990) 

BGAA (1996) 

Printing

General printing 

Printing (various) 

Silk screening 100 

 100 

to 45% 

n/a 

 0.6 

 0.8 

 0.2 

 4 

 252

 632

 6.8 

 0.2 

 n.d 

 0.8 

 0.7 

 5 

 36 

169 

 1.6 

 <1.63 

Sakai et al (1993) 

Veulemans et al (1987) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

NIOSH (1986) 

NIOSH (Dec 1987) 

NIOSH (Dec 1987) 

NIOSH (1985) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

BGAA (1996) 
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Painting/Surface treatment

General painting 

House painting 

Painting (various) 

Fabrication of paints 

Cataphoresis 

Staining/varnishing 

Floor making 

Spray painting 

Spray painting (manual) 

Surface coating (manual) 

Car repair 

Car coating 

to 55% 

 4 

 0.01 

 0.1 

 0.4 

 0.8 

 5 

 0.2 

 2.6 

 0.4 

n.d. 

n.d. 

 1.2 

 0.1 

 0.015 

 0.8 

 45 

 6.2 

 71 

 2.4 

 <3.11 

 <8.41 

 0.1 

Veulemans et al (1987) 

Norback et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Denkhaus et al (1986) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

NIOSH (1985) 

Winder & Turner 

(1992) 

BGAA (1996) 

BGAA (1996) 

Veulemans et al (1987) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

All uses < 25 Guirguis et al (1994) 

n.d. non-detectable 

n/a not available 

1 95% samples below this value 

2 In this study, only 2 samples for both personal monitoring and area monitoring were 

analysed. 

3 90% samples below this value 

Biological monitoring was also conducted in several studies by Vincent and Sakai. Post-shift 

readings for BAA in urine (expressed as mg/g creatinine) are listed in Table 10. 

Table 10 - Biological Monitoring Data for 2-BE during Product Use

Operation % 2-BE Mean 

BAA

Max. 

BAA

Reference

Cleaning

Car window cleaning 

Office cleaning 

5.7-21.2 

0.9-9.8 

 96.5 

 < 2 

371 

 3.3 

Vincent (1993, June) 

Vincent (1993, June) 

Printing

General printing 

Printing (various) 

Silk screening 

 3.9 

 2.2 

 n.d. 

 9.9 

 7.1 

 n.d. 

Sakai et al (1993) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Painting/Surface treatment

Painting (various) 

Fabrication of paints 

Cataphoresis 

Staining/varnishing 

Car coating 

 

 4 

 3.9 

 17.9 

 4 

 2.3 

 63 

 60 

 210 

 34 

 28 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Vincent et al (1996) 

Cosmetics < 0.5-5 n.d. n.d. Vincent et al (1996) 
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168 UNEP Publications 

Use of cutting oils 1-5 3.2 8.3 Vincent et al (1996) 

n.d. non-detectable 

Cleaning

A large number of cleaning products contain 2-BE, so a large number of workers are potentially 

exposed to the chemical. Exposure to 2-BE during cleaning is extremely variable, due to 

differences in frequency and duration of use, strength of solution used, method of application and 

precautions taken during use. 

The strength of solution used in the cleaning process is generally low as the product is usually 

diluted substantially before use, for example, most surface cleaners specify a dilution ratio in the 

range 1:3 to 1:100, depending on the application and the soil loading. A large proportion of 

cleaning products contain less than 10% 2-BE, so the final strength of solution is often less than 

1%. In the national Australian assessment, a random survey of 20 general surface cleaning products 

containing < 10% 2-BE indicated that the dilution ratio ranged from 1:1 to 1:250, with most ratios 

in the 1:5 to 1:100 range. Some products are sold as high level concentrates (> 50% 2-BE) which 

must be diluted with large volumes of water before use. 

A number of different methods are used to apply the cleaning solution, for example, washing, 

wiping, mopping and spraying. In the national Australian assessment, approximately half of the 

cleaning products were used in spray form, with a small number marketed in aerosol spray cans or 

trigger packs. 

Occupational exposures were calculated for a range of 2-BE concentrations. Both inhalation and 

dermal exposure were assumed to be continuous over the whole work period. Inhalation estimates 

were based on the available monitoring data for cleaning activities (see Table 9). Dermal estimates 

assumed continuous skin contact over the work period. The following combined inhalation and 

dermal exposure dose estimates (in mg/kg/day) were obtained for an 8-hour work period (table 11). 

Table 11 - Exposure Estimates for Use of Cleaning Products*

% 2-BE Max. 2-BE in air 

(ppm) 

Max. daily dose 

(mg/kg/d) 

 0.1 2 1.4 

 1.0 2 1.6 

 10 4 5.0 

 30 10 13.7 

 *See Appendix 1 

Printing

2-BE is used as a coupling solvent in a range of specialist inks including silk screen inks used by 

professional trades. The inks contain high levels of solids and up to approximately 20% 2-BE. 

Some monitoring data are available for exposure during the use of inks containing 2-BE (see Table 

9). However, some of the data are not representative of typical work scenarios in printing, for 

example, in the NIOSH (1987) study, the workers were exposed to neat 2-BE in open spray troughs 

and wash table areas. Consequently, the other data were used in calculating exposure during silk 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 169

screening and general printing tasks using inks containing 2-BE. Dermal estimates assumed 

continuous skin contact over the work period. The following combined inhalation and dermal 

exposure estimates (in mg/kg/day) were obtained for an 8-hour work period. 

Table 12 - Exposure Estimates for Use of 2-BE in Printing*

Activity % 2-BE Max. 2-BE in 

air (ppm) 

Max. daily dose 

(mg/kg/d) 

Silk screening 50 10 18.2 

General printing 20 2 6.0 

 * See Appendix 1 

Paints/Surface coatings

2-BE is used in a wide variety of paints and surface coatings, particularly in water-based type. The 

concentration of 2-BE varies from one product to another, with European exposure data indicating 

that up to 8% 2-BE is used in the various formulations (see Table 1). Due to high volume use, a 

large number of workers are potentially exposed to 2-BE. 

Exposure to 2-BE during painting is extremely variable, due to differences in frequency and 

duration of use, concentration of 2-BE in the paint, method of application and precautions taken 

during use. This variation is reflected in the atmospheric monitoring data available for 2-BE during 

painting and surface treatment (see Table 9). 

Assuming a maximum atmospheric concentration of 10 ppm (49 mg/m3

) TWA for use of a 

paint/surface coating containing 10% 2-BE, an estimate for exposure to vapours is 6.8 mg/kg/day. 

Dermal estimates assumed continuous skin contact over the work period (8 hours). This resulted in 

an estimate for dermal exposure to liquid 2-BE of 2.3 mg/kg/day. 

Therefore, the combined inhalation and dermal daily dose of 2-BE during an 8 hour work period 

would not be expected to exceed 9.1 mg/kg/day. 

4.1.1.4 Exposure during use as feedstock

2-BE is used as a chemical intermediate to produce butyl glycol acetate (BGA). As the transfer to 

reaction vessels is via a sealed system, exposure is negligible. 

4.1.2 Consumer Exposure

Cleaning

Consumers are potentially exposed to 2-BE during the use of cleaning products containing the 

chemical, for example, during general surface cleaning. Cleaning products for consumer use which 

contain 2-BE generally contain less than 10% 2-BE are diluted substantially before use. Some 

trigger packs containing low concentrations of 2-BE are available to consumers. Inhalation and 

dermal exposure may arise during use. Details of consumer exposure estimates are given in 

Appendix 1. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

170 UNEP Publications 

Assuming a maximum atmospheric concentration of 4 ppm (19.6 mg/m3), a respiratory rate of 0.8 

m3

/h and a body weight of 60 kg, the estimate for exposure to vapours for a cleaning time of one 

hour is 0.25 mg/kg/event. 

For dermal exposure, assuming a skin absorption rate of 0.2 mg/cm2

/h, a skin surface area of 1000 

cm2, and continuous skin contact over a one hour cleaning period, the estimate for dermal exposure 

to a 10% solution is 0.33 mg/kg/event. Therefore, the combined inhalation and dermal exposure for 

use of a 10% cleaning solution for one hour would not be expected to exceed 0.58 mg/kg/event. 

Paints/Surface coatings

Consumers are potentially exposed to 2-BE during the use of paints containing the chemical. 

European exposure data indicates that paints available for consumer use which contain 2-BE 

typically contain less than 1.5% 2-BE (see Table 1). Inhalation and dermal exposure may arise 

during use. 

Assuming a maximum atmospheric concentration of 2 ppm (9.8 mg/m3

), a respiratory rate of 0.8 

m3

/h and a body weight of 60 kg, the estimate for exposure to vapours for a painting time of 6 h/day 

is 0.75 mg/kg/day. 

For dermal exposure, assuming a skin absorption rate of 0.2 mg/cm2/h, a skin surface area of 1000 

cm

2

, and continuous skin contact over a 6 hour painting period, the estimate for dermal exposure to 

a paint containing 1.5% 2-BE is 0.3 mg/kg/day. Therefore, the combined inhalation and dermal 

exposure for use of a paint containing 1.5% 2-BE for 6 hours would not be expected to exceed 1.05 

mg/kg/day. 

Cosmetics

2-BE is listed as being used as a solvent in cosmetics, although EU data indicates that usage may be 

very low in Europe. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, it is used in hair dyes. 

Solvents in hair dye formulations can be present at concentrations up to 10%. 

The EU Scientific Committee on Cosmetology (SCC) advise that the quantity of hair dye used is 

likely to be approximately 100 mL (= g) once a month for permanent dyes and 35 mL once a week 

for semi-permanent dyes. The amount of 2-BE applied would therefore be 10/28 = 0.36 g/day for 

permanent dyes and 3.5/7 = 0.5 g/day for semi-permanent dyes. 

It is estimated that 10% of the product remains on the head after rinsing, of which 10% is available 

for absorption through the scalp (the other 90% remains with the hair), that is, 1% of the amount 

applied may be absorbed. Therefore, exposure may be up to 3.6 mg/day for permanent dyes and up 

to 5 mg/day for semi-permanent dyes. 

4.1.3 Indirect Exposure via the Environment

Indirect exposure of the public at large to 2-BE via the environment is restricted to the use of 

products containing 2-BE in public places, for example, paints and cleaning agents in public 

buildings. Due to the low concentration of 2-BE in paints and cleaning solutions (generally less 

than 10%), the low volatility of 2-BE and its ready biodegradability in the environment, indirect 

exposure is likely to be minimal. 
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4.2 Effects on Human Health

4.2.1 Kinetics and Metabolism

The toxicokinetics of 2-BE have been well investigated in laboratory animals, particularly the F344 

rat, and some studies have been conducted on human volunteers. The results of many of the studies 

have been reported in the open literature. In order to optimise the extrapolation of data from one 

species to another, pharmacokinetic models have been developed. 

2-BE is well absorbed via the inhalation, oral and dermal routes. Absorption studies in various 

species, including humans, have shown that 2-BE is rapidly absorbed through the skin, including 

absorption from aqueous solution. There is some evidence to indicate that 2-BE in aqueous solution 

is more readily absorbed than from neat liquid (Bartnik et al., 1987; Johanson & Fernstrom, 1988). 

Dermal studies in humans and human skin specimens indicate that the dermal absorption rate is 

most likely in the order of 0.2 mg/cm2

/h (Dugard et al., 1984). From the results of several 

inhalation studies in volunteers, the respiratory uptake was approximately 57-78% of the inspired 

amount (Johanson et al., 1986; Johanson & Boman, 1991). Recent human studies and predictions 

from the physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of Corley et al (1994) indicate that 

the dermal absorption of vapour may contribute up to approximately 20% of the total vapour 

uptake. 

Animal studies have shown that 2-BE is rapidly distributed to all tissues via the blood stream. In a 

gavage study in F344 rats with 14C-labelled 2-BE, the highest levels of radioactivity were found in 

the forestomach, then the liver, kidneys, spleen and glandular stomach (Ghanayem et al., 1987 (b)). 

In a dermal study in male Wistar rats, 14C-labelled 2-BE was distributed widely to all tissues, with 

the greatest level of radioactivity in the spleen and thymus, followed by the liver (Bartnik et al., 

1987). 

Studies in animals and humans have indicated that the major metabolic pathways of 2-BE are 

similar in various species. In the different species, 2-BE is efficiently metabolised, mainly to BAA, 

which is formed by oxidation by alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase. In animals, smaller amounts of 

the glucuronide and sulfate conjugates and ethylene glycol can be formed by other metabolic 

pathways, following exposure at high doses. In human studies, the glutamine conjugate of BAA 

has been detected in urine following exposure to 2-BE, and suggests an additional detoxification 

pathway in humans (Rettenmeier et al., 1993). 2-BE is removed from the blood, with an 

elimination half-life of approximately 40 to 80 minutes in humans (Johanson et al., 1986). The 

major metabolite BAA is rapidly excreted in urine in animals and humans with an urinary excretion 

half-life of approximately 3-6 hours in humans (Johanson et al., 1986). In human studies, wide 

variations in absorption and excretion rates between subjects have been found. 

A number of different PBPK models have been proposed for 2-BE to enable the extrapolation of the 

effects observed in one species to another, in particular the effects in the rat to humans. Johanson et 

al (1986) proposed a PBPK model for the inhalation of 2-BE in humans, but recent developments of 

the model by Shyr et al (1993) and Corley et al (1994) have incorporated more data, including that 

from rat studies and other routes of exposure. The Corley model is a dual 2-BE-BAA model 

developed to incorporate more physiological and biochemical information on BAA, the principal 

metabolite of 2-BE. The model also incorporates the other metabolic pathways identified in 

metabolism studies. In validation work against a wide variety of test results, including data from rat 

and human studies and data from different exposure routes, values predicted by the model generally 

agreed well with experimental data. The physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model developed 

by Corley et al (1994), successfully estimated the disposition of 2-butoxyethanol and BAA under a 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

172 UNEP Publications 

variety of exposure scenarios. Based on data from absorption studies indicating that 2-

butoxyethanol was more readily absorbed from aqueous solution, and assuming that 10% of body 

area was exposed (approximately 2000 cm2

), Corley et al’s model predicted as a worst-case 

scenario that the skin absorption of undiluted 2-butoxyethanol over 6h would lead to a BAA blood 

concentration of 0.37 mM, and that absorption of a 40% solution would result in 1.3 mM BAA. 

4.2.2 Human Health Effects

Exposure to 2-BE vapour may result in irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headache and nausea. 

In controlled studies in volunteers, nose and eye irritation were observed at 113 ppm, nausea and 

headache at 100 ppm (Carpenter et al., 1956), but no adverse effects were noted at 20 or 50 ppm 

(Johanson et al., 1956; Johanson & Boman, 1991). Workers using 2-BE cleaning products have 

reported respiratory irritant effects, nausea, headaches and tiredness, however the atmospheric 

levels were unknown. Isolated cases of skin reddening and dermatitis have been reported in 

workers using cleaning products on a regular basis, however, as the products contain many 

ingredients, the irritant effects cannot be solely attributed to 2-butoxyethanol. In general, 

occupational case studies have not identified skin irritancy as a significant effect in exposed 

persons. In a patch test in volunteers, 2-BE was not a skin sensitiser (TKL Research Inc.,1992) . 

In a study conducted in human volunteers (2 men, 1 woman) the red blood cell fragility was 

unaffected. Exposure was to 195 ppm for two four-hour periods. BAA was excreted in the urine of 

the woman and 1 male but only a trace was detected in the second male. Symptoms included 

irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, unpleasant taste and headache (Carpenter et al., 1956). 

Haemolytic effects have only been observed in humans who have ingested large quantities (30-60g) 

of 2-BE (Rambourg-Schepens et al., 1988; Gijsenbergh et al., 1989). The ingestion of large 

quantities of 2-BE (30-106g) may also result in coma, metabolic acidosis, shock and respiratory 

distress (Rambourg-Schepens et al., 1988; Gijsenbergh et al., 1989; Bauer et al., 1992). Respiratory 

distress was observed in one case report and may have occurred as a result of aspiration of refluxed 

stomach contents rather than being directly attributable to exposure to 2-BE (Bauer et al., 1992). 

4.2.3 Effects in Experimental Animals and In Vitro Test Systems

The large number of good quality studies conducted in animals and in vitro test systems have 

enabled the health effects of 2-BE to be well characterised. The main effect observed in both acute 

and repeated dose animal toxicity studies is haematotoxicity, with the principal haemolytic agent 

being BAA. The species differences in susceptibility to this effect are considerable, with rats and 

mice the most susceptible, rabbits less susceptible and humans and guinea-pigs the least susceptible 

. In vitro studies indicate that there is an order of magnitude difference in the susceptibility to BAA 

of rat red blood cells compared to humans, with rats being more susceptible. 

Acute toxicity

The acute toxicity of 2-BE is moderate by all routes of exposure and is, in general, higher than other 

glycol ethers. The oral LD50 (rat) is 530-3000 mg/kg, dermal LD50 (rabbit) is 100-610 mg/kg, and 

inhalation 4h LC50 (rat) is 2.2-2.4 mg/L (450-486 ppm) (ECETOC, 1994). The dermal LD50 of 100 

mg/kg (Duprat and Gradski, 1979) is lower than (no observable adverse effect level) NOAELs and 

(lowest observable adverse effect level) LOAELs of short-term repeated dose studies and is 

therefore considered questionable. Death was generally caused by narcosis or respiratory failure 

and congestion and damage to the kidney, liver, lungs and spleen were often observed at necropsy. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

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Haemolytic effects were observed in most acute studies. Acute dermal studies show that 2-BE is 

readily absorbed through the skin. 

Irritant effects

2-BE is a severe eye irritant (Bushy Run Research Centre, 1980 ; Carreon, 1981; Kennah et al., 

1989; Jacobs, 1992). Results of skin irritation studies are conflicting, however, 2-BE is considered 

to be a mild to moderate skin irritant in test animals (Tyler, 1984; Gingell et al., 1994; ECETOC 

,1994). The results of one sensory irritation study in mice indicate that 2-BE vapour may be 

irritating to the nose and throat (Kane et al., 1980). Skin sensitisation studies were negative 

(Unilever Research, 1989; Zissu 1995), and immunotoxicity studies in the rat and guinea pig did not 

result in any significant effect on the immune response (Grant et al 1985; Bartnik et al., 1987; 

Ghanayem et al., 1987 (b); Crevel et al., 1990). 

Repeated dose toxicity

Several short-term and subchronic repeated dose studies in animals by all routes of exposure have 

been performed. The critical effect seen in repeated dose studies is haematotoxicity. The main 

signs of toxicity at high doses include anaemia (decreased red blood cell count and haematocrit, 

decreased mean cell haemoglobin concentration and increased mean cell volume) and 

haemoglobinuria due to haemolysis of the red blood cells. At low doses, haemolytic effects are 

transient, generally occurring during the first days of exposure only (Werner et al., 1943; Carpenter 

et al., 1956; Dodd et al., 1983). There is some evidence of haemopoiesis occurring as a 

compensatory mechanism, such as spleen hyperplasia. In addition, this transience could be due in 

part to the replacement of older red blood cells with younger more resistant ones, as in vitro test 

results indicate that younger red blood cells are more resistant to haemolysis than older ones. 

Haematotoxicity in rats appears to be age-related, with the effects more severe in older rats. 

The repeated dose studies also indicate that there are significant species differences in the 

susceptibility to the haemolytic effects of 2-BE. Rats appear to be the most sensitive species 

(Carpenter et al., 1956). The most relevant inhalation studies and the haemolytic effects observed 

are summarised in table 13. 

In a 90-day inhalation study in rats, the NOAEL was 24.6 ppm. In this study 16 male and 16 

female Fischer 344 rats were exposed (whole body) to 2-BE vapours at 0, 5.0, 24.6 or 77 ppm. Ten 

animals/sex/dose were exposed for 6 hrs/day for 13 weeks while the other 6 rats/sex/dose were 

sacrificed after 6 weeks for blood analysis. Haematological effects were observed in rats exposed 

to 77 ppm, particularly the females. After 6 weeks of exposure statistically significant decreases 

were observed in haemoglobin, red blood cell count and haematocrit and an increase in mean 

corpuscular (or cell) volume (MCH). These effects were noted only in the females. At the end of 

13 weeks statistically significant decrease in the red blood cell count was seen in male and female 

rats and an increase in MCH in female rats. A small but not statistically significant decrease in 

haemoglobin and haematocrit and an increase in white blood cells was observed in male rats. There 

was no sign of blood in the urine of the animals. No effect on red blood cell osmotic fragility was 

observed. No significant gross or microscopic lesions were observed at necropsy and there were no 

significant effects on the lungs, liver, kidney or testes (Snellings et al., 1981). 

Table 13 - Summary of In Vivo Haematological Studies (Inhalation) 

Study Species Dose/Duration Haemolytic Effect 
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174 UNEP Publications 

Carpenter et al 

(1956) 

rat 62 ppm/4h Increased RBC fragility 

 54-432 ppm/7h, 30d Increased fragility (all doses) 

Haemoglobinuria (> 203 ppm) 

 113 ppm/4h Increased fragility 

 mouse 112-400 ppm/7h, 30-

90d 

Increased fragility (all doses) 

Haemoglobinuria (> 200 ppm) 

 rabbit 125, 197 ppm/7h Increased fragility (both doses) 

 guinea pig 665 ppm/8h No effect 

 human 113 ppm/4h No effect 

 195 ppm/8h No effect 

Longo & Dodd 

(1981) 

rat 20 ppm/6h, 9d No effect 

 86 ppm/6h, 9d Haemolysis 

Snellings et al 

(1981) 

rat 25 ppm/6h, 90d No effect 

 77 ppm/6h, 90d Haemolysis 

Johanson 

(1994) 

rat 20 ppm/12d No haemolysis 

 100 ppm/12d No haemolysis 

In a 90-day dermal study in rabbits, the NOAEL was 150 mg/kg/day (WIL Research Laboratories 

Inc., 1983). In a 90-day drinking water rat study conducted by the US National Toxicology 

Program (NTP), the NOAEL was 129 mg/kg/day for male rats, but no NOAEL could be established 

for the females as slight anaemia was observed at the lowest dose (82 mg/kg/day) (NTP,1993). 

Effects other than haemolysis which have been observed in repeated-dose studies include changes 

to the liver, kidney, spleen and thymus, with these effects considered secondary to haemolysis as 

they are seen at levels at or above haematotoxic doses. 

Fertility and reproductive toxicity

In fertility studies, minor changes in sperm concentration and the oestrous cycle were noted in a 

drinking water rat study but adverse effects have been observed only at or above doses which are 

toxic in other respects (NTP, 1993). In a continuous breeding study in mice, significant adverse 

effects were observed only at very high dose levels which caused severe maternal toxicity 

(Morrissey et al., 1989; Heindel et al., 1990). These results for 2-BE are in contrast to the lower 

molecular weight homologues, 2-methoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol, which both cause testicular 

degeneration (Nagano et al., 1984; Morrissey et al., 1989; Exon et al., 1991). In other reproductive 

studies, developmental effects were observed only at maternally toxic doses. No evidence of 

teratogenicity was observed in any studies, again in contrast to 2-methoxyethanol and 2-

ethoxyethanol (Tesh, 1976; Bushy Run Research Center, 1984; Wier et al., 1987; Sleet et al., 1989; 

Working & Mattison, 1993). 
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Genotoxicity

2-BE has tested negative in a wide variety of well-conducted in vitro assays, including gene 

mutation (Chiewchanwit & Au, 1995), chromosomal aberration (Villalabos-Pietrini et al., 1989); 

and DNA effect assays. These assays were generally conducted at both cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic 

doses. In a recent study, 2-BE was a weakly positive inducer of gene mutations, sister chromatid 

exchanges and aneuploidy in V79 cells at high doses (Elias et al., 1996). 2-BE was negative in an 

in vivo mouse micronucleus assay (Elias et al., 1996). Based on the available data, 2-BE is unlikely 

to be genotoxic. 

Carcinogenicity

No 2-year carcinogenicity studies were available but an NTP inhalation study in rats and mice is 

under way. 

In vitro Haematological Studies

In vitro studies have confirmed the species differences observed in in vivo studies (see Table 14). 

In particular, the studies have shown that human red bloods cells are at least ten times less sensitive 

than rat red blood cells to the haemolytic effects of BAA (Bartnik et al., 1987; Ghanayem, 1989). 

Studies demonstrated that haemolysis is preceded by swelling, increased osmotic fragility and 

decreased cell deformability of red blood cells. Therefore, the evidence indicates that the 

haemolytic effects are a result of changes to the cell membrane, rather than effects on the bone 

marrow (Ghanayem et al., 1990; Udden & Patton, 1994). The haemolytic resistance of red blood 

cells from potentially susceptible humans was studied. The red blood cells from healthy young 

adults, aged persons, patients with sickle cell disease and persons with hereditary spherocytosis 

were treated with 2mM BAA for 4 hrs. Haemolysis in treated cells was higher than controls for 

aged adults, but the difference was not statistically significant. The deformability of red cells from 

persons with sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis was reduced, but BAA had no added 

effect (Udden, 1994). 

Table 14 - Summary of In Vitro Haematological Studies 

Study Species Exposure 

Duration 

Dose 

(mM BAA) 

Effect 

Bartnik et al 

(1987) 

rat 1h 7.5 Haemolysis 

 human 1h 15 No effect 

 rat 3h 3.75 Haemolysis 

 human 3h 5 No effect 

Ghanayem 

(1989) 

rat 4h 0.5 Haemolysis 

 human 4h 2 No effect 

 4 Slight swelling 

 8 Slight haemolysis 
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Ghanayem & 

Sullivan (1993) 

rat 4h 2 Haemolysis 

 rabbit 2 Swelling 

 human 2 No effect 

Udden & Patton 

(1994) 

rat 6h 0.2 Slight haemolysis 

preceded by 

swelling 

 4h 2 Significant 

haemolysis 

preceded by 

swelling 

4.3 Initial Assessment for Human Health

4.3.1 General Aspects

The critical effects identified for acute exposure to 2-BE are eye and respiratory irritation, with 

irritation observed in controlled studies at 113 ppm but not at 100 ppm. In most work situations, the 

risk of irritant effects is low as the concentration of 2-BE is low in most products and 2-BE has a 

low volatility. However, the risk may be increased where aerosols are generated, heat is used, or 

where products are used in spray form. Based on human evidence, 2-BE is not classified as a skin 

irritant, but slight irritation may occur after repeated skin contact. It has been demonstrated that 

skin absorption can occur in the absence of irritation. 

The critical effect (that is, the most sensitive endpoint) identified in animal studies for repeated or 

prolonged exposure to 2-BE is haematotoxicity. As the haematological effects are transient at 

lower doses and 2-BE does not bioaccumulate, they are considered more of an acute than a chronic 

nature. The lowest reliable NOAEL for haemolysis in the most sensitive species (the rat) is 24.6 

ppm (22.5 mg/kg/day) from a 90-day inhalation rat study. The NOAEL in mg/kg/day is derived by 

assuming 100% absorption, the average weight of rat of 215g and rat respiratory rate of 0.16 

m3

/day. The NOAEL, 24.6 ppm (121 mg/m3), represents an absorbed dose of: 

 121mg/m3 x 0.16 m3/day x 6h 

------------------------------------------- = 22.5 mg/kg/day 

 0.215 kg x 24h 

From the results of controlled and case studies in humans, animal in vivo studies, and in vitro

studies using animal and human red blood cells, humans may be less sensitive to the haemolytic 

effect of 2-BE than rats. For example, increased red blood cell fragility was observed in rats 

exposed to 54 ppm 2-BE for 7 hours, however, no effect was observed in human volunteers exposed 

to 195 ppm for 8 hours. In vitro studies indicate that human red blood cells are at least ten times 

less sensitive than rat red blood cells to the haemolytic effects of BAA, and that the red blood cells 

of the aged and persons with hereditary blood disorders are not significantly more sensitive to the 

effects of BAA than red blood cells from humans not similarly afflicted. 

The conclusion that humans may be considerably less sensitive than rats to the haemolytic effects of 

2-BE is supported by Corley’s PBPK model, which successfully estimated the disposition of 2-BE 
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UNEP Publications 177

and BAA under a variety of exposure scenarios. Corley’s model predicted as a worst-case scenario 

that the skin absorption of undiluted 2-BE over 6h would lead to a BAA blood concentration of 0.37 

mM, and that absorption of a 40% solution would result in 1.3 mM BAA. These values are below 

the BAA concentration (2 mM) at which no haemolysis was observed in human cells in vitro and 

well below the concentration at which haemolysis was observed (8 mM BAA). 

The risk of haemolytic effects in humans was determined for each scenario by comparing the 

estimated human daily dose with the rat NOAEL (22.5 mg/kg/day), and then taking into account the 

following parameters: the human population exposed, the nature and severity of the effect, interand intraspecies variability, and uncertainties in the risk assessment process such as the quality and 

completeness of the database. A knowledge of the mechanism of action of BAA on red blood cells 

in different species (including humans) may allow for a refinement in intraspecies extrapolations. 

4.3.2 Occupational

The risk to human health from exposure to 2-BE has been characterised by estimating the margin of 

safety (MOS). The MOS is derived by comparing the NOAEL (for the critical effect) with the 

estimated human dose. The most reliable NOAEL for the critical effect (haemolysis) is 24.6 ppm 

(22.5 mg/kg/d) in a 90 day inhalation rat study. In deciding whether a MOS is considered 

sufficient, a number of parameters are taken into account, including the human population exposed, 

the nature and severity of the effect, interspecies and intraspecies variability, and completeness and 

quality of the database 

Manufacture

The manufacture of 2-BE is an enclosed process so typical worker exposure is very low. Single 

exposures may occur during activities such as plant maintenance, drum filling off and transference 

from storage vessels to road tankers, however, as inhalation exposure is low (maximum reading 11 

ppm, most readings below 3 ppm TWA) and effective control measures are in place, the risk of 

acute effects, such as irritant effects, are low. 

The calculated MOS for haemolytic effects is 22.5 mg/kg/d/2.2 mg/kg/d = 10, with a high degree of 

confidence in the estimate due to sufficient reliable data. Taking into account the lower 

susceptibility of humans to haemolysis by 2-BE compared with rats, there is no cause for concern 

regarding the risk of haemolytic effects in workers exposed to 2-BE during manufacture. 

Formulation 

In most work situations, vapour and aerosol concentrations are unlikely to be high enough to result 

in acute effects such as respiratory and eye irritation, headache and nausea. However, eye and 

respiratory irritation may occur in certain work situations where aerosols are generated or where 

high vapour concentrations occur, for example, during the handling of spills, during maintenance, 

or if heat is applied. 

Based on the exposure estimates in Table 8, the MOS for haemolytic effects is 12 for exposure 

during the formulation of a product containing 10% 2-BE, 2.7 for a 30% formulation and 2.4 for a 

60% product. Taking into account the lower susceptibility of humans to haemolysis by 2-BE 

compared with rats, there is little cause for concern regarding the risk of haemolytic effects in 

workers exposed to 2-BE during the formulation of products containing up to 60% 2-BE. 

Cleaning
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178 UNEP Publications 

In well-controlled work situations, the risk of acute effects in cleaners is of low concern. However, 

cleaning products containing 2-BE may be used in workplaces where control measures are poor, for 

example, without adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment, and therefore exposure 

may be greater. Also, many of the cleaning products are deliberately used in spray form and, in 

some cases, users are advised to apply heat during dilution of the product. The resultant periodic 

generation of vapour and/or aerosols may lead to a greater risk of respiratory and eye irritation, 

particularly in workplaces with inadequate ventilation. Most of the reports of irritation in cleaners 

have been associated with the use of cleaning products in spray form. 

Based on the exposure estimates in Table 11, the MOS for haemolytic effects is 16 for exposure 

during the use of a cleaning solution containing 0.1% 2-BE, 14 for a 1% solution, 4.5 for a 10% 

solution, and 1.6 for a 30% solution. Taking into account the lower susceptibility of humans to 

haemolysis by 2-BE compared with rats, there is little cause for concern regarding the risk of 

haemolytic effects in workers exposed to 2-BE during the use of cleaning solutions containing up to 

30% 2-BE. However, there may be a concern in situations where there is prolonged exposure 

(particularly dermal exposure) to solutions containing high concentrations (30% or more) of 2-BE. 

Printing

In most work situations where 2-BE is used in printing in diluted form, vapour concentrations are 

unlikely to be high enough to result in acute effects such as respiratory and eye irritation (see Table 

9). However, eye and respiratory irritation may occur in certain work situations where aerosols are 

generated or where high vapour concentrations occur. Acute effects may also arise during the use 

of high concentrations of 2-BE. In monitoring data available for exposure to 2-BE during silk 

screening, very high vapour concentrations (up to 169 ppm) were obtained during the use of 100% 

2-BE. 

Based on the exposure estimates in Table 12, the MOS for haemolytic effects is 3.7 for general 

printing (for use of a 20% 2-BE formulation). Taking into account the lower susceptibility of 

humans to haemolysis by 2-BE compared with rats, there is little cause for concern regarding the 

risk of haemolytic effects in workers exposed to 2-BE during general printing tasks using 

formulations containing up to 20% 2-BE. 

The MOS for haemolytic effects is 1.2 for silk screening (for use as a 50% 2-BE formulation). 

Other much lower readings have been obtained during silkscreening (see Table 9). Where workers 

are exposed to high concentrations of 2-BE during silkscreening, the MOS of 1.2 indicates that 

there may be some concern regarding the risk of haemolytic effects. 

Paints/Surface Coatings

In well-controlled work situations, the risk of acute effects during painting and surface treatment is 

of low concern. However, paints and surface testament products containing 2-BE may be used in 

workplaces where control measures are poor, for example, without adequate ventilation and 

personal protective equipment, and therefore exposure may be greater. Also, some products are 

applied in spray form. The resultant periodic generation of vapour and/or aerosols may lead to a 

greater risk of respiratory and eye irritation, particularly in workplaces with inadequate ventilation. 

The calculated margin of safety (MOS) for haemolytic effects is 22.5/9.1 = 2.5, based on European 

data that paints and surface coatings contain less than 10% 2-BE (see Table 1). Taking into account 

the lower susceptibility of humans to haemolysis by 2-BE compared with rats, there is little cause 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 179

for concern regarding the risk of haemolytic effects in workers exposed to 2-BE during painting and 

surface treatment. 

Use as a Feedstock

As exposure is negligible during the use of 2-BE as a feedstock for BGA, there is no risk to human 

health. 

4.3.3 Consumers

In most situations concerning consumers, vapour and aerosol concentrations are unlikely to be high 

enough to result in acute effects such as respiratory and eye irritation, headache and nausea. 

However, eye and respiratory irritation may occur in certain situations where aerosols are generated 

or where high vapour concentrations occur, for example, during spray painting or during the use of 

cleaning solutions containing high concentrations of 2-BE. 

Comparison of exposure estimates for consumers for the use of cleaning solutions (MOS = 

22.5/0.58) and paints (MOS = 22.5/1.05) with the NOAEL indicates that there is no cause for 

concern regarding the risk of haemolytic effects. 

Similarly, for the minor use of 2-BE in cosmetics, there is no cause for concern regarding the risk to 

human health. 

4.3.4 Indirect Exposure via Environment

As exposure to 2-BE is minimal via the environment, there is no cause for concern regarding the 

risk to human health. 

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions

Human Health

From the risk assessment, there may be concern for the health of workers in some work situations 

where exposure to 2-BE occurs. There may be a risk of acute effects, eye and respiratory irritant 

effects in the following situations: 

. where formulations or solutions containing high concentrations of 2-BE are used; 

. where products are used in spray form, particularly without adequate ventilation; 

. where heat may be applied, for example, during dilution; 

. where aerosols may be generated; 

. during the handling of spills; and 

. during maintenance procedures if proper precautions are not taken. 
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180 UNEP Publications 

The risk of adverse health effects is greater for any of the above situations when accompanied by 

poor work practices. 

For most work situations, the risk of haemolytic effects in workers potentially exposed to 2-BE is 

minimal. Monitoring data indicated that typical inhalation exposures were well below the estimates 

used for calculation of MOS. However, it was concluded that prolonged exposure to products 

containing high 2-BE concentrations (> 30% for products used in cleaning and 50% for products 

used in printing) should be treated with some caution, particularly where dermal exposure may 

occur, as there is still conjecture regarding the degree of dermal absorption for differing strengths of 

2-BE solutions. 

In general, products available to the public contain lower concentrations of 2-BE than those used 

industrially, so the risk to consumers of haemolytic effects are low. However, there may be a risk 

of eye and respiratory irritant effects, headache and nausea in situations where 2-BE vapours or 

aerosols are generated, for example, during spray use. 

Environment

2-BE will predominantly enter the environment from the disposal of wash water from cleaning and 

surface treatment processes and also via effluent at sites where it is formulated into paints, inks and 

cleaning products. 2-BE will be readily degraded by micro-organisms present at sewage treatment 

plants and in the receiving waters and is unlikely to bioaccumulate. 2-BE is relatively non-volatile, 

however, due to the use pattern, some 2-BE will enter the atmospheric compartment. 

2-BE disposed to landfill may leach to groundwater due to its expected high mobility in soil and 

low adsorption potential. 

From a considerable body of results, 2-BE can be classified as being practically non-toxic to fish, 

aquatic invertebrates and sewage micro-organisms, slightly to practically non-toxic to algae and 

slightly toxic to oysters. 

As noted above, 2-BE will be readily biodegraded by sewerage micro-organisms and by microorganisms present in receiving waters. With allowance for dilution by waste streams, it is estimated 

that the concentration of 2-BE in sewage plants will be in the order of ppm. Further dilution in the 

receiving waters is likely to result in sub-ppm concentrations. Such levels do not constitute a 

significant environmental hazard, and will be further reduced by biodegradation during sewage 

treatment. In the atmospheric compartment, 2-BE has a short residence time. 

5.2 Recommendations

No further toxicity testing of 2-BE is recommended. A 2-year inhalation study in rats and mice is 

currently being conducted under the NTP, and an epidemiological study in workers exposed to 

glycol ethers, including 2-BE, is under way in France. 

Skin absorption is a significant route of exposure and there is a degree of uncertainty in the 

estimates of dermal exposure in this assessment. Therefore, further study, including biological and 

atmospheric monitoring would provide useful information and a more thorough understanding of 

the extent of skin absorption of 2-BE in workers. The establishment of a Biological Exposure Index 

should be considered. 
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APPENDIX 1 

EXPOSURE ESTIMATES 

1. FORMULAE FOR EXPOSURE CALCULATIONS 

For 2-butoxyethanol, the total body dose (D) is the sum of doses resulting from absorption of 

vapours (Dv) and dermal absorption of liquid (Ddl). That is, 

D = Dv + Ddl (equation 1) 

As vapour absorption (Dv) comprises absorption across the lungs (Div) and dermal absorption of 

vapours (Ddv), that is, Dv = Div + Ddv , where 

D = (Div + Ddv) + Ddl (equation 1a) 

Exposure to vapours 

The daily dose arising from the inhalation of vapours (Div) is as follows: 

 C x R x E x B 

Div = ----------------------- mg/kg/day (equation 2) 

 BW 

where C = concentration of substance in air (mg/m3), 

 R = inhalation rate (m3

/h), 

 E = exposure duration (h/day), 

 B = bioavailability of vapours across the lungs (1 = 100%), 

 BW = average body weight of worker/consumer (kg). 

In addition, 2-butoxyethanol vapours are also absorbed across the skin. From the results of recent 

studies in volunteers (Corley et al., 1995) and PBPK modelling (Corley et al., 1994), the dermal 

absorption of 2-butoxyethanol vapours (Ddv) comprises up to 20% of the total absorption of vapours 

(Dv). That is, for 2-butoxyethanol, Div is approximately 80% of Dv. 

That is, Div = 0.8 Dv , or Dv = Div . (equation 3) 

 0.8 

Therefore, combining equations 2 and 3, the daily dose arising from vapour exposure (Dv), 

inhalational plus dermal, is as follows: 

 Dv = C x R x E x B mg/kg/day (equation 4) 

 0.8 x BW 

For vapour exposure, the bioavailability (B) is the proportion of inhaled substance which is 

absorbed through the lungs, for example, some of the substance is exhaled. In inhalational 

(breathing zone) tests in volunteers, 57-78% of the inspired amount of 2-butoxyethanol was 

absorbed. As these values are similar to the default value of 0.75 (75%) often used in international 

assessments, a value of 0.75 was used in this report. 

For consistency with international assessments, a value of 1.3 m3

/h was used for the inhalation rate 

(R) and a value of 70 kg was used for body weight (BW), for occupational exposure during light 

work activities. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 187

Similarly for consumer exposure, values of 0.8 m3/h and 60 kg were used for the respiratory rate 

and the body weight respectively. 

Exposure to liquid 

The daily total dose arising from liquid exposure (Ddl) is as follows: 

 Ddl = W x S x A x E x F mg/kg/day (equation 5) 

 BW 

where: W = weight fraction of substance in product, for example, 0.1 for a 10% solution, 

 S = skin absorption rate (mg/cm2

/h), 

 A = skin surface area exposed (cm2

), 

 E = exposure duration (h/day) 

 F = skin contact time (as fraction of exposure duration, for example, 0.2 for 20% of time), 

 BW = average body weight of worker/consumer (kg). 

For skin absorption rate (S), the value of 0.2 mg/cm2/h, based on human in vitro data, was used. 

In this assessment, it was considered that dermal exposure would reasonably consist of no more 

than exposure to both hands (840 cm2) or a hand and a forearm (1000 cm2). For consistency, a 

value of 1000 cm2

 for was considered appropriate. 

For the case of dermal exposure to aerosols, for example, during spray use, exposed parts of the 

body may include the face, neck, hands and forearms. However, as exposure to aerosols would not 

be expected to occur simultaneously with exposure to liquid 2-butoxyethanol (as a solution), the 

skin surface area of 1000 cm2 was considered appropriate. 

Liquid 2-butoxyethanol can be in contact with the skin for various fractions (F) of the exposure 

duration (E), so skin contact with liquid can be extensive, intermittent or incidental. For the 

purposes of this assessment, extensive dermal exposure is taken as continuous contact (F=1) with 

the skin. Taking into account assumptions made in the UK EASE (Estimation and Assessment of 

Substance Exposure) model*

 for dermal exposure, intermittent exposure is taken as being skin 

contact for 20% of the time (F=0.2), and incidental exposure as skin contact for 1% of the time 

(F=0.01). 

* The EASE model is the second version of the knowledge based system developed by the UK 

Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 

2. CALCULATED EXPOSURES FOR VARIOUS SCENARIOS 

Using the formulae detailed in Section 1, Occupational Exposures (Table 1) and Consumer 

Exposures (Table 2) for various scenarios have been estimated. 

Table 1. Occupational Exposure 

 2-

BE 

(%) 

W C 

ppm mg/m3

E F Daily Dose 

Dv Ddl Dv + Ddl
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

188 UNEP Publications 

Manufacture 

100 1 3 14.7 8 0.01 2.0 0.2 2.2 

Formulation 

10 0.1 2 9.8 8 0.2 1.4 0.5 1.9 

3 0.3 10 49 8 0.2 6.8 1.4 8.2 

60 0.6 10 49 8 0.2 6.8 2.7 9.5 

Cleaning 

0.1 0.001 2 9.8 8 1 1.4 0.02 1.4 

1 0.01 2 9.8 8 1 1.4 0.2 1.6 

10 0.1 4 19.6 8 1 2.7 2.3 5.0 

30 0.3 10 49 8 1 6.8 6.9 13.7 

Silk Screen Printing

50 0.5 10 49 8 1 6.8 11.4 18.2 

General Printing

20 0.2 2 9.8 8 1 1.4 4.6 6 

Paints/Surface Coatings

10 0.10 10 49 8 1 6.8 2.3 9.1 

 

Table 2. Consumer Exposure 

 2-BE 

(%) 

W C 

ppm mg/m3

E F Daily Dose 

Dv Ddl Dv + Ddl

Cleaning 

10 0.1 4 19.6 1 1 0.25 0.33 0.58 

Paints/ Surfaces

1.5 0.015 2 9.8 6 1 0.75 0.3 1.05 

 

Key: W = weight fraction of 2-BE in product 

 C = concentration of 2-BE in air (mg/m3

 and ppm) 

 E = duration of exposure (h/day) 

 F = fraction of the exposure duration 

 Dv = dose resulting from absorption of vapours 

 Ddl = dose resulting from dermal absorption of liquid 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 189

SIDS DOSSIER 

ON THE HPV PHASE 4 CHEMICAL 

2-BUTOXYETHANOL 

CAS No. 111-76-2 

Sponsor Country: AUSTRALIA 

DATE: 13 August 1996 

(revised 1 November 1996)
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

190 UNEP Publications 

SIDS PROFILE

DATE: 13 August 1996 

1.01 A CAS No. 111-76-2

1.01 C CHEMICAL NAME 

(OECD Name) 

2-BUTOXYETHANOL 

1.01 D CAS DESCRIPTOR 

1.01 G STRUCTURAL FORMULA CH3CH2CH2CH2 OCH2CH2OH 

OTHER CHEMICAL 

IDENTITY INFORMATION 

Empirical formula C6H14O2

Molecular weight 118.2 

1.5 QUANTITY 200 000 - 500 000 tonnes 

1.7 USE PATTERN Based on European and Australian data: 

70-75% in paints, surface coatings, 

5-10% in cleaning products 

5-10% in inks 

10-15% as feedstock 

1.9 SOURCES AND LEVELS OF 

EXPOSURE 

Diffuse releases to atmosphere, municipal 

waste systems, and occasionally ground 

waters. 

Indoor air: 0.214 ppb (US EPA), 8 μg/m3

(Italian study). Ground water: 23 μg/L at 

US contaminated site. Surface water: 

1310-5680 ppb (Japan). 

Occupational exposure considerable in 

cleaning services industry, paint, lacquer 

and varnish industry, hospitality industry, 

printing. Exposure in other industries and 

product formulation minor. 

Some consumer exposure through use of 

cleaning products, some paints, cosmetics. . 

ISSUES FOR 

DISCUSSION 

(IDENTIFY, IF 

ANY) 

No further SIDS testing required. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 191

SIDS SUMMARY 

CAS NO: 111-76-2 Information 

Available 

OECD 

Study 

GLP Other 

Study

Estimation 

Methods

Acceptable SIDS 

Testing 

Required 

STUDY Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N 

PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

2.12 

Melting Point 

Boiling Point 

Density 

Vapour Pressure 

Partition Coefficient 

Water Solubility 

pH and pKa values 

Oxidation : Reduction potential 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

OTHER P/C STUDIES RECEIVED N - - - - Y N 

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE and 

PATHWAY

 

3.1.1 

3.1.2 

3.2 

3.3 

3.5 

Photodegradation 

Stability in water 

Monitoring data 

Transport and Distribution 

Biodegradation 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

- 

N 

Y 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

N 

- 

- 

- 

Y 

N 

Y 

- 

Y 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

OTHER ENV FATE STUDIES RECEIVED Y N - Y N Y N 

ECOTOXICITY 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.5.2 

4.6.1 

4.6.2 

4.6.3 

Acute toxicity to Fish 

Acute toxicity to Daphnia 

Toxicity to Algae 

Chronic toxicity to Daphnia 

Toxicity to Soil dwelling organisms 

Toxicity to Terrestrial plants 

Toxicity to Other non-mammalian 

terrestrial organisms 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Y 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

- 

- 

- 

N 

N 

N 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Y 

Y 

Y 

- 

- 

- 

- 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

OTHER ECOTOXICITY STUDIES 

RECEIVED

Y N - Y N Y N 

TOXICITY 

5.1.1 

5.1.2 

5.1.3 

5.4 

5.5 

5.6 

5.8 

5.9 

5.11 

Acute Oral 

Acute Inhalation 

Acute Dermal 

Repeated Dose 

Genetic Toxicity in in vitro

. Gene Mutation 

. Chromosomal aberration 

Genetic Toxicity in vivo

Reproductive Toxicity 

Development/Teratogenicity 

Human experience 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Y 

Y 

Y 

- 

Y 

Y 

- 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

OTHER TOXICITY STUDIES RECEIVED Y Y Y - - Y N 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

192 UNEP Publications 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.01 SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 

A. CAS number 111-76-2 

B. Name (IUPAC name) ETHYLENE GLYCOL BUTYL ETHER.

C. Name (OECD name) . 2-BUTOXYETHANOL

D. CAS Descriptor (where applicable for complex chemicals)

E. EINECS-Number 203-905-0

F. Molecular Formula C6H14O2

G. Structural Formula CH3CH2CH2CH2 OCH2CH2OH

H. Substance Group

I. Substance Remark

J. Molecular Weight 118.2 

1.02 OECD INFORMATION 

A. Sponsor Country: AUSTRALIA 

B. Lead Organisation 

Name of Lead Organisation: Worksafe Australia 

 National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment 

Scheme (NICNAS) 

Contact person: Ms Lesley Onyon 

Address: 

 Street: 92 Parramatta Road 

 Town: CAMPERDOWN 

 SYDNEY 

 State/Territory: NSW

 Postcode: 2050 

Tel: 61 2 9577 9417 Fax: 61 2 9577 9465 

C. Name of responder

 Name: ICI Australia Operations Pty Ltd 

 Address: 1 Nicholson St, Melbourne, Victoria 

 Australia 3000 

 Tel.: 61 3 9665 7227 Fax: 61 3 9665 7929 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 193

D. Other participating companies

 Union Carbide Chemicals (Australia) Pty Ltd 

 Suite 1, 1st floor 

 1-7 Jordan St Gladesville 

 Sydney, New South Wales 

 Australia, 2111 

 BP Chemicals Ltd 

 Belgrave House 

 76 Buckingham Palace Rd 

 SW1 WOSU London 

 United Kingdom 

 

1.1 General Substance Information

 

Substance type: organic 

Physical status: liquid 

Purity: greater than 95%

 

1.2 Synonyms 

beta.-Butoxyethanol 

2-BE 

BG 

BGE 

Butilglicole, eteremonobutilico del glicole monoetilenico, butilcellosolve 

Butoxyethanol 

2-Butoxy-1-ethanol 

2-n-Butoxyethanol 

Butyl Cellosolve® 

Butyl ethoxol 

Butyl glycol 

Butyl glycol ether 

Butyl Icinol® 

Butyl monoether glycol 

Butyl Oxitol® 

Dowanol EB® 

Eastman® EB Solvent 

EGBE 

Emkanol BG® 

Ethanol, 2-butoxy 

Ethylene glycol butyl ether 

Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether 

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

Ethylene glycol n-butyl ether 

Ethylenglykolmono-n-butylether 

Glycol butyl ether 

Glycol monobutyl ether 

1-Hydroxy-2-n-butoxyethan 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

194 UNEP Publications 

Monobutyl glycol ether 

O-Butyl ethylene glycol 

3-Oxa-1-heptanol 

Solvenon EB 

1.3 Impurities Commercial 2-BE may contain small concentrations of other 

glyol ethers, n-butanol and ethylene glycol.

 

1.4 Additives A stabiliser, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol, may 

be added at approx. 0.01% to preveent peroxide formation.

 

1.5 Quantity Based on EU figures, 200 000 - 500 000 tonnes per year 

produced worldwide (EU 90 000 te/year, Australia 2000 

te/year).

 

1.6 Labelling and Classification

. 

Type: as in EC Directive 67/548/EEC

Labelling:

Symbols (classification): Xn (harmful) 

Category of danger: Harmful, Irritant 

Specific limits: 12.5% 

R-Phrases: (20/21/22) Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if 

swallowed; 

(37) Irritating to respiratory system; 

(36) Irritating to eyes 

S-Phrases: (2) Keep out of reach of children; 

(24/25) Avoid contact with skin and eyes 

 

1.7 Use Pattern

A. General

Type of use Category 

Solvent in surface coatings and 

paints 

Wide dispersive use 

Paints, lacquers and varnishes industry 

In cleaning/washing agents Wide dispersive use 

Public domain 

Solvent in inks Wide dispersive use 

Other (printing industry) 

Other (feedstock) Used in closed system 

Chemical industry - in synthesis 

Other Bead mills (195) 

B. Use in Consumer Products 

Function Amount present Physical state 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 195

Cleaning/washing agents 1-10% liquid

Paints and surface coatings < 1.5% liquid

Cosmetics < 10% liquid

1.8 Occupational Exposure Limit Values

 

Type of limit: MAC (NL) 

Limit value: 100 mg/m3 [20 ppm] 

Short term expos. 

Limit value: 200 mg/m3 [40 ppm] 

Schedule: 15 minute (1)

Type of limit: MAK (DE) 

Limit value: 20 ppm [100 mg/m3] 

Short term expos. 

Limit value: 40 ppm [200 mg/m3] 

Schedule: 30 minute 

Frequency: 4 times 

Remark: H = danger of skin absorption; pregnancy: Group C (no reason to 

fear risk of damage to the developing embryo when adhering to 

MAK or BAT values) 

Reference: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, List of MAK and BAT 

Values 1995, VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim, 1995.

Type of limit: BAT (biological exposure index) 

Limit value: 100 mg/L 

Remark: Value expressed as mg 2-BE per litre of urine. 

Monitoring based on measurement of 2-butoxyacetic acid in 

urine. 

Reference: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, List of MAK and BAT 

Values 1996, VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim, 1996. 

Type of limit: MEL - TWA (UK) 

Limit value: 120 mg/m3 [25 ppm] 

Remark: (a) Skin notation; 

(b) a proposed amendment to COSHH Regulations changes the 

MEL to an OES - reason: CNS effect threshold established. 

 

Type of limit: TLV - TWA (US - ACGIH) 

Limit value: 121 mg/m3 [25 ppm] 

Remark: Skin notation (7) 

Type of limit: PEL-TWA (US - OSHA):

Limit value: 50 ppm [40 mg/m3]

Remark: Skin notation (9) 

Type of limit: REL - TWA (US - NIOSH) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

196 UNEP Publications 

Limit value: 5 ppm [24 mg/m3] 

Remark: Skin notation (5) 

 

Type of limit: TWA (Australia) 

Limit value: 25 ppm [121 mg/m3] 

Remark: Skin notation (8) 

1.9 Sources of Exposure

 

Remark: As the quantities of this substance placed on the EU market by Union 

Carbide Benelux N.V. are normally sourced from the manufacturing 

facilities of its U.S. parent company, no exposure can arise within the 

EU from the manufacture of these quantities. The comments below on 

exposure are restricted to uses for which Union Carbide believes its 

customer use this substance. 

Major use(s): As solvent in paints and cleaners. 

Sources of human exposure: Intermittent exposure of general public via 

inhalation and skin contact. Quantitative estimates are not available. 

Sources of environmental exposure: Diffuse releases to atmosphere, 

municipal waste systems and occasionally ground waters. Substance is 

inherently biodegradable and degrades to carbon dioxide and water. 

Quantitative estimates of releases to the two compartments are not 

available. 

Source: Union Carbide Benelux Antwerpen 

Source: Eastman Chemical AG Zug 

Remark: 1) The majority of BP Chemicals' material is used as a solvent in 

industrial coatings, inks and adhesives. All are used industrially and 

exposure will be controlled by effective local exhaust ventilation. 

2) Some BP Chemicals' material is used as an intermediate in chemical 

sythesis. It is is used in closed systems and the only potential for 

exposure is due to opening of containment for filling of transport vessels. 

This is controlled by effective local exhaust ventilation. 

3) Some BP Chemicals' material is used as a minor constituent of waterbased cleaning and washing agents used industrially and possibly by the 

public. The dilution, circumstances of use, and frequency and duration of 

potential exposure normally result in insignificant patterns of exposure 

to users. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

Source: Eastman Chemical (Deutschland) GmbH Koln 

Remark: In data from the Products Register in Sweden, 666 products containing 

2-BE were listed, with 68% being used as solvent, 23% in paints and 

lacquers, 3% in binders, 3% in cleaning agents, and 3% in other uses. 

Reference: Johanson and Rick, 1996 (169) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 197

Remark: In Australia, 434 cleaning products containing 2-BE were identified, 

with a wide variety of applications. 

Source: NICNAS 1996 (11) 

1.13 Additional Remarks

 

Remark: TRANSPORT INFORMATION 

 

 Delisted by UN as a dangerous good in 1994 

 Identification Number: NA 1993 

 Class: Cl (combustible liquid) 

 Packing Group: III 

 Proper Shipping Name: Combustible liquid 

 

 Sea (IMO) 

 Class: Cl 

 Packing Group: III 

 Symbol: Harmful 

 Marine Pollutant (Y/N): No 

 

 Rail/Road (RID/ADR) 

 Class: Cl 

 Item: 13(c) 

 Symbol: Harmful 

 Kemler Plate: 60/2369 

 

 Air (IATA/ICAO) 

 Class: Cl 

 Packing Group: III 

 Symbol: Harmful 

Source: Shell Nederland Chemie B.V. Hoogvliet-Rotterdam 

 NICNAS 1996 (11) 

 

Remark: Disposal: Incinerate in a furnace where permitted under national and 

local regulations. At very low concentrations in water, this product is 

biodegradable in a biological wastewater treatment plant. 

Transport: 2-Buthoxyethanol is shipped in road/rail tankcars, 

tankcontainers/ISOtanks and smaller packages (e;g. drums). 

Source: Union Carbide Benelux Antwerpen 

 

Remark: Transport Road/rail Tankers/isotanks drums 

Disposal in accordance with local, state or national regulations 

Source: ICI Chemicals & Polymers Limited Runcorn, Cheshire ICI C&P France 

SA Chocques 

 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol is shipped either in bulk or in steel drums. The bulk 

shipments are in tank trucks, rail tank cars, or rail tank containers. Our 

warehouses check that the transporters have the necessary papers and 

equipment available in case of an emergency. 

Source: Eastman Chemical AG Zug 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

198 UNEP Publications 

 

Remark: Transport: 2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE) was listed as a Class 6.1(b) 

substance in Packaging Group III until late 1994. However, 2-BE was 

delisted by the UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous 

Goods at its November 1994 meeting. 

Source: United Nations (1995) (13) 

 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol is shipped either in bulk or in steel drums. The bulk 

shipments are in tank trucks, rail tank cars, or rail tank containers. Our 

warehouses check that the transporters have the necessary papers and 

equipment available in case of an emergency. 

Source: Eastman Chemical (Deutschland) GmbH Ko1n 

 

2. Physico-chemical Data CAS-No.: 111-76-2

 

2.1 Melting Point 

Value: = -75 degree C 

GLP: no data 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (17) 

Value: = -70 degree C 

GLP: no data 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18) 

Value: = -77 degree C 

GLP: no data 

Source: NIOSH, USA (5) 

 

2.2 Boiling Point

 

Value: = 167 - 173 degree C at 1013 hPa 

Method: other: DIN 53171 

GLP: no data 

Remark: Min 95E (v/v) 

Source: Hoechst AG (15) (21) 

Value: = 170.8 degree C 

Remark: Adapted from values in literature 

Source: NIOSH, USA (5) 

Value: = 170.2 - 172 degree C 

Remark: Range of values selected from references. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (17) (23) 

 

2.3 Density

Type: density 

Value: = 0.899 - 0.904 g/cm3 at 20 degree C 

Method: other: DIN 51757 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 199

GLP: no data 

Source: Hoechst AG (15) (21) 

Type: relative density 

Value: = 0.897 at 25 degree C 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (25) 

2.4 Vapour Pressure

 

Value: = 1.17 hPa at 25 degree C 

Remark: From selected references. 

Source: ECETOC, 1994 (122) 

Value: = 4 hPa at 40 degree C 

GLP: no data 

Source: BASF (27) 

2.5 Partition Coefficient

log Pow: = 0.74 

Method: other (calculated): using computer program by CompuDrug Ltd. 

GLP: no data 

Source: BASF (28) 

log Pow: = 0.81 at 25 degree C 

Method: OECD Guide-line 107 "Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water), Flaskshaking Method" 

GLP: no data 

Source: BASF (29) 

log Pow: = 0.83 

Method: 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (30) 

2.6 Water SolubilitY

 

Value: miscible at 20 degree C 

GLP: no data 

pH: = 7 

Source: Hoechst AG (15) 

2.7 Flash Point 

 

Value: = 60 degree C 

Type: 

Method: other: DIN 51755 

GLP: no data 

Source: Hoechst AG (21) 

Value: = 62 degree C 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

200 UNEP Publications 

Type: closed cup 

Method: other: ASTM D56 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (32) 

Value: = 63 degree C 

Type: closed cup 

Method: other: ASTM D3278 (Setaflash) 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (34) 

Value: = 65 degree C 

Type: 

Method: other: DIN 5178 

GLP: no data 

Source: Hoechst AG (15) 

Value: = 70.1 degree C 

Type: Cleveland open cup 

Method: 

Source: Sax and Lewis (19) 

Value: = 70 degree C 

Type: open cup 

Method: other: ASTM D56 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (25) 

2.8 Auto FlammabilitY

 

Value: = 230 degree C 

Method: other: DIN 51794 

GLP: no data 

Source: BASF (27) 

Value: = 235 degree C 

Method: other: ASTM D2155 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (34) 

Value: = 238 - 245 degree C 

Remark: Range of values selected from references. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (35) (36) 

2.9 Flammability 

 

Result: other: Lower flammable limit value 1.10% at 93 degree C. 

Method: other: ASTM E681 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (34) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 201

Result: other: Upper flammable limit value 12.78% at 135 degree C. 

Method: other: ASTM E681 

GLP: no 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (34) 

2.10 Explosive Properties

 

Result: not explosive 

Method: other: ASTM E537 (Differential Thermal Analysis). 

GLP: no

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (34) 

2.11 Oxidizing Properties

 

2.12 Additional Remarks

Remark: Soluble in mineral oil and most organic solvents (The Merck Index). 

Mixes in all proportions with acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, 

ethyl ether, n-heptane and water; miscible in all proportions with many 

ketones, ethers, alcohols, aromatic paraffins and halogenated 

hydrocarbons (HSDB). 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (23)(18) 

Remark: Surface tension = 27.4 mN/m at 25 degreeC. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18) 

Remark: Henry's Law Constant = 2.08 x 10^-7 atm/m^3/mole at 25 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (39) 

Remark: Henry's Law constant - 2.08 x 10^-8 atm/m^3/mole at 25 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (39) 

Remark: Coefficient of cubical expansion = 9.5 x 10^-4 at 55 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

Remark: Viscosity = 6.4 cP at 20 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

Remark: Equilibrium vapour concentration in air is 1300 ppm [6283 mg/m^3] at 

20 degree C 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

Remark: Combustion with limited access to atmosphere may cause carbon 

monoxide formation. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

Remark: Refractive index 1.422 at 25 degree C 

Source: Dow USA (20) 

Remark: Forms peroxides. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

202 UNEP Publications 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (34) 

Remark: Undergoes reactions typical of glycol ethers 

Source: Dow USA (20) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 203

 

3. Environmental Fate and Pathways CAS-No.: 111-76-2

3.1.1 Photodegradation

Type: air 

Light source: other: U.V. fluorescent lights 

Light spect.: = 345 - 355 nm 

Conc. of subst.: .00967 mg/l at 30 degree C 

INDIRECT PHOTOLYSIS 

 Sensitizer: NO3

 Conc. of sens.: 1 mg/l 

 Degradation: = 0 % after 6 hour 

Method: other (measured): Studied in a 12 m^3 smog chamber with 55% relative 

humidity. Analysis by GC/UV. 

GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Reference: Yanagihara et al, 1977 (40) 

Type: air 

Conc. of subst. at 25 degree C 

INDIRECT PHOTOLYSIS 

 Sensitizer: OH 

 Conc. of sens.: 500000 molecule/cm3 

 Rate constant: = 2.3 x 10-11

 cm3/(molecule * sec) 

Method: 

GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: This rate constant yields an atmospheric half life of about 17 hours. 

Reference: Atkinson, 1987 (41) 

Type: 

Method: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol does not absorb light in the environmentally significant 

range (>290 nm) therefore would not be expected to undergo direct 

photolysis. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (42) 

Type: 

Method: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Based on its vapour pressure, 2-butoxyethanol would be expected to 

exist entirely in the vapour phase in air and reactions with 

photochemicaly produced hydroxyl radicals may be important. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18) 

Type: 

Method: 

Test substance: 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

204 UNEP Publications 

Remark: Alcohols and ethers are generally resistant to hydrolysis and do not 

absorb UV light in the environmentally significant range (> 290 nm). 

Therefore, 2-BE is not expected to undergo hydrolysis or direct 

photolysis. 

Source: NICNAS 1996 (11)(22) 

3.1.2 Stability in Water

Type: 

Method: 

Test substance: 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol does not absorb light of wavelength >290 nm and 

would therefore not be expected to undergo hydrolysis in aquatic 

environments. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18) 

Type: 

Method: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Because 2-butoxyethanol is miscible in water, and based on an estimated 

Henry's Law constant of 2.08 x 10^-8 atm/m^3/mole at 25 degree C, 

volatilisation from natural bodies of water is not expected to be an 

important fate process. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18) 

3.1.3 Stability in Soil

Type: 

Radiolabel:

Concentration: 

Cation exch. capacity: 

Microbial biomass: 

Method: 

GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Biodegradation is likely to be the most important removal mechanism 

from aerobic soil. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18)

Type: 

Radiolabel: 

Concentration: 

Cation exch. capacity: 

Microbial biomass: 

Method: 

GLP: 

Test substance: 

Remark: Limited monitoring data has shown that it may leach to ground water. 

A soil adsorption coefficient of 67 (Syracuse Research Council, 1988) 

indicates that 2-butoxyethanol will be highly mobile in soil and it 

should not partition from the water column to organic matter contained 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 205

in sediments or suspended solids. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18)

3.2 Monitoring Data (Environment)

Type of measurement: background concentration

Medium: air

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol was detected at 8 ug/m^3 in 1 of 6 samples selected 

for GC-MS from indoor air samples collected from 14 homes and 1 

small office in Italy. 

Reference: De Bortoli, 1986 (44) 

Type of measurement: background concentration

Medium: air 

Remark: The Environmental Protection Agency's volatile organic compounds 

national ambient database includes data on indoor air (not industrial 

space) showing an average for 14 samples of 0.214 ppb. 

Reference: Shah and Singh, 1988 (45) 

Type of measurement concentration at contaminated site 

Medium: drinking water 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol is listed as a contaminant in drinking water samples 

analysed between September 1974 and January 1980 for a survey of 

US cities including Pomona, Escondido, Lake Tahoe, Orange Co., 

Dallas, Washington DC, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New 

Orleans, Ottumwa and Seattle. Values specified in Volume 2. 

Reference: Lucas, 1984 (46) 

 

Type of measurement: concentration at contaminated site 

Medium: ground water 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol was detected at a concentration of 23 ug/l in 1/7 

samples collected in February 1974 near the Valley of Drums, 

Kentucky, USA, a contaminated site. 

Reference: Stonebreaker and Smith, 1980 (47) 

 

Type of measurement: concentration at contaminated site

Medium: surface water 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol was detected at concentrations of 1310 and 5680 ppb 

in the water of the Hayashida River(Hyogo prefecture, Japan) as a 

contaminant from leather industry effluents. The values represent 

levels after steam and vacuum distillation respectively. Date of study: 

2 April 1980. 

Reference: Yasuhara, 1981 (48) 

3.3.1 Transport between Environmental Compartments

Type: adsorption 

Media: soil - air 

Method: other: calculated by equation 4-8 in Lyman, W.J. et al. (1982), 

Handbook of chemical property estimation methods. 

 Year: 1982 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

206 UNEP Publications 

Remark: The soil adsorption coefficient Koc was estimated as 67. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (38)

3.3.2 Distribution

 

Media: water - air 

Method: other (measurement): by headspace chromatography. 

 Year: 1988 

Remark: Partition coefficient from salt water was 7051 at 37 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (50)

3.4 Mode of Degradation in Actual Use

 

3.5 Biodegradation

 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge, domestic, non-adapted 

Concentration: 10 mg/l related to DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon) 

Degradation: = 95% after 28 days 

Result: readily biodegradable 

Method: OECD Guideline 301 E "Ready biodegradability: Modified OECD 

Screening Test" 

 Year: 1981

 GLP: no 

Test substance: other TS: Huels AG 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (51)

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge, domestic, non-adapted 

Concentration: 500 mg/l related to test substance 

Degradation: = 100% after 28 days 

Result: inherently biodegradable 

Method: OECD Guideline 302 B "Inherent biodegradability: Modified ZahnWellens Test" 

 Year: 1981

 GLP: no 

Test substance: other TS: Huels AG 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (51)

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge, industrial, non-adapted 

Concentration: 450 mg/l related to test substance 

Degradation: = 100% after 5 days 

Result: inherently biodegradable 

Kinetic: 1 day = 22% 

3 day = 63% 

5 day = 100% 

Method: OECD Guideline 302 B "Inherent biodegradability: Modified ahnWellens Test" 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 207

 Year: 1976 

 GLP: no 

Test substance: other TS: Hoechst AG 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (52)

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: activated sludge 

Concentration 100 mg/l related to Test substance 

Degradation = 96% after 14 days 

Result: inherently biodegradable 

Method: other: MITI-Test (BOD of ThOD). 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Test condition: Concentration of sludge: 30 mg/l 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (53)

 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: domestic sewage, adapted 

Degradation: 

Result: readily biodegradable 

Method: other: No 219. American Public Health Association Inc. COD 

determined by ASTM 1974. 

 Year: 1979 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: as marketed by Shell. 

Remark: Theoretical Oxygen demand = 2.31 g/g; BOD5 = 0.71 g/g (31% of 

theoretical oxygen demand); COD = 2.20 g/g. With seeding adapted, 

BOD = 1.68 g/g (73% of theoretical oxygen demand). 

Reference: Bridie et al, 1979 (54)

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: domestic sewage, adapted 

Concentration: 10 mg/l related to Test substance 

Degradation: = 88% after 20 days 

Result: readily biodegradable 

Kinetic: 5 day = 26% 

10 day = 74% 

15 day = 82% 

20 day = 88% 

Method: other: not specified 

 Year: 1974 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: A 20 day test in fresh water (these results) and salt water (see next 

record). Butoxyethanol concentrations were 3, 7 and 10 mg/l. 

Theoretical Oxygen demand was 2.3 mg/mg and measured chemical 

oxygen demand (COD) was 2.25 mg/mg. 

Reference: Price et al, 1974 (55) 

Type: aerobic 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

208 UNEP Publications 

Inoculum: domestic sewage, adapted 

Concentration: 10 mg/l related to test substance 

Degradation: = 10- 75% after 20 days 

Result: readily biodegradable 

Kinetic: 5 day = 26% 

10 day = 74% 

15 day = 82% 

20 day = 88% 

Method: other: not specified. 

 Year: 1974 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: This record for biodegradation in salt water complements the previous 

record for fresh water. 

Reference: Price et al, 1974 (55) 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: mixed activated sludge and secondary effluent 

Concentration: 0.8 ml/100 ml 

Degradation: = 77.7% after 3 days, 100% after 7 days 

Result: readily biodegradable 

Method: ISO 7827, based on OECD Guidelines 301A and 301E 

 Year: 1984

 GLP: no 

Test substance: 

Source: ICI Australia Operations (24) 

Type: aerobic 

Inoculum: domestic sewage 

Concentration: 0.8 ml/100 ml 

Degradation: = 88% after 28 days 

Result: readily biodegradable 

Kinetic: 5 day = 25% 

10 day = 60% 

20 day = 75% 

28 day = 88% 

Method: OECD TG 301 C, 301 D 

 Year: 

 GLP: 

Test substance: 

Source: ICI Australia Operations (31) 

3.6 BOD5, COD and BOD5/COD Ratio

B O D 5 

 Method: other 

 Year: 1979

 GLP: no 

 Concentration: 3 μg/l related to Test substance 

 BOD5: = 1300 mgO2/l 

C O D 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 209

 Method: other 

 Year: 1979 

 GLP: no 

 COD: = 2180 mg/g substance 

R A T I O B O D 5 / C O D 

 BOD5/COD: = 0.6 

Result: TOD = 2300 mg 02/ml. BOD20 = 1800 mg 02 at 3 ul/l. 

Test condition: Method similar to BOD Method 405.1, U.S. EPA (EPA-600/4-79-020, 

1979) and COD Method 410.1, U.S. EPA(EPA-600/4-79-020, 1979). 

Concentration units expressed as 3 ul/l, not ug/l. Test medium was 

activated sludge under aerobic conditions. 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA (56) 

B O D 5 

 Method: other: fresh water using non-acclimated seed. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 BOD5: = 598 mgO2/l 

C O D 

 Method: other: measured value taken from Bridie et al. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 COD: = 2200 mg/g substance 

R A T I O B O D 5 / C O D 

 BOD5/COD: <= 0.27 

Remark: BOD5 value taken from BP Chemicals Limited source. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

 

B O D 5 

 Method: other: not specified; seeding adapted. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 BOD5: = 0.17 mgO2/l 

C O D 

 Method: other: not specified. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 COD: = 2200 mg/g substance 

R A T I O B O D 5 / C O D

 BOD5/COD: = 0.76 

Reference: Bridie et al, 1979 (54)

B O D 5 

 Method: other: not specified; seeding not adapted 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 BOD5: = 0.71 mgO2/l 

C O D 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

210 UNEP Publications 

 Method: other: not specified 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 COD: = 2200 mg/g substance 

R A T I O B O D 5 / C O D

 BOD5/COD: = 0.32 

Reference: Bridie et al, 1979 (54)

 

B O D 5 

 Method: other: salt water using non-acclimated seed. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 BOD5: = 667 mgO2/l 

C O D 

 Method: other: measured value from Bridie, A.L. et al. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

 COD: = 2200 mg/g substance 

R A T I O B O D 5 / C O D

 BOD5/COD: <= 0.3 

Remark: BOD5 value from BP Chemicals Ltd source. 

Reference: Bridie et al, 1979 (54)

3.7 Bioaccumulation

 

Species: other: not specified 

Exposure period: 

Concentration: 

BCF: = 2.51 

Elimination: 

Method: other: not specified 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol should not bioconcentrate among aquatic organisms. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (18)

Species: other: specified as aquatic species only. 

Exposure period: 

Concentration: 

BCF: = 2.5 

Elimination: 

Method: other: Calculated from log Kow 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Calculated using equation 5.2 in Lyman, W. J. et al. 1982. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (38)
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 211

3.8 Additional Remarks

 

Remark: No data identified from literature searched. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

 

4. Ecotoxicity CAS-No.: 111-76-2

 

AQUATIC ORGANISMS

4.1 Acute and Prolonged Toxicity to Fish

 

Type: other: not specified 

Species: Poecilia reticulata (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 

Unit: μmol/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring no data 

LC50: = 14791 

Method: other: guideline followed not recorded. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: The value was calculated according to Litchfield, J.F. and Wilcoxon, 

F. (1949). in J. Pharmacol Exp. Ther. 96, 99, or by estimation from a 

log/probit plot. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (61)

Type: semistatic 

Species: Poecilia reticulata (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 7 day 

Unit: μmol/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring no data 

LC50: = 8318 

Method: other: guideline followed was not recorded. 

 Year: 1981 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: acetone or propan-2-ol were used as the solvent vehicle. 

Remark: Groups of 8, 2-3 mth-old fish were exposed to each concentration 

tested. Water hardness was 25 mg/l as calcium carbonate and oxygen 

content was >5 mg/l. Temperature was 22 (+/-1) degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (61)

Type: static 

Species: Carassius auratus (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: yes 

LC50: = 1700 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

212 UNEP Publications 

Method: other: Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. 

Method No 231, American Public Health Association Inc., NY. 

 Year: 1971 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Test conducted in tap water. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (63)

 

Type: static 

Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: = 1490 

Method: other: not specified. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Tests conducted in potable well water, 23 degreeC with mild aeration 

applied after 24 hr. It is reported that some test substances in the study 

were diluted with water or a solvent described as having relatively low 

toxicity 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (64)

Type: static 

Species: Leuciscus idus (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: mg/l

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no 

LC50: = 1880 

Method: other: DIN 38412 part 15 

 Year: 1982 

 GLP: no 

Test substance: other TS: Huels AG. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (65)

Type: static 

Species: Leuciscus idus melanotus (Fish, fresh water) 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: μmol/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC0: = 1170 - 1350 

LC50: = 1395 - 1575 

LC100: = 1490 - 1620 

Method: other: Deutsche Einheitsverfahren zur Wasser-, Abwasser - und 

Schlamm-Untersuchung L15: Fischtest. 

 Year: 1976 

 GLP: no data 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 213

Test substance: other TS 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (66)

Type: static 

Species: Menidia beryllina (Fish, estuary, marine) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: = 1250 

Method: other: not specified 

 Year: 1975 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Tests carried out in potable well water at 20 degreeC with added sea 

salt mix. It is reported that some test substances evaluated in the study 

were diluted in water or a solvent described as having relatively low 

toxicity. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (64)

Type: static 

Species: Pimephales promelas (minnow, fathead) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: 2137 

Method: other: Methods for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates 

and Amphibians. USEPA, Corvallis, Oregon, USA. 

 Year: 1975 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Raw lake water dechlorinated with activated carbon used in test 

aquariums. 

Reference: Bartlett, 1979 (37) 

Source: Dow Chemical, USA 

Type: static 

Species: Cyprinodon variegatus (minnow, sheepshead) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: 116 

Method: other: Methods for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates 

and Amphibians. USEPA, Corvallis, Oregon, USA. 

 Year: 1975 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Dilution water used was synthetic sea water, 25.0 ppt, pH = 8.3. 

Source: Amoco Corporation, USA (43) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

214 UNEP Publications 

Species: Brine shrimp 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: 1000 

Method: other: 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: 

Source: AQUIRE (183) 

4.2 Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates (e.g Daphnia)

Species: Artemia salina (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

TLm : = 1000 

Method: other: a static test at 24.5 degree C. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: TLm is the concentration causing 50% mortality and was determined 

graphically from measurements at an unspecified number of 

concentrations. 

Reference: Price et al, 1974 (55) 

Species: Crangon crangon (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: 

no data 

LC50 : = 550 - 950 

Method: other: not specified 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Source: Verscheuren, 1983 (69) 

Species: Crangon crangon (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50 : = 600 - 1000 

Method: other: not specified. 

 Year: 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 215

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Source: Verscheuren, 1983 (69) 

Species: Daphnia magna (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: yes 

EC0: = 1283 

EC50: = 1698 - 1940 

EC100: = 2500 

Method: other: 20 degree C, immobilisation in artificial fresh water. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Analytical monitoring consisted of checking pH at the end of the study 

to check that it was within the range tolerated by Daphnia magna and 

checking oxygen concentration. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (71)

 

Species: Daphnia magna (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no 

EC50: = 5000 

Method: other: DIN 38412 part 11 

 Year: 1982 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (72)

Species: Daphnia magna (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

EC0: = 1140 

EC50: = 1720 

EC100: = 2500 

Method: other: not specified. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 2-butoxyethanol diluted with tap water. 

Remark: 24-hour old Daphnia were exposed to a series of dilutions of 2-BE in 

tap water and swimming ability was measured after 24 hour. The EC50 

value was calculated for E0 and E100. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (73)

Species: Daphnia magna (Crustacea) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

216 UNEP Publications 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: 835 

Method: other: Method for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates 

and Amphibians, USEPA, Corvallis, Oregon, USA 

 Year: 1975 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Raw lake water dechlorinated with activated carbon used in test 

aquariums. 

Reference: Bartlett, 1979 (37)

Source: Dow Chemical, USA

 

Species: Daphnia magna (Crustacea) 

Exposure period: 24 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

EC50: 1815 

Method: other: 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: 

Source: AQUIRE (183)

 

Species: Other aquatic mollusc (Crassotera virginicas) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: 89.4 

Method: other: Method for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates 

and Amphibians, USEPA, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

 Year: 1975 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Dilution water used was synthetic sea water, 25.0 ppt, pH = 8.3 

Source: Amoco Corporation, USA (43) 

Species: Other aquatic crustacea (Panaeus setiferus) 

Exposure period: 96 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LC50: 130 

Method: other: Methods for Acute Toxicity Tests with Fish, Macroinvertebrates 

and Amphibians, USEPA, Corvallis, Oregon, USA 

 Year: 1975 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 217

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Dilution water used was synthetic sea water, 25.0 ppt, pH = 8.3 

Source: Amoco Corporation, USA (43) 

 

4.3 Toxicity to Aquatic Plants (e.g. Algae)

Species: Microcystis aeruginosa (Algae, blue, cyanobacteria) 

Endpoint: growth rate 

Exposure period: 8 day 

Unit: mg/l 

other: = 35 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

Method: other: cell multiplication inhibition test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Result is given as the toxicity threshold. 

Test condition: Test conducted in static conditions at 27 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (74)

Species: Scenedesmus quadricauda (Algae) 

Endpoint: growth rate 

Exposure period: 7 day 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no 

LOEC: = 900 

Method: other: cell multiplication inhibition test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 2-butoxyethanol in double-distilled water. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (75)

Species: Selenastrum capricornutum (Green algae) 

Endpoint: growth rate 

Exposure period: 7 day 

Unit: mg/l 

EC50: > 1000 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

LOEC: = 125 

Method: other: Based on US EPA, The Selenastrum capricornutum Printz Algal 

Assay: Bottle Test EPA-600/9-78-018. Corvallis, Oregon, USA. 

 Year: 1978 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: as prescribed by 1.1-1.4 

Reference: Dill and Minazzo, 1988 (57) 

Source: Dow Chemical, USA 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

218 UNEP Publications 

4.4 Toxicity to Micro-organisms (e.g. Bacteria)

 

Type: aquatic 

Species: Entosiphon sulcatum (Protozoa) 

Exposure period: 72 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no 

LOEL : 91 

Method: other: cell multiplication inhibition test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 2-butoxyethanol in double-distilled water. 

Test condition: At 25 degree C. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (75)

Type: aquatic 

Species: other bacteria: Chilomonas paramecium 

Exposure period: 48 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no data 

EC5 : 911 

Method: other: cell multiplication inhibtion test. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 2-butoxyethanol in double-distilled water. 

Remark: Result value gave a decrease in cell count of 5% at most. 

Test condition: Test conducted at 20 degreeC and at pH 6.9. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (76)

Type: other 

Species: Pseudomonas putida (Bacteria) 

Exposure period: 16 hour 

Unit: mg/l 

other : = 700 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no 

Method: other: cell multiplication inhibition test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 2-butoxyethanol in double-distilled water. 

Remark: Result expressed as the toxicity threshold. 

Test condition: Butoxyethanol solution was added to culture medium at pH 7 and 25 

degree C. Endpoint measured by extinction. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (75)(77) 

 

Type: other 

Species: Bacteria from domestic sewage 

Exposure period: 16 hour 

Unit: mg/l 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 219

IC50 : > 1000 

 Analytical 

 monitoring: no 

Method: other: Growth inhibition test from Alsop et al, J. Water Pollut. Control 

Fed., vol. 52(10), Oct. 1980 

 Year: 1980 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 

Remark: Result expressed as the toxicity threshold. 

Reference: Waggy et al, 1989 (58) 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals 

4.5 Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms

 

4.5.1 Chronic Toxicity to Fish

 

4.5.2 Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrates (e.g. Daphnia)

 

TERRESTRIAL ORGANISMS

 

4.6.1 Toxicity to Soil Dwelling Organisms

 

4.6.2 Toxicity to Terrestrial Plants

 

4.6.3 Toxicity to Other Non-mammalian Terrestrial Organisms

 

Remark: NO RELEVANT DATA. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

4.7 Biological Effects Monitoring

 

Remark: NO RELEVANT DATA. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

4.8 Biotransformation and Kinetics Excluding Mammals

 

Remark: NO RELEVANT DATA. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

4.9 Additional Remarks

 

Remark: NO RELEVANT DATA. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London 

 

5. Toxicity CAS-No: 111-76-2

 

5.1 Acute Toxicity

 

5.1.1 Acute Oral Toxicity
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

220 UNEP Publications 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat 

Value: = 1190 - 2800 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: Butoxyethanol administered by oral gavage to 5 males/group. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Tests carried out in 8 different laboratories. 

Reference: Weil and Wright, 1967 (79) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat 

Value: = 1150 - 1910 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: administered at concentrations < 10% by gavage to groups of 10 

male rats. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: commercial grade in water 

Remark: Effects on kidneys rarely proceeded as far as blood-stained urine and 

free blood beneath the capsule at the highest doses. 

Reference: Smyth et al, 1941 (80) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat (male) 

Value: = 1746 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: Eastman Kodak Company, Health, Safety and Human Factors 

Lab. Protocol 

 Year: 

 GLP: no 

Test subs.: other TS 

Remark: Groups of 5 fed and 5 fasted rats received one of 5 different doses and 

were observed for 14 days. The LD50 was the same in both fed and 

fasted rats. Clinical signs included inactivity and weakness. 

Haemoglobinuria was evident in both fed and fasted animals at the 

highest dose level and blood was noted in the urine and gastrointestinal 

tract in animals dying before scheduled necropsy. 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co, 1981 (81) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat 

Value: = 530 - 3000 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: no details; observation period of 14 days. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: commercial material. 

Remark: Results are for several studies conducted over 16 years. Doses at or 

above the LD50 value caused sluggishness, ruffled fur, prostration and 

narcosis. Autopsy of rats showed congested or haemorrhaged lungs, 

mottled livers, severely congested kidneys and haemoglobinuria. 

Tolerance to single doses decreased with age; LD50's in weanlings, 6-
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UNEP Publications 221

week-old and yearling rats were 3000, 2400 and 560 mg/kg 

respectively. 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat 

Value: = 1950 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: keine Angaben 

 Year: 1966 

 GLP: no 

Test subs.: other TS: Hoechst AG 

Remark: Mixed strains, female. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (83)

Type: LD50 

Species: rat (male) 

Value: = 2410 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: gavage at 4 doses 1.25 - 10 ml/kg 

 Year: 1980 

 GLP: no 

Test subs.: other TS: 2-BE in water 

Remark: Observed effects included breathing difficulty, bloody saliva; liver, 

kidney and adrenal disclouration; distended stomach, intestinal blood. 

Reference: Bushy Run, 1980 (59) 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat (female) 

Value: = 1000-2000 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: gavage at 5 doses 130 - 2000 mg/kg 

 Year: 1981 

 GLP: no 

Test subs.: other TS: crude Dowanol EB in water 

Remark: Observed effects included breathing difficulty and necrosis of tails. 

Source: Dow Chemical, USA (62) 

 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse 

Value: = 1519 - 2005 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: Eastman Kodak Company, Health, Safety and Human Factors 

Laboratory Protocol. 

 Year:

 GLP: no 

Test subs.: other TS: Eastman Kodak Company. 

Remark: Groups of 5 fed and 5 fasted mice received one of 5 different dose 

levels and were observed for 14 days. The first value in the LD50 

range is for fasted mice and the second is for fed mice. 

Haemoglobinuria was noted at intermediate dose levels in fed mice and 

blood was found in the stomach and intestines. 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co, 1981 (81) 
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222 UNEP Publications 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse 

Value: = 1230 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: gavage, observation period of 14 days. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: commercial material. 

Remark:

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit (male) 

Value: = 320 - 370 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: gavage, observation period 14 days. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: commercial material. 

Remark: 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

 

Type: LD50 

Species: guinea pig 

Value: = 1200 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: no details. Observation period 14 days. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: commercial material. 

Remark: 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LD50 

Species: guinea pig 

Value: = 960 - 1500 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: in water at <=10%, by gavage 

 Year:

 GLP: no 

Test subs.: other TS 

Reference: Smyth et al, 1941 (80) 

Type: LD50 

Species: guinea-pig 

Value: 1414 mg/kg bw 

Method: OECD TG 401 

 Year:

 GLP: yes 

Test subs.: purity 99.8% 

Remark: Test conducted in males and females. At necropsy, necrosis and 

haemorrhage in the gastric mucosa observed. No signs of 

haematotoxicity were seen in the study. 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co, 1994 (87) 

 
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UNEP Publications 223

Type: other: study to show effect of age on toxicity and metabolism. 

Species: rat (male) 

Value: 

Method: other: Gavage at doses of 32, 63, 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg 2-BE in 

water. 

 Year: 1987 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: 99% pure. 

Remark: Older rats significantly more susceptible. There was a dose-dependent 

decrease in circulating red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration 

and haematocrit together with an increase in free haemoglobin in blood 

and subsequent haemoglobinuria. Histopathological changes were 

found in the liver and kidney. There were significant increases in 

relative spleen weights at 125 and 500 mg/kg. 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1987 (84) 

Type: other: haematotoxicity study. 

Species: rat

Value: 

Method: other: doses (by gavage) of 50-500 mg/kg and blood samples taken 

after 0.5, 2, 4 hours 

 Year: 1992 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS 

Remark: Scanning microscopy of erythrocytes showed a change from discocyte 

to spherocyte and flow cytometric analysis showed an increase in mean 

cell volume and decreased mean cell haemoglobin concentration 

compared with the controls. Whole blood viscosity increased at doses 

of 50 and 100 mg/kg and decreased at higher dosages due to 

haemolysis. 

Reference: Kurantsin-Mills and Lessin, 1990 (85)

 

Type: other: haematotoxicity study. 

Species: rat 

Value: 

Method: other: 250 mg/kg by gavage, blood sampled at 2, 8 or 24 hours 

 Year: 1993 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co., >99% pure. 

Remark: Mean cell volume and haematocrit values were raised immediately 

after treatment and decreased with time following exposure. 

Haemolysis and decreased haemoglobin concentrations and red cell 

numbers occurred. 

Reference: Ghanayem and Sullivan, 1993 (86) 

 

5.1.2 Acute Inhalation Toxicity

 

Type: LC50 

Species: rat 

Exposure time: 4 hours

Value: = 2.2 - 2.4 mg/l [450 - 486 ppm] 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

224 UNEP Publications 

Method: other: rats exposed to 202, 523 or 867 ppm; observation period 14 

days. 

 Year: 1983 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Remark: Lowest value in range is for females; highest value for males. Signs of 

toxicity included rapid, shallow breathing,loss of coordination and red 

staining around the urogenitalarea. Autopsy of animals that died 

revealed enlarged, discoloured kidneys and red fluid in the bladder. 

Tail lesions observed in survivors at 523 ppm. 

Reference: Bushy Run, 1980 (90) 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

Type: other: inhalation hazard test. 

Species: rat 

Expos. time: 7 hours 

Value: 

Method: OECD TG 403 

 Year: 1981 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: 99% 

Remark: Values are expressed as the zero lethality time = 3 hour (5 laboratories) 

and = l hour (l laboratory). Exposure times were 3 min to 7 hour. 

Reference: Klimisch et al, 1988 (91) 

 

Type: other: single exposure toxicity test. 

Species: rat 

Expos. time: 18 hours 

Value: 

Method: other: Groups of male and female rats exposed to 500 or 800 ppm for 

up to 18 hours or to saturated air (4500 mg/m^3) for up to 9 hours. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS 

Remark: Death occurred in 0/6, 2/6 and 4/6 males after exposure to 4500 

mg/m^3 for 2, 4 and 9 hours respectively. 1/12 female rats died after 8 

hours of exposure to < 800 ppm (3.8 mg/l). Haemoglobinuria was 

evident. 3/6 females died at 800 ppm for 18 hours and 1/6 females 

died at 500 ppm (2.4 mg/l) for 4 hours. Haemoglobinuria was evident. 

11/13 males and 23/23 females died after exposure to 375 ppm (1.8 

mg/l) for 7 hours. Haemoglobinuria was evident. 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LC50 

Species: mouse 

Expos. time: 7 hours 

Value: = 3.4 mg/l [700 ppm] 

Method: other: concentrations of 1.87, 2.71, 3.22, 3.72, 4.46 and 5.86 mg/l used 

and animals observed for 3 weeks. 

 Year: 1943 

 GLP: no data 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 225

Test subs.: other TS: described as relatively pure 

Remark: Dyspnoea and severe haemoglobinuria were seen at near lethal 

concentrations. Mortality was seen 7-32 hours after start of exposure 

and toxic effects were evident on the spleen. 

Reference: Werner, 1943 (92) 

Type: other: single exposure toxicity test. 

Species: guinea pig 

Expos. time: 4 hours 

Value: 

Method: other: exposure to concentrated vapour. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS 

Remark: Animals were exposed to concentrated vapour; saturated air contains 

0.093% butoxyethanol which, at 25 degree C, is equivalent to 4500 

mg/m^3. One animal died. No haemoglobinuria was observed. 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: other: single exposure toxicity test 

Species: guinea-pig 

Expos. time: 1 hour 

Value: 

Method: OECD TG 403, except one hour exposure instead of 4 hours 

 Year:

 GLP: yes 

Test subs.: 2-BE vapour, purity of 2-BE 99.9% 

Remark: No mortality or clinical signs of toxicity resulted when male and 

female animals were exposed (whole body) to 633 or 691 ppm (3.1 or 

3.4 mg/L) 2-butoxyethanol. 

Reference: Bushy Run, 1994 (95)

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

5.1.3 Acute Dermal Toxicity

 

Type: other: single dermal application toxicity. 

Species: rat 

Value: 

Method: other: single doses of 200, 260, 320, 375 or 500 mg/kg applied to 

dorsal shaved skin and covered with a glass capsule. 

 Year: 1987 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: purity 99% 

Remark: Percutaneous absorption, metabolism and haemolytic activity study. 

500 mg/kg caused haemolytic effects and/or haemoglobinuria within 6 

hours of application. Some effects were seen at lower doses but not at 

200 mg/kg. 

Reference: Bartnik et al, 1987 (93)

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit 
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226 UNEP Publications 

Value: = 610 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: as described in 21 CFR 191.10 but with abdraded skin. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.:. other TS: Eastman Organic Chemicals 

Reference: Roudabush et al, 1965 (94)

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit (male) 

Value: = 400 - 500 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: applied to male rabbits for 24 hours, covered intact and observed 

for 14 days. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS 

Remark: Animals that died showed extreme congestion of the kidneys, 

haemoglobinuria, pale liver and engorged spleen. Animals tolerated 

higher doses when a single dose was rubbed onto uncovered skin (2.0 

ml killed 2/4 rabbits over a period of 14 days). 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit 

Value: = 99 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: Applied to clipped backs (area 1.54 cm^2) for 8 hours and 

observed for 15 days. Doses were 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.20 or 0.25 

ml/kg. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: > 99.5% 

Remark: Signs before death were prostration, hypothermia and 

haemoglobinuria. Early deaths were caused by narcosis, respiratory 

failure or possibly cardiac failure. Late deaths were due to renal 

impairment. In animals that died there were changes in the liver, 

spleen, lung and kidney tissues including haemoglobinuria, nephrosis 

and interstitial reaction. Skin damage occurred at all dose levels. There 

were no changes in surviving animals treated at 0.08 and 0.10 ml/kg. 

There were persistent kidney lesions in other groups. 

Reference: Duprat and Gradiski, 1979 (96) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit 

Value: = 435 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: Eastman Kodak Company, Health, Safety and Human Factors 

Laboratory Protocol (similar to OECD TG 402). 

 Year:

 GLP: no 

Test subst.: other TS: Eastman Kodak Company 

Remark: Clipped and abraded skin was exposed to dosages of 153, 307, 614 or 

1239 mg/kg for 14 days under occlusive wrap. Moderate irritation of 

the skin was noted. Clinical signs included reduced activity, salivation, 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 227

nasal discharge, cyanosis, iritis and prostration. Findings at necropsy 

included discoloration of the kidney and liver, increased 

vascularization of the small and large intestines, and haemoglobinuria. 

No treatment-related gross effects were noted at the two lowest dose 

levels. 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co., 1981 (97) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit 

Value: 567 mg/kg (male): 636 mg/kg (female) 

Method: other: 4 animals at 2 dose levels (0.5 and 1.0 ml/kg) were used. 

 Year:

 GLP no data 

Test subst.: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Remark:. The effects observed at necropsy were; discoloured liver, kidneys, 

adrenals and intestines, and bloated stomach. Haemoglobinuria was 

observed in animals at both doses. Nystagmus was seen in two high 

dose females some hours after exposure. 

Reference: Bushy Run, 1980 (99)

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals, USA 

Type: LD50 

Species: guinea pig 

Value: = 210 mg/kg (intact skin), 270 mg/kg bw (abraded skin) 

Method: other: As described in 21 CFR 191.10 but with abdraded skin. Applied 

neat on a cellulose pad to intact or abraded skin. 

 Year:

 GLP no data 

Test subst.: other TS: Eastman Organic Chemicals 

Remark:. 

Reference: Roudabush et al, 1965 (94)

 

Type: LD50 (limit dose) 

Species: guinea pig 

Value: > 2000 mg/kg bw 

Method: OECD TG 402 (limit test) 

 Year:

 GLP yes 

Test subst.: purity 99.8% 

Remark:. No clinical signs of toxicity observed during study. No effects on 

organs noted at necropsy. 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co. 1994 (102) 

 

5.1.4 Acute Toxicity, Other Routes

 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat (female) 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Value: = 300 - 850 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: 

 Year:
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

228 UNEP Publications 

 GLP no data 

Test subst.: other TS: neat 

Reference: Carpenter, 1956 (82)

 

Type: LD50 

Species: rat 

Route of admin.: i.v. 

Value: = 290 - 500 mg/kg bw 

Method: other 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: neat or as a 3% solution in 0.75% NaC1 solution. 

Remark Value presented is for the preparation in saline. Neat butoxyethanol 

gave an LD50 value of 270-340 mg/kg and caused haemolysis 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LD50 

Species: mouse 

Route of admin.: i.v. 

Value: = 1130 mg/kg bw 

Method: other 

 Year:

 GLP no data 

Test subst.: other TS: neat or as a 3% solution in 0.75% NaCl solution. 

Remark: LD50 value is for preparation in saline. 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: LD50 

Species: rabbit 

Route of admin.: i.v. 

Value: = 380 - 650 mg/kg bw 

Method: other 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: neat or as a 3% solution in a 0.75% NaCl solution. 

Remark: LD50 value given is for a solution in saline. Neat butoxyethanol gave 

an LD50 of 280 mg/kg. 

Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: other: single injection toxicity study. 

Species: rat 

Route of admin.: i.v. 

Value: 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5 or 75 mg/kg

Method: other: doses of 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5 or 75 mg/kg in 5 ml/kg solution 

infused at 1 ml/min. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: possibly in phosphate buffered saline. 

Remark: Haemolysis detected only at the highest dosage. 

Reference: Bartnik et al, 1987 (93)
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 229

Type: LD50 

Species: rat (female Sprague-Dawley) 

Route of admin.: i.p. 

Value: The respective LD50 values for n-Butyl Oxitol and Dowanol EB were 

252 mg/kg (confidence limits 203-312) and 317 mg/kg (confidence 

limits 241-417). 

Method: other 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: 2 brands of 2-butoxyethanol - n-Butyl Oxitol and Dowanol EB 

Remark: Haemoglobinuria and bloody nasal discharge were observed in all 

animals. In surviving animals at 398 or 500 mg/kg bw, tremors were 

noted at 22 hours after injection. Body weight gains seemed normal in 

surviving animals after the two-week post-exposure period. There were 

no controls in the study. 

Source: Dow Chemical, 1972 (109) 

 

5.2 Corrosiveness and Irritation

 

5.2.1 Skin Irritation

 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritating 

EC classif.: not irritating 

Method: other: BASF AG Test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no 

Test subst.: other TS: BASF AG 

Source: BASF (100) 

 

Species: rabbit 

Result: slightly irritating 

EC classif.: irritating 

Method: other: undiluted material, 4 hour unoccluded application. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS 

Reference: Tyler, 1984 (101) 

Species: rabbit 

Result: Response was described as slight erythema, with slight oedema after 

the seventh application. 

EC classif.: No firm conclusion can be drawn from this study as only a single 

rabbit was tested. 

Method: no data 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: 2-Butoxyethanol (undiluted) 

Remark: 0.5 mL was applied to the clipped intact skin under an occlusive wrap 

for a series of ten applications over 14 days 

Source: Dow Chemical, USA (62)
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

230 UNEP Publications 

Species: rabbit 

Result: moderate irritant 

EC classif.: insufficient data 

Method: other: Eastman Kodak Company, Health, Safety and Human Factors 

Laboratory Protocol 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: Other TS; 2-Butoxyethanol(undiluted) 

Remark: 2-BE applied under an occlusive dressing for 24 hours at a dose just 

below the mortality level (at 0.3 g/kg bw). 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co., 1981 (97) 

Species: New Zealand albino rabbit 

Result: irritating 

EC classif.: irritant 

Method: EEC method (similar to OECD Test Guideline 404) 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: Other: 

Remark: Individual data were not reported for the 3 animals used per substance 

in the study 

Reference: Zissu 1995 (67) 

Species: rabbit (male, New Zealand White) 

Result: irritating 

EC classif: irritant 

Method: EEC method (similar to OECD Test Guideline 404) 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: 2-butoxyethanol 

Remark: 0.5 mL of 2-butoxyethanol was applied to 6 animals for 4 hours. Skin 

reactions were scored at 5 hours; 1 day; 3 days and 7 days. The results 

were variable, with severe and persistent erythema with eschar and 

severe oedema observed in 3 rabbits and very slight oedema and 

erythema observed in the others. No oedema was observed in any 

rabbit after 7 days. 

Reference: Rohm and Haas, 1983 (70) 

 

Species: guinea pig 

Result: irritating 

EC classif.: irritating 

Method: other: Eastman Kodak Company, Health, Safety and Human Factors 

Laboratory Protocol 

 Year:

 GLP: no 

Test subst.: other TS: undiluted 2-BE 

Remark: Depilated skin was exposed to doses of 1, 5, 10 or 20 ml/kg for 24 

hours under an occlusive wrap. The response was described as 'strong 

irritant'. 

Reference: Eastman Kodak Co., 1981 (97) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 231

 

Species: guinea-pig 

Result: 25% solution irritating, 10% non-irritating 

EC Classif.: insufficient data 

Method: other: 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS; 10% and 25% 2-butoxyethanol in 0.9% saline 

Remarks: Conducted as a preliminary occluded patch irritation test designed to 

determine dose levels for the main skin sensitisation study. 

Reference Unilever Research, 1989 (107) 

 

5.2.2 Eye Irritation

 

Species: rabbit 

Result: highly irritating 

EC classif.: irritating 

Method: Draize Test 

 Year: 1944 

 GLP no data 

Test subst.: other TS: butoxyethanol in polyethylene glycol. 

Remark: Scores for different concentrations tested at 24 hours post-instillation 

were 100% - 66; 70% - 49; 30% - 39; 20% -2 and 10% - 1 by the 

Texaco single-digit toxicity classification system (De Sousa et al. 

(1984) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 76, 234). In assessment by 

measurement of corneal thickness, highest concentration still classified 

as severely irritating, 70% concentration moderately irritating and 

others mildly irritating. 

Reference: Kennah et al, 1989 (103) 

 

Species: rabbit 

Result: irritating 

EC classif.: irritating 

Method: other: Directive 79/83/EEC Annex V part B with lesions evaluated by 

Directive 83/467/EEC Annex VI, part IID. 

 Year: 1979 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: 99%, neat. 

Remark: Mean erythema scores and % corneal thickening indicated that the 

substance should be classified as irritant. 

Reference: Jacobs and Martens, 1989 (104) 

 

Species: rabbit 

Result: not irritating 

EC classif.: not irritating 

Method: other: BASF test 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS: BASF AG 

Source: BASF, 1956 (106) 

 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

232 UNEP Publications 

Species: rabbit 

Result: strong irritant 

EC classif.: irritating 

Method: other: Instillation of 0.1 mL. Only one animal used. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: 2-Butoxyethanol (undiluted) 

Remark: Severe conjunctivitis, iritis and corneal opacity, with irritation still 

obvious 21 days after exposure

Source: Dow Chemical, USA (62) 

Species: rabbit 

Result: strong irritant 

EC classif.: irritating 

Method: Other: Internal protocol used. 

 Year:

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: 2-butoxyethanol (undiluted & aqueous) 

Remark: 0.005 mL of undiluted 2-BE caused severe corneal injury and iritis, 0.5 

mL of a 15% aqueous solution caused moderate corneal injury, no 

effects with 0.5 ml of 5% aq. solution. 

Reference: Bushy Run, 1980 (59) 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals, USA 

 

5.2.3 Respiratory Irritation

 

Type: RD50 

Species: mice (male) 

Result: weak respiratory irritant [RD50 = 2825 ppm] 

EC Classif.: insufficient data 

Method: Alarie test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: 2-BE vapour 

Remarks: Animals exposed to vapour concentrations up to approx. 1100 ppm, so 

result obtained by extrapolation. 

Reference Kane et al, 1980 (78) 

5.3 Sensitisation

 

Type: Magnusson and Kligman guinea-pig maximisation test 

Species: guinea-pig 

Result: not sensitising 

EC Classif.: not sensitising 

Method: other: minor deviations from OECD Test Guideline 406 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test subs.: other TS; aqueous solutions of 2-BE in 0.9% saline 

Remarks: In induction phase, group of 6 male and 4 female animals treated 

intradermally with 0.5% 2-BE in 0.9% saline, followed by dermal 

application of 25% solution (in 0.9% saline) 7 days later under an 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 233

occlusive wrap. Animals then challenged twice with 10% 2-BE, firstly 

at 13 days after induction, and then a week later. 

Reference Unilever Research, 1989 (107) 

Type: Magnusson and Kligman guinea-pig maximisation test 

Species: guinea-pig 

Result: not sensitising 

EC Classif.: not sensitising 

Method: Magnusson and Kligman protocol 

 Year: 1969 

 GLP: no data 

Test subs.: other TS; purity 99% 

Remark: Sensitising and challenge concentrations 1% 2-BE. 

Reference: Zissu, 1995 (67) 

Type: repeated insult patch test 

Species: human 

Result: not sensitising 

EC Classif.: not sensitising 

Method: Induction phase: 0.2 ml of 10% aqueous solution of 2-BE applied 

under a patch for 24 hours to the backs of the subjects for a total of 9 

times over a 3-week period 

Challenge phase: 10% 2-BE applied to previously unexposed sites two 

weeks later 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test subs.: other TS; 

Remark: The skin sensitisation potential of a 10% aqueous solution 2-

butoxyethanol (2-BE) was tested by repeated insult patch test on 200 

volunteers. In the induction phase, a slight redness (without swelling) 

was observed in 4 subjects after the first application. By the eighth 

application, 40 subjects exhibited slight erythema and in another 14, 

erythema was more definite. In the challenge phase, slight erythema 

was noted in 7 subjects after 48 hours and in 12 subjects after 72 hours. 

Reference: TKL Research, 1992 (175) 

Source: CMA USA 

5.4 Repeated Dose Toxicitv

Species: rat 

 Sex: male/female

 Strain: Fischer 344

Route of admin.: inhalation

Exposure period: 9 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

6 hours/day for 5 days, 2 days non-exposure and 6 hours/day for 4 

days.

Post obs. period 14 days

Doses: 0.97, 0.415 and 1.183 mg/l [20, 86, 245 ppm] 

Control Group: yes, concurrent vehicle 

NOAEL: = 0.97 mg/l [20 ppm] 

Method: similar to OECD TG 412. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

234 UNEP Publications 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: commercial Butyl Cellosolve, purity > 99% 

Result: 8 animals/sex/group. No deaths occurred. Treatment-related 

observations were audible respiration and nasal discharge and reduced 

body weight gain in rats of one or both sexes at the highest or 

intermediate dose levels. At 245 ppm, red stained urine was seen in 

both sexes of the highest concentrations after first and second 

exposures but not subsequently. Haematological effects including 

decreased red blood cell counts, haemoglobin concentrations and mean 

corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and increased mean 

corpuscular volume (MCV), nucleated red blood cells and, in males 

only, reticulocytes. A substantial recovery was observed after 14 days, 

but the decrease in erythrocyte count and the increases in MCV and 

haemoglobin were still apparent. At 86 ppm, the haematological 

effects were less marked. Relative liver weights in both sexes were 

increased at 245 ppm, and in females only at 86 ppm. These changes 

were not apparent at 14 days. There were no gross lesions. At 20 ppm, 

no significant effects were observed. 

Reference: Bushy Run 1981; Dodd et al 1983 (88)(108) 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

 

Species: rat 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: 42 or 90 days 

Frequency of 

treatment 

6 hours/day, 5 days/week

Post obs period: not specified 

Doses: 0.024, 0.121 and 0.372 mg/l [5.0, 24.6, 77 ppm] 

Control Group: yes, concurrent vehicle 

NOAEL: = 0.121 mg/l [24.6 ppm] 

Method: Similar to OECD TG 413. Some rats killed after 42 days and the 

remainder maintained to 90 days. Gross and histopathological 

examinations conducted in rats from controls and highest dosage 

groups. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: commercial Butyl Cellosolve, purity > 99% 

Result: 16 animals/sex/group. There were no deaths or signs of toxicity. 

Decrease in bodyweight gain during weeks 2-4 in high dose females 

was transient. Haematological effects were observed at 77 ppm only, 

with the effects greater at 6 weeks than at 13 weeks. These effects 

included decreases in red blood cell count, haemoglobin and 

haematocrit, and an increase in mean corpuscular haemoglobin. There 

were no significant treatment-related changes in gross or microscopic 

lesions or in serum chemistry or urinalysis observations. 

Reference: Bushy Run 1981; Dodd et al 1983 (60)(108) 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA

 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 235

Species: rat 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure period: 2 weeks 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous

Post obs period: none 

Doses: males: 0, 73, 108, 174, 242, 346 mg/kg/day 

females: 0, 77, 102, 152, 203, 265 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL: males: 346 mg/kg/day, females: 203 mg/kg/day 

LOAEL: females: 265 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: clinical observations, water consumption, complete necropsies, 

organ weight measurements. 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test subst.: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. Ltd. 

Result: 5 animals/sex/group. None of the animals died during treatment and 

there were no treatment-related changes in body weight of males. 

Female rats had lower weight gain in the highest dosage group. Water 

consumption was lowered at the highest dosages in both sexes; this 

resulted in lower target dosages. A slight decrease in thymus weight 

was observed in female rats at highest dose. Microscopic examination 

of the testis and epididymis was only conducted in the lower dose 

group and controls. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

 

Species: rat 

 Sex: male/female

 Strain: Sprague-Dawley 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure period: 21 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous

Post obs period: none 

Doses: 180, 506 mg/kg/day in males; 204, 444 mg/kg/day in females.

Control Group: yes, concurrent vehicle 

Method: other: toxicity including immunotoxicity study following injection 

with Keyhole Limpet haemocyanin on day 20. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: 97%. 

Result: Body weights were decreased in males at the highest dosage and in 

females at both dosages. No treatment-related effects occurred in 

absolute or relative organ weights and no pathological changes were 

seen in thymus, testes, liver or kidneys. Natural killer cell activity was 

enhanced at the low dose level in both males and females but there was 

no effect on the production of antibody, interferon, interleukin-2 or 

splenocytes, or evidence of delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. 

Reference: Exon et al, 1991 (111) 
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Species: rat 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous

Post obs period: none

Doses: males: 0, 69, 129, 281, 367, 452 mg/kg/day 

females: 0, 82, 151, 304, 363, 470 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL: males: 129 mg/kg/day, females: not reached 

LOAEL: males: 281 mg/kg/day, females: 82 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: clinical observations, body weight changes, water consumption, 

haematology and clinical chemistry evaluations, urinalysis, complete 

necropsy examminations and histopathology of tissues were recorded. 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test subst.: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. 

Result: None of the animals died during the exposure period. Bodyweights 

were decreased in both sexes in the top two dose levels. Dose-related 

decrease in water consumption in females resulting in reduced target 

dosages. Diarrhoea was noted. Males showed mild decreases in 

haemoglobin levels at dosages >= 129 mg/kg/day, mild anaemia, 

moderately increased reticulocyte counts and mild-markedly increased 

leukocyte counts at 281 mg/kg/day. Thrombocytopaenia and mild 

increases in bone marrow cellularity were noted at >= 367 mg/kg/day. 

In females, there was mild-moderate anaemia at all doses and mild 

increases in bone marrow cellularity, transient changes in platelet 

counts and marked leukocytosis at >= 304 mg/kg/day. 

There were transient changes in total protein, albumin and alkaline 

phosphatase activity in males and/or females at dosages >129 

mg/kg/day. Urine volumes and specific gravity were raised. Uterine 

atrophy was secondary to a decrease in bodyweight gain. 

Histopathological lesions of the liver, spleen and bone marrow in both 

males and females were recorded. The report concluded that 

butoxyethanol was relatively nontoxic at the doses tested and affected 

only the erythroid series of the haematopoietic system. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

Species: rat

 Sex: male 

 Strain: other: COBS CD(SD)BR 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 6 weeks 

Frequency of 

treatment:

5 days/week 

Post obs period: no data 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 237

Doses: 222, 443 and 885 mg/kg bw d 

Control Group: yes, concurrent vehicle 

NOAEL: not reached 

LOAEL: 222 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: blood and histopathology of tissues examined. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: 99.5%, neat. 

Result: 10 animals/group. 2/10 rats in the high dosage and 1/10 in the 

intermediate dosage group died. Body weight gains and feed 

consumption were decreased at the highest dosage. Haemoglobinuria 

observed at all doses, particularly at two highest doses and particularly 

after first two days. At all doses, there was a dose-dependent decrease 

in red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration and an increase 

in mean corpuscular haemoglobin. At the two higher doses, there was a 

decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and an 

increase in mean corpuscular volume. Serum alanin eaminotransferase 

and alkaline phosphatase levels were slightly increased and serum 

glucose was reduced. Body weight-relative liver weights were raised at 

all dosages whereas increases in kidney, heart, brain and spleen 

weights increased only at the two highest dosages. Clinical 

observations included lethargy, rough coats, weakness and inactivity. 

Enlarged, dark spleens, hepatocytomegaly, focal haemosiderin 

deposition, minimal haemosiderin accumulation in kidneys and splenic 

congestion were seen in some animals at upper dosage levels. No 

adverse effects were obseerved on the testes, thymus, white blood cells 

or bone marrow. 

Reference: Krasavage, 1986 (112) 

 

Species: rat

 Sex: male 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 12 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

daily

Post obs period: 24 hours 

Doses: 0, 125 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

Method: other: treatment for 1,2,3,6 or 12 days. Blood analyses and spleen and 

liver weights recorded. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. 

Result: There were signs of significant haemolysis which became more 

pronounced up to the third day of dosing. Gradual recovery followed 

up to day 12. Mean cell volume, ATP concentration, reticulocyte 

numbers and body weight-relative spleen weights increased up to the 

sixth day of dosing and declined thereafter. Body weight-relative liver 

weights were slightly lowered on days 3 and 6 and slightly raised on 

day 12. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

238 UNEP Publications 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1992 (113) 

Species: rat 

 Sex: male 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 4 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

daily 

Post obs period: 1-22 days 

Doses: 500 or 1000 mg/kg bw d 

Control Group: yes, concurrent vehicle 

Method: other: rats killed on days 1, 4, 8 and 22 after last treatment; blood and 

tissues examined. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: 99.9% 

Result: Body weight gain was reduced at the highest dosage. Relative spleen, 

liver and kidney weights were increased dosage-relatedly and thymus 

weight decreased on day 1; changes in spleen and liver weights 

returned to normal by day 22. Marrow hyperplasia and splenic 

extramedullary haemopoiesis on day 1 were not evident on day 8. 

Reduced red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin and raised 

mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and 

reticulocyte counts were transient except for mean corpuscular volume 

and mean corpuscular haemoglobin which were still elevated at day 22. 

Changes at 500 mg/kg were mild. 

Reference: Grant et al, 1985 (114) 

 

Species: rat

 Sex: male 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 3 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

daily

Post obs period: 7 days 

Doses: 0, 125, 250 mg/kg bw d 

Control Group: yes 

Method: other: treatment resumed after recovery period at 125 or 250 mg/kg bw 

d. Blood after 2, 8 or 24 hour and spleens examined. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. 

Result: Treated/recovered rats were less sensitive to the haemolytic effects of 

subsequent treatment than untreated rats. Treatment-related mean cell 

volume and ATP depletion were less evident in pretreated animals as 

was an increase in spleen weight/body weight ratio. It was concluded 

that tolerance to butoxyethanol-induced haemolysis occurred following 

repeated exposure. 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1992 (113) 
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UNEP Publications 239

Species: rat 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: Sprague-Dawley 

Route of admin.: oral unspecified 

Exposure period: 7 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

daily 

Post obs period: none 

Doses: 125 and 1500 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes, concurrent vehicle 

Method: other: sublethal dose given for 6 days and then lethal dose given on 

day 7. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test subst.: other TS: purity not specified. 

Result: Survival rate in pretreated rats was 60% higher than in challenged 

controls. Protection from lethality and changes in haematocrit values 

suggested an autoprotective mechanism. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (116)

Species: mouse 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: drinking water

Exposure period: 7 days pre-mating and 98 days as breeding pairs. 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous 

Post obs period: none 

Doses: 0, 700, 1300, or 2000 mg/kg bw/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL: = 700 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: NTP continuous breeding protocol, NTIS No PB89152425/AS. 

Heindel, J.J. et al. 

 Year: 1989 

 GLP: yes 

Test subst.: other TS: >99%. 

Result: 8 animals /sex/group. 13/20 females in high-dose group and 6/20 

females in mid-dose group died during the study. Toxic effects were 

decreased body weight gain, increased kidney and liver weights and 

dose-related decreases in water consumption. No treatment-related 

histopathological lesions were found in the kidneys of females 

receiving 1300 mg/kg. 

Remark: See comments also in section 5.8 (Toxicity to reproduction) 

Reference: Heindel et al, 1990 (117) 

Species: mouse 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure period: 2 weeks 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

240 UNEP Publications 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous

Post obs period: none 

Doses: males: 93, 148, 210, 370 or 627 mg/kg/day 

females: 150, 237, 406, 673, 1364 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL: males: 210 mg/kg/day, females: 406 mg/kg/day 

LOAEL: males: 370 mg/kg/day, females: 673 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: clinical observations, water consumption, complete necropsies 

and organ weight measurements. 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test subst.: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. Ltd 

Result: 5 animals/sex/group. No deaths were noted and there were no effects 

on body weights and body weight gains. Water consumption was 

decreased at all dosages except the highest dosage in females. At two 

highest doses, thymus weights were decreased in males and 

dehydration was observed in both sexes. Histopathological 

examinations were not performed. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

Species: mouse 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous 

Post obs period: none 

Doses: males: 118, 223, 553, 676, 694 mg/kg/day 

females: 185, 370, 676, 861, 1306 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL: males: 223 mg/kg/day, females: 370 mg/kg/day 

LOAEL: males: 676 mg/kg/day, females: 553 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: clinical observations, water consumption, complete gross 

necropsies, organ weight measurements and histopatholgical 

examination of tissues were recorded. 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS 

Result: No treatment related deaths, effects on water consumption, clinical 

observations or effects on organ weights were recorded. Reduced body 

weight gain at the 3 highest dosages in both males and females. There 

were no treatment-related gross or microscopic lesions. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

Species: mouse: 

 Sex male 

 Strain: ICR 

Route of admin.: oral (gavage) 

Exposure period: 5 weeks 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 241

Frequency of 

treatment: 

5 days/week 

Post obs period: none specified 

Doses: 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg 

Control Group: yes 

Method: other: 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Result: 5 mice/group. All mice at the highest dose level died. Red blood cell 

counts were decreased at 500 and 1000 mg/kg whereas white blood 

cell counts, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations were 

unaffected. 

Reference: Nagano et al, 1979 (119) 

Species: guinea pig 

 Sex: 

 Strain: 

Route of admin.: dermal 

Exposure period: 5-7 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

continuous 

Post obs period: 28 days 

Doses: 0.5 or 2.0 ml in covered depots 

Control Group: no data specified 

Method: other: single dermal application left in place for 5-7 days. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 99% 

Result: 20 animals/group. 0/20 died after 0.5 ml; 13/20 died after 2.0 ml (all 

deaths by day 7). There were no treatment-related effects on body 

weight gain. 

Reference: Wahlberg and Boman, 1979 (120) 

Species: rabbit 

 Sex: male & female 

 Strain: New Zealand White 

Route of admin.: dermal 

Exposure period: 9 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

6 hr a day, 5 day a week 

Post obs period: 14 days 

Doses: 18, 90, 180, 360 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: control group treated with distilled water. 

NOAEL: 90 mg/kg/day 

LOAEL: 180 mg/kg/day 

Method: 5 rabbits/sex/dose were treated with 1 mL/day of undiluted 2-

butoxyethanol or aqueous solutions (5%, 25%, 50%). 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

242 UNEP Publications 

Result: With 25% solution (90 mg/kg/day), erythema only was noted. At 180 

mg/kg/day, necrosis was seen in 1/5 males and 4/5 females and 

haemoglobinuria (in all animals) by day nine. With undiluted 2-BE, 

severe necrosis was seen in all animals, accompanied by oedema and 

erythema, plus haemoglobinuria and haematological changes (reduced 

red blood cell count and haemoglobin and increased mean corpuscular 

haemoglobin). Haematological parameters returned to normal by the 

end of the 14-day post-exposure observation period. At 100%, a clour 

change of the kidney was noted in 3/5 females. In a preliminary study 

at approx. 225 mg/kg/day, histologic examination of the kidneys at 

necropsy revealed changes consistent with the late stages of 

haemoglobinuric nephrosis. 

Reference: Bushy Run 1980 (99)

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

Species: rabbit 

 Sex: male & female 

 Strain: New Zealand White 

Route of admin.: dermal 

Exposure period: 13 weeks 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

6 hours/day, 5 days/week 

Post obs period: 

Doses: 2.8%, 14.3% or 42.8% aqueous solutions, equivalent to 10, 50 and 150 

mg/kg bw respectively. 

Control Group: control group treated with distilled water 

NOAEL: 150 mg/kg/day 

Method: 10 rabbits/sex/dose were treated with 1 mL/day of aqueous solutions of 

2-butoxyethanol 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Result: Haematological and clinical chemistry parameters were measured at 

weeks 4 and 12 during the study and a comprehensive 

histopathological examination was conducted on all animals at 

necropsy. There were no significant findings. Slight erythema was 

noted intermittently in all animals, including the controls. 

Reference: WIL Research Laboratories 1983 (68) 

Species: various 

 Sex: male and female 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: 4 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

7 hours/day 

Post obs period: 2 weeks 

Doses: 57-58 ppm or 100 ppm 

Control Group: no controls were used 

Method: other 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 243

Test substance: 2 brands of 2-butoxyethanol - n-Butyl Oxitol and Dowanol EB 

Result: Dose groups comprised 2 Beagle dogs, 6 guinea-pigs and 8 rats. At 

57-58 ppm, one guinea-pig died of respiratory failure during the study 

but there were no other deaths and no significant clinical observations. 

At necropsy (guinea-pigs and rats), no treatment-related gross 

pathological changes were observed. At 100 ppm, haemoglobinuria 

observed in rats (after the first exposure only), female guinea-pigs died 

after the second day, and one of the dogs displayed unusual behaviour 

after the second exposure. 

Source: Dow Chemical 1972 (109) 

Species: various 

 Sex: male and female 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: 30, 60 or 90 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 

7 hr per day 

Post obs period: no data 

Doses: up to 494 ppm 

Control Group: no data 

Method: other 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Result: Test animals included rats, mice, guinea-pigs, dogs and monkeys. 

Haemoglobinuria and/or increased red blood cell fragility were 

observed in all species except the guinea-pig, with the animals 

generally returning to normal overnight. Older animals were more 

susceptible to haemolytic effects. Increased relative liver and kidney 

weights were noted at and above 107 ppm in rats and increased relative 

kidney weight at and above 203 ppm in guinea-pigs. 

Reference: Carpenter, 1956 (82)

Species: laboratory animal 

 Sex: no data 

 Strain: no data 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: 9 days 

Frequency of 

treatment: 6 hour/day 

Post obs period: 

Doses: 537 ppm (2,645 mg/l) 

Control Group: no data specified 

Method: other: BASF Test 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: BASF AG 

Remark: Dose groups comprised 2 cats, 2 rabbits, 10 guinea pigs, 10 rats and 20 

mice. 

Result: Eine Katz starb nach 7 Expositionen, die beiden Kaninchen starben 

nach 2 Expositionen, die meisten Ratten starben nach der 2. - 5. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

244 UNEP Publications 

Exposition und etwa die Haelfte der Maeusen wurde eine starke 

Haemoglobinurie festgestellt, die zu toedlicher Anaemia fuehrte. Die 

Katzen und Meerschweinchen zeigten keine Anzeichen einer 

Haemolyse. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (121)

5.5 Genetic Toxicity in Vitro

Type: Ames test 

Test system: S.typhimurium strains TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA97, TA98. 

Concentration: 0, 100, 333, 1000, 3333 or 10000 ug/plate 

Metabolic activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: OECD Test Guideline 471 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co, >99% 

Reference: NTP 1993 (110) 

 

Type: Cytogenetic assay 

Test system: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells 

Concentration: 2513, 3750 and 5000 ug/ml 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: other: Galloway et al. (1987). Environ. Mol. Mutagen. lO (Suppl. 10), 

1-175 

 Year: 1987 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co; 99% 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol induced cell cycle delay but not chromosomal 

aberrations. 

Reference: NTP 1993 (110) 

Type: Sister chromatid exchange assay 

Test system: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells 

Concentration: 500-5000 ug/ml 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: other: Galloway et al. (1987). Environ. Mol. Mutagen. lO (Suppl 10) 1-

175. 

Year: 1987 

GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. 

Remark: The highest test concentrations were toxic in systems without 

metabolic activation but not in the presence of S9. 

Reference: NTP 1993 (110) 

Type: other: mutagenic effect on bacteriophage T4D. 

System of testing: induction of rapid lysis mutants of bacteriophage T4D in bacterial 

strains of E. coli B, CR63 and K12 lambda-h measured. 

Concentration: not specified 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 245

Met. activation: no data 

Result: negative 

Method: other: as specified above 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Remark: Butoxyethanol had a severe toxic effect upon phage yield. 

Reference: Kvelland, 1988 (124) 

Type: point mutation assay 

Test system: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells 

Concentration: 140-9000 μg/mL 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: local protocol 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Remark: Cells were exposed for 5 hours. At the highest dose, 2-butoxyethanol 

was cytotoxic with S9, but non-toxic without S9. 

Reference: Bushy Run 1980 (89)

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

Type: Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay 

Test system: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells 

Concentration: 63-2250 μg/mL 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: Based on method of Perry and Wolff in Nature 251, p.156 (1974) 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Remark: 

Reference: Bushy Run 1980 (89)

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

Type: Unscheduled DNA Synthesis (UDS) assay 

Test system: rat hepatocytes 

Concentration: 0.9-900 μg/mL 

Met. activation: 

Result: positive 

Method: Cells treated for 2 hr in the presence of tritiated thymidine. UDS 

activity determined by measurement of radioactivity in liver cell nuclei 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: commercial Butyl Cellosolve 

Remark: A statistically significant induction of UDS was observed at the two 

lowest doses, with the maximum effect at 9 μg/mL. This assay should 

be regarded as inconclusive as there was no clear dose-related response 

and various experimental problems occurred during the study. 

Reference: Bushy Run 1980 (89)
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

246 UNEP Publications 

Source: Union Carbide Chemicals USA 

Type: Ames test 

Test system: S.typhimurium strains TA1538, TA1537, TA1535, TA100 and TA98 

Concentration: up to 5000 μg/plate 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: conducted in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 471 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: T-3722 (3M product), containing 18% 2-butoxyethanol 

Remark: Other components in the product included isopropyl alcohols (18%) 

and a fluorochemical salt (27%). 

Reference: SRI International 1985 (98) 

Type: Ames test 

Test system: S.typhimurium strains TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 

Concentration: no data 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: positive response to TA97a (2.2 mg/plate) with and without S9 

negative response to TA98, TA100 and TA102 

Method: no data 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: 2-butoxyethanol 

Remark: The metabolite 2-butoxyacetic acid and the intermediate metabolite 2-

butoxyacetaldehyde were negative to all strains. 

Reference: Hoflack et al 1995 (115)

 

Type: gene mutation assay 

Test system: CHO-AS52 cells 

Concentration: up to 0.1% v/v (7.6 mM) 2-butoxyethanol 

up to 0.2% v/v (15.2 mM) 2-butoxyacetaldehyde (BAL) 

Met. activation: without 

Result: negative 

Method: cells treated with 2-BE or BAL in plain F12 medium for 5 hours 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: 2-BE - Aldrich Chemical Co.; BAL purity > 98% 

Remark: 2-BE is metabolised to BAL 

2-BE cytotoxic at 0.5%, BAL cytotoxic at 0.26% 

Reference: Chiewchanwit and Au 1995 (118) 

 

Type: Ames test 

System of testing: S. typhimurium strains TA97a & TA100 and the E. coli strain 

WP2uvrA 

Concentration: up to 10 mg/plate 

Met. activation: with and without 

Result: negative 

Method: standard OECD and EC protocols, except a higher dose used 

 Year: 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 247

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: purity 99% 

Remark: Assay includes repeat of assay by Hoflack et al 1995 

Reference: Gollapudi et al 1995 (123)

Source: CMA, USA 

Type: sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay 

Test system: human lymphocytes 

Concentration: 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm 

Met. activation: without 

Result: positive 

Method: no data 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: 

Remark: As the assays were conducted without metabolic activation or positive 

controls, no firm conclusions can be drawn. 

Reference: Villalabos-Petrini et al 1989 (125) 

 

Type: chromosomal aberrations 

Test system: human lymphocytes 

Concentration: 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm 

Met. activation: without 

Result: negative 

Method: no data 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: 

Remark: As the assays were conducted without metabolic activation or positive 

controls, no firm conclusions can be drawn. 

Reference: Villalabos-Petrini et al 1989 (125) 

Type: Various 

Test system: V79 cells 

Concentration: no data 

Met. activation: no data 

Result: positive at high 2-BE concentrations 

Method: no data 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: 

Remark: 2-BE induced mutations at the HGPRT locus. In other tests, 2-BE was 

a weak inducer of SCEs and aneuploidy at high doses, and at noncytotoxic doses 2-BE elicited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on 

intercellular communication. Metabolites BAA and BAL also tested. 

Reference: Elias et al 1996 (131)

 

5.6 Genetic Toxicity in Vivo

Type: Micronucleus assay (bone marrow) 

Species: mice 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

248 UNEP Publications 

 Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: intraperitoneal injection 

Exposure period: 24, 48 and 72 hr 

Doses: 2-BE: single doses 150-1000 mg/kg; BAL 50-200 mg/kg. 

Method: Other: Eight (4/sex) test animals were used per test group. 

 Year: 

 GLP: 

Result: negative 

Test substance: 

Remark: There was no induction of micronucleated polychromatic erthrocytes 

in bone marrow for 2-BE or BAA. The P/N ratio 1.7 at 1000 mg/kg (2-

BE) and 0.78 at 200 mg/kg (BAA) indicating that BAA was more toxic 

to erythropoiesis than 2-BE. 

Reference: Elias et al, 1996 (131)

Type: DNA adduct formation 

Species: rat 

 Strain: 

Route of admin.: 

Exposure period: single dose 

Doses: 120 mg/kg 

Method: Other: Animals killed 24 hours after dosing 

 Year: 

 GLP: 

Result: DNA adducts were not detected and methylation status was unaltered 

in the all organs 

Test substance: 

Remark: 3 treated and 3 control animals were used in study. 

No DNA binding in liver, brain, kidney, spleen and testis observed 

(using 32P postlabelling) following exposure. 

Reference: Keith et al, 1996 (132) 

Type: DNA adduct formation 

Species: mouse 

 Strain: Transgenic (carrying the v-Ha-ras oncogene) 

Route of admin.: subcutaneous 

Exposure period: 2 weeks 

Doses: 1500 mg/kg (approximately 120 mg/kg/day) 

Method: Other: animals (8 to 24 per group) were used and killed at between 5 

and 120 days 

 Year: 

 GLP: 

Results: DNA adducts were not detected and methylation status was unaltered 

in all organs following exposure. 

Test substance: 2-butoxyethanol. 

Remark: No DNA binding in liver, brain, kidney, spleen and testis observed 

(using 32P postlabelling) following exposure. 

Animals were also examined for tumour formation at 120 days with no 

statistical difference from controls. 

Reference: Keith et al, 1996 (132) 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 249

5.7 Carcinogenicity

 

Remark: No chronic studies have been completed. NTP started chronic 

inhalation studies in rats and mice in 1993. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (122) 

5.8 Toxicity to Reproduction

 

Type: two generation study 

Species: mouse 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure Period: 

Frequency of 

 treatment: 

continuous

Premating Exposure 

Period 

male and female: 7 days

Test duration: For 105 days 

Doses: continuous breeding phase: 0, 720, 1340, 2050 mg/kg/day; 

crossover mating phase: 1830 mg/kg/day; final phase: 950 

mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

Method: other: Continuous breeding protocol in CD-1 mice. NTIS No 

PB89152425/AS, Heindel et al, Fund. Appl. Toxicol. vol. 15, p.683-

696, 1990. Continuous breeding of Fo for 14 weeks then cross-over 

mating with control and mid-dose groups then assessment of F1 

fertility in low dose group 

 Year: 1989 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: >99% 

NOAEL Parental: = 720 mg/kg/day 

Result: Effects in Fo include high mortality in high-dose (13/20) and 

medium-dose (6/20) females and body weight loss in both sexes. 

Water consumption was lowered dose-relatedly in all groups. At 1% 

and 2%, dose-related decrease in litter size, pup viability and live 

pup weight. At 0.5%, slight decrease in live pup weight 

At crossover mating, no effect on mating index but fertility index 

and number of live pups/litter reduced when treated females mated 

with control males. Results suggest that fertility effects primarily 

due to effects on female mice. 

In final phase, no significant fertility and reproductive effects 

observed in F1 animals as indicated by proportion of successful 

copulation and fertile females, litter size, pup viability and live pup 

weights. No treatment-related changes in weights of reproductive 

organs, sperm motility, morphology, and the oestrous cycle and 

frequency. However, significant increase in relative kidney weight 

in females, and significant increase in relative liver weights in 

males. 
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Remark: Females were more sensitive to the reproductive toxicity of 2-

butoxyethanol. The high dose was too toxic to be used to determine 

reproductive toxicity. 

Reference: Heindel et al, 1990 

(117) 

Type: other: effects on reproductive organs 

Species: mouse 

 Sex: male 

 Strain: JCL-ICR 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure Period: 

Frequency of treatment: 5 days/week 

Test duration: 5 weeks 

Doses: 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg 

Control Group: yes 

Method: other: effects on testes and associated structures determined. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS 

Result: All mice died at the highest dosage. There were no significant 

effects on the relative weights of the testes or seminal vesicles and 

coagulating gland. 

Reference: Nagano et al, 1984 (126) 

Type: other: effects on reproductive organs. 

Species: rat 

 Sex: male 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure Period: 

Frequency of treatment: continuous 

Test duration: 60 days 

Doses: 0, 1500, 3000 or 6000 ppm [0, 124, 234, 443 mg/kg/day] 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Parental: = 443 mg/kg bw 

Method: other: Stop exposure study. Testes and epididymides were removed 

for weighing and examination. 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. 

Remark: 30 animals/dose 

Result: No deaths occurred. Treatment changes included loss of bodyweight 

and decreased water intake. Testes and epididymides weights normal 

and no apparent treatment-related lesions. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

Type: other: effects on reproductive organs. 

Species: rat 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: Fischer 344 
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Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure Period: 

Frequency of treatment: continuous 

Test duration: 13 weeks 

Doses: males: 0, 281, 367, 452 mg/kg/day 

females: 0, 304, 363, 470 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Parental: males: 452 mg/kg/day; females: 304 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: Morrissey, R.E. et al. (1988). Fund. appl. Toxicol. 11, 343-

358. 

 Year: 1988 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co.; 99% 

Result: Water consumption was lowered resulting in lower than target 

dosages. Epididymal weights were lowered in mid- and high-dosage 

males but these were related to reduced body weight changes. Small 

but significant reduction in sperm concentration at all 3 doses, but 

not dose-dependent; no other changes in sperm morphology 

parameters. In females, oestrous cycle length was unchanged but, in 

mid- and high-dose groups, differences in length of various stages of 

oestrous cycle noted. 

Remark: Reproductive tissue evaluations on 10 animals/sex/dose at 3 highest 

concentrations and controls from main study. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

Type: other: effects on reproductive parameters. 

Species: mouse 

 Sex: male/female 

 Strain: B6C3F1 

Route of admin.: drinking water 

Exposure Period: 

Frequency of treatment: continuous 

Test duration: 13 weeks 

Doses: males: 0, 553, 676, 694 mg/kg/day 

females 0, 676, 861, 1306 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Parental: males: 694 mg/kg/day; females: 1306 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: Morrissey, R.E. et al. (1988). Fund. appl. Toxicol. 11, 343-

358. 

 Year: 1988 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: Aldrich Chemical Co. 99% 

Result: Slight decreases in sperm motility and testis weight but not dosedependent. 

Remark: Reproductive tissue evaluations on 10 animals/sex/dose at 3 highest 

concentrations and controls from main study. 

Reference: NTP, 1993 (110) 

 

5.9 Developmental Toxicity/Teratogenicity

Species: rat 
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 Sex: female 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: days 6-15 of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: 6 hours/day 

Test duration: to day 21 of gestation 

Doses: 25, 50, 100, 200 ppm [0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.97 mg/l] 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: = 50 ppm 

NOAEL Developmental: = 50 ppm 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 200 ppm 

Method: other: Internal protocol. 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: 99.6% 

Remark: The NOAEL for teratogenicity does not account for skeletal 

variations. 

Result: Maternal toxicity included evidence of haemoglobinuria at 100 and 

200 ppm. Haematological effects included increases in haemoglobin 

and haematocrit values, mean corpuscular volume and mean 

corpuscular haemoglobin, and decreases in red blood cell count and 

mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Body weights, body 

weight gains and food consumption values were reduced at higher 

doses. At necropsy, gravid uterus weights were reduced and relative 

spleen and kidney weights were increased at the highest dosage. 

Embryotoxic effects significantly increased in resorbed litters at 200 

ppm. Foetotoxic effects minimal with evidence of delayed skeletal 

ossification at 100, 200 ppm. 

Reference: Tyl et al, 1984 (127)(135) 

 

Species: rabbit 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: New Zealand white 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: day 6-18 of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: 6 hours/day 

Test duration: up to day 29 of gestation 

Doses: 25, 50, 100, 200 ppm [0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.97 mg/l] 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: = 100 ppm 

NOAEL Developmental: foetotoxicity: = 200 ppm 

embryotoxicity: = 100 ppm 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 200 ppm 

Method: OECD TG 414 

 Year 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other TS: 99.6% 

Result: At highest dose, signs of maternal toxicity included mortality, 

increased number of abortions and reduced body and uterus weight. 

No significant dose-dependent haematological changes. 
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Embryotoxic effects were a reduction in the number of total and 

viable implantations/litter at the highest dose. 

Fusion of the papillary muscles in the left ventricle of 5 foetuses in 

4/19 litters at 100 ppm only suggests that this was not a foetotoxic 

effect of 2-butoxyethanol treatment. 

Reference: Tyl et al, 1984 (127)(135) 

Species: mouse 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 8-14 days of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Test duration: dams sacrificed on day 18 of gestation 

Doses: 0, 350, 650, 1000, 1500 or 2000 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: = 350 mg/kg/day 

NOEAL Developm.: = 650 mg/kg/day 

NOAEL Teratogen.: = 650 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: teratology; implantation sites, resorptions and live and dead 

foetuses and foetuses weighed and examined at day of gestation. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 97% 

Result: Maternal toxicity included mortality (6/6 and 3/6 at 2000 and 1000 

mg/kg bw/day respectively). There was a distinctive green-brown or 

red-brown staining of cage papers at dosages of 650 mg/kg bw/day 

and above. Treatment-related clinical observations were lethargy, 

failure to right, abnormal breathing and green or red vaginal 

discharge, the latter at 1500 mg/kg bw and above. Developmental 

toxicity was increased embryo resorption at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and 

above. 

Reference: Wier et al, 1987 (128)

Species: mouse 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 8-14 days of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Test duration: dams and offspring sacrificed on post-natal day 22 

Doses: 0, 650 and 1000 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: = 650 mg/kg/day 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 1000 mg/kg/day 

Method: other: Post-natal study - dam and offspring toxicity 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 97% 
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Result: Reduction in body weight gain of dams at high dose. No effects on 

survival and body weight gain of offspring. No adverse reproductive 

or developmental effects observed. 

Reference: Wier et al, 1987 (128)

Species: rat 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: Sprague-Dawley 

Route of admin.: dermal 

Exposure period: days 6-15 of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: 0.12 ml 4 times per day 

Test duration: up to day 20 of gestation 

Doses: total per day approx. 1760 mg/kg bw/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 1760 mg/kg bw/day 

Method: other: a two-replicate study of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity and 

teratogenicity. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: Fisher Scientific 

Remark: Preliminary dosage of 0.35 ml 4 times daily was reduced in second 

replicate because of high mortality. 

Result: At the lower dose, body weight was slightly reduced, and there was 

no evidence of embryo- or foetotoxicity, gross malformations or 

variations. Haemoglobinuria was observed at the preliminary dose, 

but not at 1760 mg/kg/day. 

Reference: Hardin et al, 1984 (129)

Species: rat 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: Fischer 344 

Route of admin.: oral (gavage) 

Exposure period: days 9-11 or 11-13 of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Test duration: 20 days 

Doses: group 1 (gd 9-11): 0, 30, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day 

group 2 (gd 11-13): 0, 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: = 30 mg/kg/day 

NOAEL Developmental: = 100 mg/kg/day 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 200 mg/kg/day 

Method: OECD TG 414, except for restricted exposure period 

 Year: 

 GLP: yes 

Test substance: other: Radian Corp. 

Results: Groups of 27-33 animals were dosed with 2-BE (in distilled water) 

during the critical periods of cardiovascular development. Doserelated changes in haematological parameters were observed in the 

dams of both groups at the two highest doses (100 and 200 mg/kg or 

100 and 300 mg/kg). The effects were more obvious in the early 

days after dosing and the effects included decreases in red blood cell 
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count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and MCHC, and increases in 

MCV, MCH, reticulocytes and white blood cell count. Other signs 

of toxicity in the dams included dose-related reductions in body 

weight gain and food and water consumption. The relative spleen 

weights were increased at 100 and 200/300 mg/kg, relative kidney 

weights were increased at 200/300 mg/kg and relative liver weights 

at 200/300 mg/kg. The NOAEL for maternal toxicity was 30 

mg/kg/day. 

An increase in non-viable and adversely-affected implants, postimplantation loss and resorptions per litter resulted in the animals at 

200 mg/kg/day (group 1 only). In the foetus, a decreased platelet 

count was noted at 300 mg/kg/day (group 2 only). No foetal 

malformations, and in particular no cardiovascular malformations, 

were observed at any dose. 

Remark: The study was conducted under the NTP after the results of Tyl’s 

inhalational rat study indicated that 2-BE may adversely affect 

cardiovascular development. 

Reference: Sleet et al, 1989 (139)

Species: rat 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: Sprague-Dawley 

Route of admin.: inhalation 

Exposure period: day 7-15 of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: 7 hours/day 

Test duration: 20 days 

Doses: 150 or 200 ppm 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: not reached 

NOAEL Developm.: = 200 ppm 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 200 ppm 

Method: other: embryotoxicity, foetotoxicity and teratogenicity 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: Other TS: Eastman Kodak - purity 98-99.5% 

Result: Haemoglobinuria was noted (on first day only) in the dams at both 

doses, but no evidence of embryotoxicity, foetotoxicity or 

teratogenicity was observed. 

Reference: Nelson et al 1984 (137)

Species: mouse 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: CD-1 

Route of admin.: gavage 

Exposure period: 7-14 days of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: once per day 

Test duration: 20 days 

Doses: 0, 1180 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: not reached 
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Method: other: Screening study - dam and offspring toxicity 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 99% 

Result: Maternal mortality 20%. Viable litters 77%. No significant 

difference from controls in number of live pups/litter, pup weight, 

pup post-natal survival, and pup weight gain. 

Reference: Schuler et al, 1984 (162)

Species: rat 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: CD 

Route of admin.: subcutaneous injection 

Exposure period: day 6-15 of gestation 

Frequency of treatment: daily 

Test duration: 21 days 

Doses: 0, 45, 90 or 180 mg/kg/day 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Maternal: = 45 mg/kg/day 

NOAEL Developm.: = 180 mg/kg/day 

NOAEL Teratogenicity: = 180 mg/kg/day 

Method: OECD TG 414. Groups of 20 pregnant animals were used. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: 

Result: No mortality resulted. Haemoglobinuria and body weight loss were 

observed in the medium and high dose dams after the first 2 

injections only. Pre-implantation loss was evident at maternally 

toxic doses, but not dose-dependent and within laboratory’s normal 

range. In the foetuses, a slight increase in rib effects and a dosedependent increase in incomplete ossification of cranial bones were 

observed but such effects were not considered as malformations. 

No significant pathological findings were noted at necropsy. 

Reference Tesh, 1976 (26)

 

Species: rat 

 Sex: female 

 Strain: other: albino Crl:CD 

Route of admin.: other: in vitro 

Exposure period: 

Frequency of treatment: 

Test duration: 

Doses: 0, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5 or 25 mM 

Control Group: yes 

NOAEL Embryotoxicity: = 3.12mM 

Method: other: Explanted embryos were cultured for 48 hours in Trowell 

medium containing 2-BE at stated concentrations. Embryos were 

examined histologically and by total protein content. 

 Year: 

 GLP: no data 

Test substance: other TS: Janssen Chimica; >98% 
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Result: Embryonic development was blocked at 25 mM; at 12.5 mM there 

were severe dysmorphogenic effects and at 6.25 mM there was a 

reduction in somite numbers and of protein/embryo ratio. Extensive 

necrosis in the neuroepithelium and its derivatives and in the 

neuromesenchyma of the branchial arches was noted in embryos 

exposed to 12.5 mM. 

Reference: Giavini et al, 1993 (130) 

5.10 Other Relevant Information

A. Specific toxicities

Type: Other: cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cells in vitro

Remark: 2-Butoxyacetic acid (BAA) had markedly higher haemolytic 

activity than 2-BE in vitro. After 1 hour 7.5 mM BAA completely 

lysed rat erythrocytes compared to 175-200 mM for 2-BE. Human 

erythrocyes incubated for up to 180 min. showed haemolysis by 2-

BE at 225 mM and BAA did not cause haemolysis at max. 

concentration (15 mM). For 180 min. incubation, BAA caused total 

haemolysis of rat cells at 3.75 mM. The findings show that human 

erythrocytes are less susceptible than rat cells to haemolysis of red 

blood cells. 

Reference: Bartnik et al, 1987 (93) 

Type: Other: cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cells in vitro

Remark: In a comparative study in rat and human red blood cells, haemolysis 

was observed in rat cells exposed for 4h to BAA at the lowest dose 

(0.5mM). No effects were observed in human cells exposed to 2mM 

BAA for 4h, but slight swelling of the cells was noted at 4mM, and 

slight but significant haemolysis was observed at 8mM BAA. 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1989 (133)

Type: Other: cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cells in vitro

Remark: Blood from different animals was incubated with 0, 1 or 2 mM 

BAA (the primary metabolite of 2-BE) in vitro. Blood parameters 

were measured after incubation for 1, 2 and 4 hr. The studies 

confirmed the haemolytic effect of BAA in vitro in mice and rats (at 

1mM BAA), and the yellow baboon (at 2mM), but no significant 

effect was observed in the red blood cells of guinea-pigs, dogs, cats, 

domestic pigs and humans after exposure to 2mM BAA for 4h. 

Rabbit and hamster cells swelled at 2mM, but no haemolysis 

occurred. These findings demonstrate species differences in BAAdependent haemolysis; human erythrocytes are less sensitive to this 

effect. 

Reference: Ghanayem and Sullivan, 1993 (86) 

Type: Other: cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cells in vitro

Remark: In a study on blood cells from human, rat, dog and rabbit, 2-

butoxyacetic acid (BAA) lysed rat erythrocytes at 0.05%. 

Erythrocytes from the other species were stable up to the maximum 

concentration of 2% BAA. 
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Reference: Hext 1985 (33)

Source: ICI, UK 

Type: Other: cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cells in vitro

Remark: Red blood cells from humans and Fischer 344 rats were treated with 

2-butoxyacetic acid (BAA). On exposure to 2 mM for 4 hr, the rat 

cells exhibited significant haemolysis, preceded by a decrease in red 

cell deformability (noted at 1 hr); whereas no haemolysis or change 

in deformability occurred in human cells. On exposure to 0.2 mM 

for 6 hours, the rat cells exhibited very slight haemolysis and a 

significant decrease in red cell deformability (noted at 4 hr). 

Reference: Udden and Patton 1994 (167) 

Type: Other: cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cells in vitro

Remark: Red blood cells from 9 healthy young adults (5m,4f), 9 aged 

persons (5m,4f), 7 patients with sickle cell disease and 3 persons 

with hereditary spherocytosis were treated with 2 mM 2-

butoxyacetic acid (BAA) for 4 hr. Haemolysis in treated cells was 

higher than controls for aged adults, but the difference was not 

statistically significant. The deformability of red cells from persons 

with sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis was reduced, but 

BAA had no added effect. No other haemolytic or morphological 

changes were observed. 

Reference: Udden 1994 (166) 

Type: Cytotoxicity 

Remark: Measured IC50 concentrations of 2-BE were 53, 44 and 60 mM 

respectively in the MTT, leucine incorporation and neutral red 

assays in rabbit corneal epithelial cells in vitro. Measured IC50 

concentrations of 2-BE were 40 and 45 mM respectively in the 

MTT and leucine incorporation assays in Chinese hamster lung 

fibroblast (V79) cell cultures. 

Reference: Sina et al, 1992 (134) 

 

Type: other: Cytotoxicity to haemopoietic cell lines in vitro. 

Remark: The IC50 of 2-BE to growth-factor dependent or leukaemic mouse, 

rat or human haemopoietic cell lines in vitro was determined. 2-BE 

inhibited growth of the human promyelocytic line NB4 (96 hour 

IC50 = 0.1 mM) and the growth factor dependent line DA1 (48 hour 

IC50 = 0.08 mM). The authors concluded that the toxicity of 2-BE 

towards certain haemopoietic cells was in the same concentration 

range as benzene and phenol. However, it is noted that that these 

conclusions are contrary to in vivo data (from 90-day studies) which 

show that 2-BE is not toxic to bone marrow (Teheux 1994 - ref 

150). Due to doubts about the purity of reagents used in the study, 

the authors have publicly withdrawn the conclusions (Boiron et al 

1994 - ref 168). 

Reference: Ruchaud et al, 1992 (149)

 

Type: Immunotoxicity 

Remark: See Section 5.4 of this dossier for results of a toxicity study which 
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contained an immunotoxicology component. Butoxyethanol 

enhanced natural killer cell activity evoked by Keyhole Limpet 

haemocyanin injection in rats but had no effects on antibody, 

interferon or interleukin-2 production or on splenocyte numbers or 

delayed-type hypersensitivity. 

Reference: Exon et al, 1991 (111) 

Type: Immunotoxicity 

Remark: 2-Butoxyethanol did not suppress the primary plaque-forming cell 

response to trinitrophenol-lipopolysaccharide in male F344 rats at 

gavage doses ranging 50 to 400 mg/kg. 

Reference: Smialowicz et al, 1992 (140) 

Type: Immunotoxicity 

Remark: Cultured guinea-pig lymphoid cells were exposed (48 hours) to 2-

butoxyethanol (2-BE) or 2-butoxyacetic acid (BAA) in the presence 

of the mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) at 2.5-10 μg/mL or 

concanavalin A (Con A) at 5-20 μg/mL) or an antigen (tuberculin at 

25-100 μg/mL). Doses of 2-BE and BAA were 0.4, 2.0 and 10mM 

and 0.2, 1.0 and 5.0mM respectively. 

No significant effects on lymphocyte proliferation were observed 

for 2-BE, apart from slight reductions at the two highest PHA doses. 

At the cytotoxic dose of 10mM, a significant reduction in 

proliferative capacity resulted, particularly for PHA and tuberculin. 

No significant effects were observed for BAA at any dose tested. 

Reference: Crevel et al 1990 (139) 

Source: Unilever UK 

Type: Behavioural effects 

Remark: No effect on growth-rate or behavioural performance occurred in 

female rats exposed by inhalation to 50, 100, 200 or 400 ppm 2-

butoxyethanol for 4 hours/day, 5 days/week for 10 days. 

Behavioural effects were measured using a conditioned avoidanceescape test. Transient haemoglobinuria was observed at 200 and 

400 ppm. 

Reference: Golberg et al 1964 (49) 

 

B. Toxicodynamics, toxicokinetics

Type: Metabolism 

Remark: Treatment of rats with pyrazole (alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor) 

protected rats against 2-BE induced haemotoxicity and inhibited 2-

BE metabolism to BAA, with inhibition accompanied by increased 

metabolism to the 2-BE glucoronide (BEG) and sulfate (BES). 

There was a 10-fold decrease in the ratio of BAA to (BEG+BES) in 

the urine of rats treated with pyrazole+2-BE compared to rats 

treated with 2-BE alone. Pretreatment of rats with cyanamide 

(aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor) also significantly protected rats 

and against 2-BE BE induced haemotoxicity and modified 2-BE 
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metabolism in a manner similar to pyrazole. Administration of 

equimolar doses of 2-BE, the intermediate 2-butoxyacetaldehyde 

(BAL), or the ultimate metabolite BAA caused similar 

haematotoxic effects. Cyanamide also protected rats against BALinduced haemotoxicity. 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1987 (141)

Type: Toxicokinetics 

Remark: Radiolabelled 2-BE (125 or 500 mg/kg/day by gavage) was rapidly 

absorbed and distributed in all organs, the highest levels were found 

in the forestomach, liver, kidneys, spleen and glandular stomach. 

Radioactivity was also detected in the lung, heart, skin, testes, 

muscle, blood and fat. The major route of elimination was in urine 

followed by exhaled air. The major metabolites in urine were BAA 

(75% of label) followed by the glucuronide conjugate (BEG). 

Sulphate conjugate and unchanged 2-BE were found in the urine of 

low-dose but not high-dose animals. There was evidence of 

saturation of 2-BE metabolising enzymes. At the high dose, rats 

eliminated 8% of labelled substance in the bile within 8 hours, this 

being mainly BEG then BAA. 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1987 (142)

Type: Metabolism 

Remark: After receiving 28, 47 or 140 mg/kg bw/day of radiolabelled 2-BE 

in drinking water for 24 hours, male rats eliminated 50-60% of the 

label in urine as BAA, 10% as ethylene glycol and 8-10% as C02 in 

exhaled breath. There was no difference in excretion pattern for the 

three doses, with >75% of label excreted over 72 hour. Ethylene 

glycol, a previously unreported metabolite, was thought to arise 

from the dealkylation of 2-BE. 

Reference: Medinsky et al, 1990 (143) 

Type: Metabolism 

Remark: In a gavage study, young rats (4-5 weeks old) eliminated a higher 

proportion of administered dose of radiolabelled 2-BE as exhaled 

C02 and in urine than older rats (9-13 weeks old). Older rats 

eliminated a higher ratio of BAA to conjugated 2-BE in urine and 

retained more radiolabelled 2-BE in their tissues. 

Reference: Ghanayem et al, 1987 (144)

Type: Toxicokinetics 

Remark: Following nose-only inhalation exposure to radiolabelled 2-BE at 

doses of 0.024, 0.24 or 2.16 mg/l for 6 hours, the body burden in 

male Fischer 344 rats ranged from 21-26% of the inhaled dose and 

17-24% was metabolised. The majority (64-76%) was eliminated in 

the urine, 1.2-2.3% in the faeces and 5.9-7.6% exhaled as C02. The 

carcass contained 12.9-19.8% up to 66 hours postexposure at all 

concentrations. 2-Butoxyacetic acid was eliminated in urine as the 

major metabolite at all dosages. Uptake and metabolism was 

proportional to exposure. Ethylene glycol, the glucuronide 

conjugate and two unknown minor metabolites were also found. 
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Urinary excretion was highest at the low dosages. Analysis of whole 

blood showed the majority of the label in plasma and 20% in the red 

blood cell fraction after 2 hours exposure. 

Reference: Sabourin et al, 1992 (136) 

Type: Toxicokinetics 

Remark: Following occluded dermal application of radiolabelled 2-BE at 

14.4, 43.4 and 76.8 mg/rat for 23 hours, Fischer 344 rats absorbed 

and metabolized about 20-26% of the dose over 72 hours. 82-83% 

was excreted in the urine, 2.9-5.6% in the faeces, 3.0-5.0% in 

exhaled air and 8.3-9.7% remained in the carcass. The application 

site retained about 0.3-2%. 2-Butoxyacetic acid (BAA) was the 

major metabolite with evidence of glucuronide conjugate and 

ethylene glycol. No dose-related trend was apparent in type or 

quantity of metabolites produced. More than 80% of the label was 

found in blood plasma and < 20% was found in the red blood cell 

fraction; 53-75% of the plasma label was associated with BAA. 

Reference: Sabourin et al, 1992 (137) 

Type: Toxicokinetics 

Remark: A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model of human 

metabolism, excretion and disposition of inhaled 2-BE was 

reported. Modelled and observed data were in agreement. Increased 

physical activity and co-exposure to ethanol were predicted to 

influence the kinetics of 2-BE. The model indicated that 2-BE is 

unlikely to accumulate in the body. 

Reference: Johanson, 1986 (146) 

Type: Absorption 

Remark: In an occlusive study in 10 female guinea-pigs using undiluted 2-

butoxyethanol, the mean absorption rate obtained was 1.77 

mg/cm2

/h (range 0.35-3.3), measured by analysing blood samples at 

intervals up to 2h after application. 

Reference: Johanson and Fernstrom, 1986 (170)

Type: Absorption 

Remark: In a later study by the same authors using aqueous solutions of 2-

butoxyethanol (5-80%) and undiluted chemical, higher absorption 

rates were obtained for the aqueous solutions (range 0.52-0.73 

mg/cm2/h) than for undiluted 2-BE (0.27 mg/cm2/h). Only 2 

guinea-pigs per concentration were used (except for 40% solution - 

4 animals). Following this initial exposure, all animals (14) were 

then exposed to 100% 2-BE for 2h and a mean uptake rate of 0.94 

mg/cm2/h (range 0.45-2.9) was obtained. 

Although the mean absorption rates varied between studies and the 

individual rates varied within a study, it was clearly demonstrated 

that 2-butoxyethanol is significantly absorbed through the skin of 

the guinea-pig, that uptake is rapid, and that absorption is high from 

aqueous solution. 

Reference: Johanson and Fernstrom, 1988 (147)
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Type: Absorption 

Remark: In a study in male and female Wistar rats, 200 mg/kg of 

radiolabelled 2-BE (undiluted) was applied to the skin under a 

perforated glass capsule for 48h. Of the applied dose, 29% was 

absorbed in males within 48h and 25% in females. The maximum 

radioactivity in blood and plasma occurred after 2h. As the study 

was conducted under nonocclusive conditions, some 2-BE may 

have evaporated. 

Reference: Bartnik et al, 1987 (93) 

 

Type: Absorption (dermal - in vitro)

Remark: A series of in vitro tests was conducted (using both undiluted 2-

butoxyethanol and aqueous solutions)in different species. The 

results indicated that absorption through rat skin is high and rapid. 

Absorption through pig and human skin was lower but significant. 

The percentage dose absorbed from aqueous solutions was higher 

than for undiluted 2-butoxyethanol, but the applied dose was much 

lower. The effects on the rate of skin absorption of 2-butoxyethanol 

by two ingredients typical of those normally used in cleaning 

product formulations were also evaluated (separately) in rat and pig 

skin. The addition of 5% isopropanol and 5% linear sodium 

dodecylbenzene sulfate to 3.5% and 10% aqueous 2-butoxyethanol 

solutions did not significantly affect the absorption rate of 2-

butoxyethanol.

Reference: Bartnik et al 1987 (93)

 

Type: Skin absorption in vitro 

Remark: Absorption rate of 2-butoxyethanol across isolated human epidermis 

in vitro was 0.20 mg/cm^2/hour. Undiluted 2-BE was allowed to 

permeate for 8 hours across a hydrated section of tissue held in a 

glass diffusion cell. 

Reference: Dugard et al, 1984 (148) 

Type: other: in vitro percutaneous absorption 

Remark: Three sections of stratum corneum from human abdominal skin 

were exposed to 2-butoxyethanol via Franz-type diffusion cells. 

Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline was used as receptor and 

control solutions. The rate of increase in concentration of 2-

butoxyethanol in receptor solution was used to calculate a 

permeability constant and an absorption rate. The experiment was 

conducted twice under GLP conditions. Mean dermal absorption 

rate in the first experimental run was 0.857 +/- 0.282 mg/cm^2/hour 

and in the second run was 1.52 +/- 0.37 mg/cm^2/hour. The overall 

mean dermal absorption rate was 1.19 +/- 0.472 mg/cm^2/hour, 

with the range 0.57-1.91. The variability between experiment runs 

was due to varying degrees of skin damage caused by the test 

material. The overall mean absorption rate excludes data from 

diffusion cells in which the mean damage ratio was greater than 5. 

Reference: Barber et al, 1991 (151) 

Source: Eastman Kodak USA 
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Type: Distribution and Excretion 

Remark: Following subcutaneous injection with 118 mg/kg radiolabeled 2-

BE, male rats excreted label in the urine (79%), exhaled air (10%) 

and faeces (0.5%) after 72 hours. The carcass retained about 5% and 

high levels were found in the spleen and thymus and, to a lesser 

extent, in the liver and fat. 

Reference: Bartnik et al 1987 (93) 

Type: Toxicokinetics (inhalation)

Remark: The mean uptake rate in male Sprague-Dawley exposed 

continuously to 20 or 100 ppm 2-BE (for periods up to 12 days) was 

1.53 mg/h (3.5 mg/kg/h) and 7.73 mg/h (17.8 mg/kg/h) respectively. 

The rate was independent of duration of exposure. 

Mean concentrations (in μmol/kg) of 2-BE and 2-butoxyacetic acid 

(BAA) (the principal metabolite) in tissues were (for 20 and 100 

ppm): 2-BE - blood (15.1, 72.3), muscle (9.1, 30.4), testes (3.9, 

2.6), liver (10.8, 83.8); BAA - blood (41.0, 179.0), muscle (9.3, 

36.2), testes (14.1: 26.7), liver (16.4, 85.2). 

The total blood clearance of 2-BE was approx. 2.6 L/h/kg 

throughout the exposure period and was independent of vapour 

concentration. The mean renal clearance values for BAA were 0.49 

L/h/kg (mean excretion rate 0.98 mg/h) at 20 ppm, and 0.58 L/h/kg 

(5.3 mg/h) at 100 ppm.

Reference: Johanson 1994 (171)

Type: Elimination (in vitro)

Remark: In a study of the elimination kinetics of 2-butoxyethanol in perfused 

rat liver, the hepatic blood clearance of 2-butoxyethanol was 

reported as approximately 2.0 L/h/kg. The elimination rate was 

clearly dependent on concentration. The addition of 0.1% ethanol 

drastically reduced the elimination rate, supporting the hypothesis 

that 2-butoxyethanol is normally oxidised by alcohol dehydrogenase 

in the liver.

Reference: Johanson 1988 (172)

Type: Elimination/excretion

Remark: In a human study, five male volunteers were exposed to 2-BE by 

immersing four fingers of one hand in the chemical (undiluted) for 2 

hours. The elimination half-life of 2-BE from blood was approx. 80 

min. The BAA concentration in urine reached a maximum at about 

3 hours after exposure, with a mean half-life of 3.1 hours. A wide 

variation in results existed between subjects in the study.

Reference: Johanson et al 1988 (156)

Type: Elimination/excretion

Remark: In a 2-hour inhalational study in human volunteers, the mean 

elimination half-life of 2-BE in the blood was 40 min., with a total 

blood clearance of 1.2 L/min. and a steady-state volume of 
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distribution of 54 L. The concentration and excretion rate of BAA in 

urine was variable between subjects, with the respective maxima 

attained after 5-12 hours and 2-10 hours. The mean elimination 

half-life for BAA in urine after exposure was 5.8 hours.

Reference: Johanson et al 1986 (155)

Type: Elimination/excretion 

Remark: In human inhalation studies, 13-27% of the absorbed dose was 

excreted as BAA in urine and less than 1% eliminated as 2-BE. 

Reference: Van Vlem 1987 (173) 

Type: Absorption (dermal)

Remark: In a human study, five male volunteers were exposed to 2-BE by 

immersing four fingers of one hand in the chemical (undiluted) for 2 

hours. The mean dermal absorption rate from 12 measurements was 

0.142 mg/cm2/h, with individual results quite variable (range 0.05-

0.68 mg/cm2/h). There was little or no delay in detecting 2-BE in 

the bloodstream, with the concentration in blood continuing to 

increase after exposure in most cases.

Reference: Johanson et al 1988 (156)

Type Absorption (dermal) 

Remark Six male volunteers exposed one arm to 50 ppm of 2-BE for 2 

hours. The dermal absorption of vapours was not more than 21% of 

the total uptake. Blood was sampled from the exposed arm using 

the finger-prick method and from the unexposed arm using a 

catheter. The results indicated that sampling via the finger-prick 

method (as used by Johanson & Boman, 1991) was not 

representative of systemic blood concentrations of 2-BE. 

Reference Corley et al 1995 (194) 

Type: Toxicokinetics (inhalation)

Remark: In a study carried out in an inhalational chamber, seven male 

volunteers were exposed to 20 ppm of 2-BE for 2 hours during light 

exercise at 50 watts (mean breathing rate 22.6 L/min.). The mean 

respiratory absorption rate was estimated as 71.6 mg/h (range 54.7-

97.1), equivalent to 57.3% of the inspired amount. The uptake was 

rapid and remained relatively constant during exposure. In the 

study, 41% of the absorbed dose was excreted as BAA in the urine 

in 24 hours and only 0.03% as 2-BE.

Reference: Johanson et al 1986 (155)

 

Type: Absorption

Remark: Four male volunteers were exposed to 50 ppm 2-BE for 2 hours, 

first by inhalation (mouth only), and then skin only (the volunteers 

wore shorts and an air respirator). At ambient temperature (23o

C), 

the inhalational absorption rate was 70.2 mg/h (range 58.9-78.1) 

whereas the dermal absorption rate was 227 mg/h (range 61.8-348). 

The results suggest that dermal uptake accounts for approximately 

75% of the total uptake during whole-body exposure to 2-BE 

vapours. Average absorption rates at raised temperature and 
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humidity were higher (not statistically significant) and breathing 

rates were slightly higher with heart rates about the same.

Reference: Johanson and Boman 1991 (154)

 

Type: Absorption (inhalation)

Remark: In an inhalational study in male volunteers, 67-78% of the inspired 

amount was absorbed after exposure to 12.6 or 25.2 ppm 2-BE, 

either at rest or during light exercise at 30 watts. The volunteers 

wore face masks during the 4 hour exposure. The mean respiratory 

absorption rate at 25.2 ppm (at rest) was 31 mg/h. At 12.6 ppm the 

mean uptake (at rest)was 15.5 mg/h, and under a 30 watts workload, 

it was 33 mg/h.

Reference: Van Vlem, 1987 (173)

 

Type: Metabolism 

Remark: In a gavage study in the F344 rat, 2-butoxyacetic acid (BAA) was 

the major metabolite in urine (approx. 65% of 14C-2-butoxyethanol 

at dose of 126 mg/kg) with concentrations of approx. 15% and 4% 

of the glucoronide conjugate and ethylene glycol respectively. 

Reference: Corley et al 1994 (174) 

5.11 Experience with Human Exposure

Type: Case report 

Remark: A 50-yr-old woman ingested 250-500 ml of a window cleaning 

product containing 12% 2-BE (30-60 g 2-BE ingested). Main effects 

were coma, absence of response to pain stimulus, breathing 

difficulties, metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, rise in serum 

creatinine and increased urinary excretion of oxalate. Treatment was 

effective against hydroelectrolytic disturbances but 

haemoglobinuria, inducing progressive erythropenia, ensued on 

days 3-6. Her condition improved gradually and she was discharged 

on day 10. 

Reference: Rambourg-Schepens, 1988 (157) 

 

Type: Case report 

Remark: A 23-yr-old woman ingested 500 ml of a window cleaning product 

containing 12.7% 2-BE (dose approx. 60 g) and 3.2% ethanol. 

Main effects were coma, dilated pupils, obstructive respiration, 

hypotension, metabolic acidosis, hyperventilation, depression of 

blood haemoglobin concentration from 11.9 g/dl to 8.9 g/dl over 2 

days and haemoglobinuria. The main metabolite of 2-BE, 2-

butoxyacetic acid, was detected in urine but no oxaluria was 

observed. She was discharged from hospital on day 8. 

Reference: Gijsenbergh et al, 1989 (158) 

 

Type: Case report 

Remark: A 53-yr-old male ingested 500 ml of a cleaning fluid containing 

9.1% 2-BE (dose 45.5 g) and 2.5% ethanol. He was admitted to 

hospital about 10 hours later in a state of coma with metabolic 

acidosis, shock and noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema. His heart 
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rate was increased, blood pressure was decreased and there were 

transient polyuria and hypoxaemia. Non-haemolytic hypochromic 

anaemia was evident with haemoglobin concentration of 9.1 g/dl, 

haematocrit 25% and thrombopenia (platelet count 85000). The 

patient was discharged after 15 days. 

Reference: Bauer et al, 1992 (159) 

 

Type: Case report 

Remark: 24 Children (7 months to 9 years) ingested at least 5 ml of 

glass/window cleaners containing 2-BE at concentrations ranging 

0.5 to 9.9%. Most of the quantities swallowed were small, but one 

child ingestd 30 ml of cleaner containing < 10% 2-BE and another 

300 ml of an 8% solution. Children undwerwent gastric emptying. 

No signs of haemolysis, meabolic acidosis or CNS depression were 

observed 

Reference: Dean and Krenzelok, 1992 (161) 

 

Type: Case report 

Remark: Ingestion of a cleaning product containing 22% 2-BE resulted in 

symptoms consistent with metabolic acidosis. No signs of 

haemolysis were apparent. The estimated dose was 80-106 g 2-BE, 

equivalent to 1.1-1.5 g/kg bw. In a repeat of the incident two weeks 

later, similar symptoms were observed. 

Reference: Gualtieri 1995 (160) 

Type: Case report 

Remark: A carpet cleaner using a solution containing an unknown 

concentration of 2-BE experienced dizziness, blurred vision, and red 

urine towards the end of his 8-hour shift a number of times. 

Reference: Pesticide and Toxic Chemical News, USA, 1993 (176)

Source: US EPA 

Type: Controlled study 

Remark: Three experiments were conducted by Carpenter on human 

volunteers, with the results as follows: 

. When 2 men were exposed to 113 ppm for 4 hours, no effect 

on RBC fragility was observed. The men suffered nasal and 

eye irritation, nasal discharge and a nasty taste in the mouth. 

At 4-6 hours after exposure, one man was still unwell. 

. When 2 men and one woman were exposed to 195 ppm for 

two 4-hour periods, the RBC fragility was unaffected. 2-

Butoxyacetic acid (BAA) was excreted in the urine of the 

woman and one male, but only a trace was detected in the 

second male. Symptoms included irritation of the eyes, nose 

and throat, unpleasant taste, and headache. 

. When 2 men and 2 women were exposed to 100 ppm for 8 

hours, BAA was excreted in all volunteers and no RBC 

fragility was observed. Symptoms noted were headache and 

nausea. 
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Reference: Carpenter et al, 1956 (82) 

Type: Exposure monitoring 

Remark: An analytical method to determine the absorption of 2-BE following 

use of formulated products by car window cleaners and office 

cleaners was reported. The window cleaning agents contained 1-

21% 2-BE and the time weighted average (TWA) exposure 

concentrations ranged from < 0.1 ppm to 7.3 ppm 2-BE. 2-

Butoxyacetic acid (BAA) in urine ranged from < 2-371 mg/g 

creatinine. Office cleaners used products containing between 1-10% 

2-BE, with mean exposure approx. 0.3 ppm. BAA in urine ranged 

from < 2-3.3 mg/g creatinine. Urinary BAA results did not correlate 

well with atmospheric 2-BE concentrations. The results indicated 

that inhalation exposure was a minor component of the systemic 

dose and that dermal absorption of liquid formulations was a major 

contributor. 

Reference: Vincent et al, 1993 (163) 

Type: Exposure monitoring 

Remark: Exposure measurements were made in 55 French firms covering 18 

sectors of activity, including the principal end-use categories of 

products containing glycol ethers: paints, inks, diluents and 

varnishes, cleaning products, cosmetics and solvents. Exposure 

levels were measured in each of the facilities using personal 

atmospheric monitoring for 2-BE and urinary samples (at the 

beginning and end of each shift) for the major metabolite, 2-

butoxyacetic acid (BAA). The highest exposures were obtained 

where paints, inks, varnishes and cleaning products were used. In 

some cases, skin absorption was chiefly responsible for the 

exposures. 

Reference: Vincent et al, 1996 (193) 

Type: Exposure monitoring

Remark: Post-shift urine samples from 6 healthy lacquerers exposed to 2-

butoxyethanol-containing detergent contained 2-butoxyacetic acid 

(0.13-5.91 mmol/l) and its glutamine conjugate (0.12-2.45 mmol/l). 

Pre-shift urine samples contained only traces of these metabolites. 

Reference: Rettenmeier et al, 1993 (152) 

Type: Exposure monitoring 

Remark: Post-shift urine samples from a sub-group of 9 workers (in the 

printing and electrical industries) exposed to 2-butoxyethanol at a 

time weighted average range of 0.4-0.8 ppm (mean 0.64 ppm) 

showed 2-butoxyacetic acid concentrations in the range 1.3-9.9 

mg/g creatinine (mean 3.9 mg/g). 

Reference: Sakai et al, 1993 (153) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: Occupational exposure monitoring of school cleaners (in Australia) 

to products (liquid and sprays) containing 0.25% 2-BE revealed 

worker airborne exposures below the detection limit (0.7 ppm for 
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personal monitoring & 0.2 ppm for area monitoring conducted in 

the classroom 1-1.5 hours after application of the cleaning solution). 

Reference: NICNAS 1996 (11) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a silkscreening operation in Virginia, USA, workers exposed to 

undiluted 2-BE reported irritation and discomfort. In the subsequent 

inspection of the workplace, atmospheric concentrations of 2-BE in 

the range 13-169 ppm were obtained. The mean exposure from 

personal monitoring was 25 ppm whereas the mean from area 

monitoring was 69 ppm. Workers used 2-BE in open spray troughs 

without adequate ventilation or protective equipment. 

Source: NIOSH 1987 (177) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: Occupational exposure monitoring of print machine operators using 

a cleaning solvent containing 10-50% 2-BE revealed mean 

(personal monitoring) levels of 5.2 ppm 2-BE in air (range 1.7-9.7 

ppm). 

Source: NIOSH 1987 (178) 

 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: Occupational exposure monitoring of a cleaner (in USA) carrying 

out mechanical floor scrubbing with a product containing 0.3% 2-

BE, revealed 1.6 ppm 2-BE in air (personal monitoring - 95 min 

sampling time). 

Source: NIOSH 1979 (179) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: Occupational exposure monitoring of hospital window cleaners (in 

USA) using a spray product containing 2-BE revealed < 0.2 ppm 2-

BE in air (personal monitoring - sampling over whole shift). 

Source: NIOSH 1979 (180) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: Occupational exposure monitoring of printing press operators (in 

USA) cleaning the rollers with a product containing 2-BE revealed 

< 0.15-0.53 ppm 2-BE in air (personal monitoring - sampling time 

4-6 hours). 

Source: NIOSH 1990 (184) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey of workers at a number of screen printing shops, 

personal monitoring of silkscreeners using products containing up to 

45% 2-BE resulted in a mean of 6.8 ppm 2-BE in air (16 samples). 

Personal monitoring of spray painters in the shops using products 

containing up to 55% 2-BE resulted in a mean of 2.6 ppm 2-BE in 

air (5 samples). Air sampling during specific tasks resulted in in the 

following mean 2-BE in air: screening 9.1 ppm, spray painting 3.1 

ppm, hand cleaning 1.8 ppm, metal coating 0.1 ppm, and blast 

cleaning 115 ppm. 
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Source: NIOSH 1985 (186) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: A silk-screen printer in a fishing rod factory (in USA) experienced 

headache, throat and nose irritation, including bleeding of the nose. 

The worker used a cleaning solvent containing 2-BE, cyclohexanol 

and petroleum distillates. Occupational exposure (personal) 

monitoring) revealed 3-5 ppm (mean 4 ppm) 2-BE in air (sampling 

time 3-7 hours). The solvent was used in spray form and ventilation 

was poor. 

Source: NIOSH 1986 (185) 

 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In occupational exposure monitoring of varnish production workers, 

a mean of 1.1 ppm 2-BE in air (personal monitoring) was obtained, 

with a mean BAA level of 10.5 mg/L urine. For individual results, 

no correlation between 2-BE in air and BAA in urine was seen. The 

2-BE content in the product(s) was not stated. Repeat monitoring of 

the same group of workers gave a mean of 0.6 ppm 2-BE in air 

(personal monitoring), with a mean BAA level of 8.2 mg/L urine). 

Reference: Angerer et al 1990, Sohnlein et al 1993 (181)(182) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey of 9 parquet floor makers exposed to a variety of 

organic solvents, including 2-BE, the mean TWA 2-BE in air was 

5.0 ppm, with results up to 71 ppm. 

Reference: Denkhaus et al, 1986 (187) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey industries and workshops in Belgium, 2-BE was 

detected in 25/94 air samples in the printing industry, 10/81 in the 

paint industry, 1/20 car repair shops, and 17/67 other operations. 

Mean 2-BE in air results were as follows: 0.8 ppm (range 0.3-5.5) in 

printing, 3.8 ppm (range 0.7-19) in painting, 1.2 ppm in car repair, 

and 1.7 ppm in other industries. 

Reference: Veulemans et al, 1987 (188) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a 2-BE manufacturing process, the highest results were obtained 

during drum filling, 1.7 ppm (area monitoring). 

Reference: Clapp et al 1984 (164) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey of house painters in Denmark, the 2-BE in air 

concentration was in the range 0-12 ppm. 

Reference: Hansen et al 1987 (189) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey of house painters in Sweden, the 2-BE in air 

concentration was in the range 0-0.015 ppm, with a mean of 0.01 

ppm. 
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Reference: Norback et al 1996 (190) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey of automotive spray painters (in Australia) exposed to a 

mixture of solvents, the mean TWA 2-BE concentration was 0.4 

ppm. 

Reference: Winder and Turner, 1992 (165) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: At a 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) manufacturing plant in Australia, 

personal monitoring results (for 2-BE) were generally < 0.1 ppm for 

both STEL and TWA measurements. The highest monitoring results 

were obtained during maintenance activities, where a TWA level of 

1.8 ppm has been recorded in area monitoring. 

Source: NICNAS 1996 (11) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: In a survey of workers exposed to glycol ethers in a wide variety of 

industries in Ontario, Canada over the period 1983-1993, 2-BE was 

detected in 1404 area monitoring samples and 1683 personal 

monitoring samples. All 2-BE results were less than 25 ppm TWA. 

Reference: Guirguis et al, 1994 (191) 

Type: Exposure Monitoring 

Remark: Personal monitoring results of workers in a wide variety of 

industries in Germany over the period 1991-1995. Results 

(expressed as % of measurements below certain threshold (TWA) 

concentrations) were presented for 3 types of work (formulation; 

surface coating & cleaning) involving exposure to 2-BE. Of 204 

measurements (in 71 companies) during formulation, 5% were > 12 

mg/m3

 (2.4 ppm); of 115 measurements (in 47 companies) during 

screen printing (without mechanical ventilation), 10% were > 8 

mg/m3

 (1.6 ppm); of 200 measurements (in 116 companies) during 

spray-painting (manual), 5% were > 15 mg/m3

 (3.1 ppm); of 59 

measurements (in 38 companies) during surface coating (manual), 

5% were > 41 mg/m3

 (8.4 ppm); of 54 measurements (in 17 

companies) during floor cleaning, 5% were > 47 mg/m3 (9.6 ppm) 

and of 53 measurements (in 31 companies) during surface cleaning 

(without ventilation), 5% were > 24 mg/m3 (4.9 ppm). 

With each set of measurements at least 50% were below the 

analytical detection limit (range 0.2-5.0 mg/m3

). 

Comment: TWA measurements were based on a 1 hour sampling 

period. 

Reference: Berufsgenossenschaftlicher Arbeitskreis Altstoffe (BGAA),1996 

(195) 

Type: Health survey 
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Remark: In a qualitative survey of school cleaners in New South Wales, 

Australia, several reports of eye and throat irritation, headache and 

nausea were received from cleaners using products containing 2-

butoxyethanol (amongst other cleaning products). In most cases, the 

products were being used in spray form. 

Source: NICNAS 1996 (11) 

 

Type: Case report 

Remark: Adverse effects observed in cleaners using floor strippers containing 

high levels of 2-butoxyethanol included eye irritation and 

drowsiness when the ventilation was poor. Some reddening of the 

skin and contact dermatitis occurred when the proper safety gloves 

were not worn. 

Source: NICNAS 1996 (11) 

 

Type: Review 

Remark: ECETOC has critically reviewed the health and toxicological 

properties of 2-BE to assist the European Commission in the setting 

of an exposure standard (Indicative Limit Value). 

Haemolysis during the first few days of exposure is the primary 

indicator of toxicity in rodents. A NOAEL of 25 ppm (equivalent to 

121 mg/m^3) has been reported for rats exposed over 90 days 

(Dodd et al. 1983) whereas other mammals, including man, are less 

susceptible. The metabolite 2-butoxyacetic acid is responsible for 

2-BE-induced haemolysis. This produces lysis of rat red blood cells 

in vitro at 2 mM whereas only very slight effects (no haemolysis) 

are seen at 8 mM in red cells from humans susceptible to 

haemolytic disorders. It was concluded that human erythrocytes are 

more resistant than blood cells from the rat. 

The rat NOAEL of 25 ppm was considered by ECETOC as directly 

relevant to the setting of a workplace exposure standard for 2-BE. 

This NOAEL also takes account of concurrent dermal absorption 

occurring during whole body inhalation exposure. In applying this 

animal data, no uncertainty factor is needed for extrapolation from 

subchronic to chronic exposure since haemolyis is transient, seen 

only during the first few days of exposure. A physiologically-based 

pharmacokinetic model (PBPK model) predicts that the 

concentration of butoxyacetic acid in blood of humans exposed to 

20-25 ppm 2-butoxyethanol will be approximately 0.03 uM. This is 

270-fold less than the concentration needed to cause minimal 

changes in human red blood cells in vitro. 

No haemolysis was reported in human volunteers exposed to 50 

ppm for 2 hours or 100 or 195 ppm for 8 hours (although irritation 

of the eyes and respiratory tract were seen at concentrations of 100 

ppm and above). 

On the basis of the above data, ECETOC concluded that a long term 

occupational exposure standard (8 hour TWA) of 20 ppm would be 
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protective of human health. 

Source: BP Chemicals Ltd. London (122) 

Type: Review 

Remark: In a safety assessment of 2-butoxyethanol for its use in cosmetics, 

the review panel concluded that, on the basis of animal and clinical 

data, 2-BE is safe in hair and nail products at concentrations up to 

10%. 

Source: The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association USA (192) 

 
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(2) TRGS 900 1993 

(3) DFG (1993): MAK-Liste, 26 (01.09.1993) 

(4) Hoechst AG (1994): Produktinformation Butylglykol der Abt. Marketing Chemikalien 

(5) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Criteria for a Recommended Standard - 

Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether and Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether 

Acetate, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication no.90-118, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, September 1990. 

(6) MAK-Liste 1993 

(7) ACGIH list 1995-1996 

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Contaminants in the Occupational Environment, Australian Government Publishing Service, 

Canberra, October 1995 

(9) 29 CFR 1910.1000, 1 July 1993. 

(10) Bundesminister des Innern (1990): Gemeinsames Ministerialblatt Nr. 8 (23.03.90), Kenn-Nr. 

47 

(11) NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification & Assessment Scheme), Full Public 

Report, Priority Existing Chemical No.6 - 2-Butoxyethanol in Cleaning Products, AGPS, 

Canberra, Australia, 1996. 

(12) Stoerfall-Verordnung vom 20.09.1991 

(13) United Nations, Report of the Committee of Experts on its 18th session (28 November - 7 

December 1994). ST/SG/AC.10/21, 3 February 1995. 

(14) Bundesminister d. Innern (1986): Gemeinsam. Ministerialblatt Nr. 7 (28.02.86) Anhang E 

(15) Hoechst AG (1992): Produktinformation Butylglykol der Abt. Marketing Chemikalien 

(17.12.1992) 

(16) Gemeinsames Ministerialblatt des Bundesministers des Innern, 37. Jahrgang, Nr. 7 

(28.02.1986) 

(17) Riddick et al. Techniques in Chemistry. 4th Ed, p 1325 Wiley Interscience, New York, 1986. 

(18) U.S. National Library of Medicine Hazardous Substance Data Bank (HSDB) on Chem-Bank 

SilverPlatter (February 1994). 
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274 UNEP Publications 

(19) Sax and Lewis. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 7th ed., Van Nostrand 

Reinhold, 1989. 

(20) Dow Chemical USA, The Glycol Ethers Handbook, February 1990. 

(21) Hoechst AG (1993): Sicherheitsdatenblatt Butylglykol (10.02.1993). 

(22) Howard et al, Handbook of Environmental Fate and Exposure Data for Organic Chemicals, 

Vol IV, Solvents 2, Lewis Publishers, Michigan, USA, 280-287, 1993. 

(23) The Merck Index, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, N.J., 11th Ed, 1989. 

(24) Personal communication, ‘Biodegradability determination’, Microtech Laboratories to ICI 

Australia Operations, 31 August 1993. 

` 

(25) Eastman Kodak Company. Unpublished data. 

(26) Tesh, Life Science Research, ‘Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether: Effects of Subcutaneous 

Injection upon Pregnancy in the Rat’, Report no. 76/URL6/089, United Kingdom, 19 May 1976. 

(27) BASF AG, Sicherheitsdatenblatt Butylglykol (2/89). 

(28) BASF AG, Labor fuer Umweltanalytik; unveroeffentlichte Untersuchung (09.01.1989). 

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16.12.87). 

(30) Korenman and Dobromyslova (1975). Zh. Prikl. Khim. 48, 2711. 

(31) Personal communication, ‘An assessment of the ready biodegradability of n-butoxyethanol 

using the modified MITI test,’ CEFIC to ICI (UK), 5 April 1993. 

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EXTRACT FROM IRPTC LEGAL FILES
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 285

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 100247 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : ARG type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | MPC | 

 -------------------------------- 

 8H-TWA: 120MG/M3 (25PPM). SKIN ABSORPTION. 

 entry date: OCT 1991 effective date: 29MAY1991 

 

 title: LIMIT VALUES FOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES IN THE WORKING 

 ENVIRONMENT-RESOLUTION NO. 444/1991 OF THE MINISTRY OF WORK AND SOCIAL 

 SECURITY (AMENDING REGULATION DECREE NO. 351/1979 UNDER LAW NO. 

 19587/1972: HYGIENE AND SAFETY AT WORK) 

 original : ARGOB*, BOLETIN OFICIAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA(ARGENTIAN 

 OFFICIAL BULLETIN), 24170 , I , 1 , 1979 

 amendment: ARGOB*, BOLETIN OFICIAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA(ARGENTIAN 

 OFFICIAL BULLETIN), 27145 , I , 4 , 1991 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 300534 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : CAN type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | TLV | 

 -------------------------------- 

 TWA: 25 ppm, 120 mg/m3; skin absorption. Prescribed by the Canada 

 Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, under the Canada Labour Code 

 (administered by the Department of Employment and Immigration). The 

 regulations state that no employee shall be exposed to a concentration 

 of an airborne chemical agent in excess of the value for that chemical 

 agent adopted by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial 

 Hygienists) in its publication entitled: "Threshold Limit Value and 

 Biological Exposure Indices for 1985-86". The regulations also state 

 that the employer shall, where a person is about to enter a confined 

 space, appoint a qualified person to verify by means of tests that the 

 concentration of any chemical agent or combination of chemical agents 

 will not result in the exposure of the person to a concentration in 

 excess of the value indicated above. These regulations prescribe 

 standards whose enforcement will provide a safe and healthy workplace. 

 entry date: OCT 1994 effective date: 24MCH1994 

 

 amendment: CAGAAK, CANADA GAZETTE PART II, 128 , 7 , 1513 , 1994 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 301897 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

286 UNEP Publications 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : CAN type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | TRNSP | | CLASS | 

 | | | RQR | 

 | LABEL | | | 

 | PACK | | | 

 -------------------------------- 

 Schedule II, List II - Dangerous Goods other than Explosives: PIN 

 (Product Identification No.): UN2369. Class (6.1): Poisonous. Packing 

 group III, (I=Great danger, III=Minor danger). Passenger Vehicles: 60 L. 

 Prescribed by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, under 

 the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (administered by the 

 Department of Transport). The act and regulations are intended to 

 promote safety in the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada, as 

 well as provide comprehensive regulations applicable to all modes of 

 transport accross Canada. These are based on United Nations 

 recommendations. The act and regulations should be consulted for 

 details. Information is entered under the proper shipping name found in 

 the regulations; this may include general groups of chemical substances. 

 entry date: OCT 1994 effective date: 02DEC1993 

 

 amendment: CAGAAK, CANADA GAZETTE PART II, 127 , 25 , 4056 , 1993 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 302515 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : CAN type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | USE | OCC | RQR | 

 | STORE | | | 

 | LABEL | | | 

 -------------------------------- 

 Ingredient Disclosure List - Concentration: 1% weight/weight. The 

 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a national 

 system providing information on hazardous materials used in the 

 workplace. WHMIS is implemented by the Hazardous Products Act and the 

 Controlled Products Regulations (administered by the Department of 

 Consumer and Corporate Affairs). The regulations impose standards on 

 employers for the use, storage and handling of controlled products. The 

 regulations also address labelling and identification, employee 

 instruction and training, as well as the upkeep of a Materials Safety 

 Data Sheet (MSDS). The presence in a controlled product of an ingredient 

 in a concentration equal to or greater than specified in the Ingredient 

 Disclosure List must be disclosed in the Safety Data Sheet. 

 entry date: APR 1991 effective date: 31DEC1987 

 

 amendment: CAGAAK, CANADA GAZETTE PART II, 122 , 2 , 551 , 1988 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 287

 ******* 

 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 522981 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : DEU type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AQ | | CLASS | 

 | USE | INDST | RQR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 This substance is classified as moderately hazardous to water (Water 

 Hazard Class: WHC 1). (There are 3 water hazard classes: WHC 3 = 

 severely hazardous; WHC 2 = hazardous; WHC 1 = moderately hazardous; and 

 the classification as "not hazardous to water"). The purpose of the 

 classification is to identify the technical requirements of industrial 

 plants which handle substances hazardous to water. 

 entry date: SEP 2001 effective date: 01JUN1999 

 

 title: Administrative Order relating to Substances Hazardous to Water 

 (Verwaltungsvorschrift wassergefaehrdende Stoffe) 

 original : BUANZ*, Bundesanzeiger, 51 , 98a , 1 , 1999 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 532419 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : DEU type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | EMI | MPC | 

 -------------------------------- 

 THIS SUBSTANCE BELONGS TO CLASS II. THE AIR EMISSIONS OF ORGANIC 

 COMPOUNDS MUST NOT EXCEED (AS THE SUM OF ALL COMPOUNDS IN ONE CLASS) THE 

 FOLLOWING MASS CONCENTRATIONS: CLASS I - 20 MG/M3 AT A MASS FLOW OF >= 

 0.1 KG/H; CLASS II - 100 MG/M3 AT A MASS FLOW OF >= 2 KG/H; CLASS III - 

 150 MG/M3 AT A MASS FLOW OF >= 3 KG/H. IF COMPOUNDS FROM DIFFERENT 

 CLASSES ARE PRESENT, THE MASS CONCENTRATION MUST NOT EXCEED 150 MG/M3 AT 

 A TOTAL MASS FLOW OF >= 3 KG/H. 

 entry date: JAN 1995 effective date: 01MCH1986 

 

 title: Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (Technische 

 Anleitung zur Reinhaltung der Luft) 

 original : GMSMA6, Gemeinsames Ministerialblatt, , 7 , 93 , 1986 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 540383 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

288 UNEP Publications 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : DEU type : REC 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | MAK | 

 -------------------------------- 

 MAK value (8-hour time-weighted average): 20 ml/m3 (ppm) or 98 mg/m3 (20 

 C, 1013 hPa). Peak limitation category II,1: Substance with systemic 

 effects; onset of effect within 2 h; half-life < 2 h; excursion factor = 

 2 (peak level is 2 x MAK); maximum duration of peaks is 30 min, average 

 value; maximum frequency 4x/shift. - Danger of cutaneous absorption. - 

 Pregnancy risk group C: There is no reason to fear a risk of damage to 

 the embryo or foetus when MAK and BAT values are observed. 

 entry date: MAY 2001 

 

 title: List of MAK and BAT Values 2000. Maximum Concentrations and 

 Biological Tolerance Values at the Workplace. (MAK- und BAT-Werte-Liste 

 2000. Maximale Arbeitsplatzkonzentrationen und Biologische 

 Arbeitsstofftoleranzwerte.) 

 original : MPGFDF, Mitteilung der Senatskommission zur Pruefung 

 gesundheitsschaedlicher Arbeitsstoffe, 36 , , , 2000 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 542509 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : DEU type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | BAT | 

 -------------------------------- 

 Parameter: Butoxyacetic acid. BAT value: 100 mg/l. Assay material: 

 Urine. Sampling time: For long-term exposures: after several shifts. - 

 The BAT value (biological tolerance value for occupational exposures) is 

 defined as the concentration of a substance or its metabolites or the 

 deviation from the norm of biological parameters induced by the 

 substance which generally does not affect the health of the employees 

 adversely. 

 entry date: JUN 2001 effective date: 01APR2001 

 

 title: Technical Regulations for Hazardous Substances (TRGS 903): 

 Biological Tolerance Values for Occupational Exposures. (Technische 

 Regeln fuer Gefahrstoffe (TRGS 903): Biologische 

 Arbeitsplatztoleranzwerte - BAT-Werte -.) 

 original : BNDSD6, Bundesarbeitsblatt, , 4 , 52 , 2001 

 

 ******* 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 289

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 606999 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :ethylene glycol butyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : GBR type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | TRNSP | MARIN | RQR | 

 | AQ | MARIN | RQR | 

 | AQ | EMI | RQR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 CLASSIFIED AS A NON-POLLUTING LIQUID SUBSTANCE. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF 

 ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL REQUIRED BY A CARRIER. DISCHARGE INTO THE SEA IS 

 NOT PROHIBITED. 

 entry date: 1992 effective date: 06APR1987 

 

 title: THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (CONTROL OF POLLUTION BY NOXIOUS LIQUID 

 SUBSTANCES IN BULK) REGULATIONS 1987, SCHEDULE 2 

 original : GBRSI*, STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS, 551 , , 15 , 1987 

 amendment: GBRSI*, STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS, 2604 , , 2 , 1990 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 700489 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : IND type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | MANUF | | RQR | 

 | SAFTY | | RQR | 

 | STORE | | RQR | 

 | IMPRT | | RQR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 These rules define the responsabilities of occupiers of any industrial 

 activity in which this toxic and hazardous substance may be involved. 

 These responsabilities encompass: (a) assessment of major hazards 

 (causes, occurrence, frequency); (b) measures to prevent accidents and 

 limit eventual impairment to human health and pollution of the 

 environment; (c) provision of relevant factual knowledge and skills to 

 workers in order to ensure health and environmental safety when handling 

 equipments and the foregoing chemical; (d) notification of the competent 

 authorities in case of major accidents; (e) notification of sites to the 

 competent authorities 3 months before commencing; (f)preparation of an 

 on-site emergency plan as to how major accidents should be coped with; 

 (g) provision of competent authorities with information and means to 

 respond quickly and efficiently to any off-site emergency; (h) provision 

 of information to persons outside the site, liable to be affected by a 

 major accident; (i) labelling of containers as to clearly identify 

 contents, manufacturers, physical, chemical and toxicological data; (j) 

 preparation of a safety data sheet including any significant information 

 regarding hazard of this substance and submission of safety reports to 

 the competent authorities; (k) for the import of a hazardous chemical to 

 India, importers must supply the competent authorities with specified 

 information regarding the shipment. 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

290 UNEP Publications 

 entry date: SEP 1992 effective date: 27NOV1989 

 

 title: THE MANUFACTURE, STORAGE AND IMPORT OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS RULES. 

 1989 

 original : GAZIN*, THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, 787 , , , 1989 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1010486 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : MEX type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | MXL | 

 -------------------------------- 

 AT ANY WORKPLACE WHERE THIS SUBSTANCE IS PRODUCED, STORED OR HANDLED A 

 MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LEVEL OF 120MG/M3 (26PPM) MUST BE OBSERVED FOR A 

 PERIOD OF 8 HOURS OR 360MG/M3 (75PPM) FOR 15 MINUTES FOUR TIMES A DAY 

 WITH INTERVALS OF AT LEAST 1 HOUR. 

 entry date: DEC 1991 effective date: 28MAY1984 

 

 title: INSTRUCTION NO.10 RELATED TO SECURITY AND HYGIENIC CONDITIONS AT 

 WORKPLACES. (INSTRUCTIVO NO. 10, RELATIVO A LAS CONDICIONES DE SEGURIDAD 

 E HIGIENE DE LOS CENTROS DE TRABAJO). 

 original : DOMEX*, DIARIO OFICIAL, , , , 1984 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1105361 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : RUS type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | MAC | 

 -------------------------------- 

 CLV: 5.0MG/M3 (VAPOUR) HAZARD CLASS: III 

 entry date: MAY 1990 effective date: 01JAN1988 

 

 amendment: GOSTS*, GOSUDARSTVENNYI STANDART SSSR(STATE STANDARD OF 

 USSR), 12.1.005 , , , 1988 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1143058 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :ethylene glycol butyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 291

 area : RUS type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | PSL | 

 -------------------------------- 

 CLV: 5.0MG/M3 (VAPOUR) 

 entry date: MAY 1990 effective date: APR1988 

 

 amendment: OBUVR*, ORIENTIROVOCHNYE BEZOPASNYE UROVNI VOZDEISTVIYA 

 (OBUV) VREDNYKHVESHCHESTV V VOZDUKHE RABOCHEI ZONY (TENTATIVE 

 SAFE EXPOSURE LEVELS OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN OCCUPATIONAL 

 AIR), 4613-88 , , , 1988 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1200089 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : SWE type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | HLV | 

 -------------------------------- 

 1D-TWA: 100MG/M3 (20PPM), 15MIN-STEL: 250MG/M3 (50PPM), SKIN ABSORPTION. 

 entry date: 1992 effective date: 01JUL1991 

 

 title: HYGIENIC LIMIT VALUES. 

 original : AFS***, ARBETARSKYDDSSTYRELSENS FOERFATTNINGSSAMLING, 1990:13 

 , , 5-64 , 1990 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1301142 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-n-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : USA type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | MANUF | REQ | PRMT | 

 | USE | OCC | PRMT | 

 | SAFTY | OCC | MXL | 

 -------------------------------- 

 ; Summary - THE FOLLOWING CHEMICAL IS INCLUDED ON A LIST OF CHEMICALS 

 AND MIXTURES FOR WHICH REPORTING IS CURRENTLY REQUIRED UNDER THE TOXIC 

 SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SECTION 2607A. THIS TOXIC SUBSTANCE IS SUBJECT TO 

 PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION RULES ON PRODUCT ION QUANTITIES, 

 USES, EXPOSURES, AND ADVERSE EFFECTS. MANUFACTURERS INCLUDING IMPORTERS 

 MUST SUBMIT A REPORT FOR THIS LISTED CHEMICAL MANUFACTURED AT EACH SITE. 

 entry date: OCT 1991 effective date: 1982 

 

 title: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION RULES 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

292 UNEP Publications 

 original : FEREAC, FEDERAL REGISTER, 47 , , 26998 , 1982 

 amendment: CFRUS*, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, 40 , 712 , 30 , 1990 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1322104 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : USA type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | CLASS | PESTI | RQR | 

 | MANUF | PESTI | PRMT | 

 | FOOD | ADDIT | RQR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 CASE NAME CELLOSOLVE ESTERS; Summary - THIS SUBSTANCE IS INCLUDED ON A 

 LIST OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS CONTAINED IN A PRODUCT FIRST REGISTERED 

 BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 1984, FOR WHICH A REGISTRATION STANDARD HAS NOT BEEN 

 ISSUED. PUBLICATION OF THIS LIST INITIATES AN ACCELERATED REREGISTRATION 

 AND DATA C ALL-IN FOR PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE LISTED ACTIVE INGREDIENTS. 

 IN PARTICULAR THE LIST INCLUDES A NUMBER OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT CASES 

 HAVING INDIRECT FOOD OR FEED USES. 

 entry date: JAN 1992 effective date: 1988 

 

 title: FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT PESTICIDES 

 REQUIRED TO BE REREGISTERED; LIST C. 

 original : FEREAC, FEDERAL REGISTER, 54 , 140 , 30846 , 1989 

 amendment: FEREAC, FEDERAL REGISTER, 54 , 140 , 30846 , 1989 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1325174 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : USA type : REC 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | SAFTY | OCC | MXL | 

 | USE | OCC | MXL | 

 -------------------------------- 

 700 PPM 

 entry date: OCT 1991 effective date: JUN1990 

 

 title: POCKET GUIDE TO CHEMICAL HAZARDS 

 original : XPHPAW, US PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE PUBLICATION, 90 , 117 , 50 , 

 1990 

 amendment: XPHPAW, US PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE PUBLICATION, 90 , 117 , 50 , 

 1990 

 

 ******* 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 293

 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1340162 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : USA type : REC 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | OCC | TLV | 

 -------------------------------- 

 Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 25 ppm, 121 MG/M3, skin; Summary - THIS 

 THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE IS INTENDED FOR USE IN THE PRACTICE OF INDUSTRIAL 

 HYGIENE AS A GUIDELINE OR RECOMMENDATION IN THE CONTROL OF POTENTIAL 

 HEALTH HAZARDS. 

 entry date: DEC 1991 effective date: 1989 

 

 title: THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES 

 original : ACGIH*, AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL 

 HYGIENISTS, , , 11 , 1989 

 amendment: ACGIH*, AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL 

 HYGIENISTS, , , 11 , 1991 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1345130 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-n-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : USA type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | MONIT | | RQR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 ; Summary - THIS IS A CHEMICAL OR MIXTURE FOR WHICH REPORTING IS 

 CURRENTLY REQUIRED UNDER THE TOXIC SUBSTANCE CONTROL ACT HEALTH AND 

 SAFETY STUDIES SECTION 2607D. PERSONS WHO CURRENTLY MANUFACTURE OR 

 PROCESS CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES OR MIXTURES FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, THOSE 

 WHO PROPOSE TO DO SO, AND THOSE WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY INVOLVED WITH A 

 LISTED CHEMICAL BUT WHO MANUFACTURED OR PROCESSED IT OR PROPOSED TO DO 

 SO ANY TIME DURING THE TEN YEAR PERIOD PRIOR TO THE TIME IT BECAME 

 LISTED MUST SUBMIT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE U.S. EPA STUDIES OR LISTS 

 OF HEALTH AND SAFETY STUDIES CONDUCTED ON THIS SUBSTANCE FOR EVALUATION. 

 entry date: OCT 1991 effective date: 1986 

 title: HEALTH AND SAFETY DATA REPORTING RULES SECTION 8(D) 

 original : FEREAC, FEDERAL REGISTER, 51 , , 32726 , 1986 

 amendment: CFRUS*, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, 40 , 716 , 120 , 1990 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1407014 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

294 UNEP Publications 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : EEC type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | FOOD | | RQR | 

 | FOOD | | MXL | 

 | FOOD | | RSTR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 THE SUBSTANCE MAY BE USED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE 

 FILM WHICH IS INTENDED TO OR DOES COME INTO CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS 

 UNDER THE CONDITIONS LAID DOWN. THE SUBSTANCE MAY BE USED AS COATING 

 SOLVENT IN COATED REGENERATED CELLULOSE FILM. NOT MORE THAN 50 MG OF 

 COATING/DM2 OF FILM ON THE SIDE IN CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS IS ALLOWED. 

 THE TOTAL QUANTITY OF SOLVENTS MAY NOT EXCEED 0.6 MG/DM2 IN THE UNCOATED 

 REGENERATED CELLULOSE FILM, INCLUSIVE OF THE COATING ON THE SIDE IN 

 CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS. 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1407014 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 entry date: AUG 1995 effective date: 01JAN1994 

 

 title: COMMISSION DIRECTIVE OF 15 MARCH 1993 RELATING TO MATERIALS AND 

 ARTICLES MADE OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE FILM INTENDED TO COME INTO 

 CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS (93/10/EEC). 

 original : OJEC**, OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, L93 , , 

 27 , 1993 

 amendment: OJEC**, OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, L310 , 

 , 41 , 1993 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1470439 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : EEC type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | MANUF | INDST | CLASS | 

 | IMPRT | INDST | CLASS | 

 -------------------------------- 

 The substance is included in a list of existing substances produced or 

 imported within the Community in quantities exceeding 1000 tonnes per 

 year. - A system of data reporting by any manufacturer who has produced 

 or any importer who has imported the substance, as such or in a 

 preparation, in quanities exceeding 10 tonnes per year is established. 

 entry date: AUG 1999 effective date: 04JUN1993 

 

 title: Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 of 23 March 1993 on the 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 295

 evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances 

 original : OJECFC, Official Journal of the European Communities, L84 , , 

 1 , 1993 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1477556 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : EEC type : REG 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | CLASS | | CLASS | 

 | LABEL | | RQR | 

 | PACK | | RQR | 

 -------------------------------- 

 Classification: Xn; R20/21/22. Xi: Irritant; R36/38. - Labelling: Xn: 

 Harmful. Risk phrases (R): 20/21/22-36/38. Harmful by inhalation, in 

 contact with skin and if swallowed (R20/21/22). - Irritating to eyes and 

 skin (R36/38). Safety advice phrases (S): (2-)36/37-46. (Keep out of the 

 reach of children (S2).) - Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves 

 (S36/37). - If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this 

 container or label (S46). 

 entry date: OCT 2001 effective date: 24AUG2001 

 

 title: Council Directive of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of the 

 laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the 

 classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances 

 (67/548/EEC) 

 original : OJECFC, Official Journal of the European Communities, 196 , , 

 1 , 1967 

 amendment: OJECFC, Official Journal of the European Communities, L225 , 

 , 1 , 2001 

 

 ******* 

 file: 17.01 LEGAL rn : 1861014 

 !!! WARNING - not original IRPTC record - WARNING !!! 

 systematic name:Ethanol, 2-butoxy- 

 common name :Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 

 reported name :2-Butoxyethanol 

 cas no :111-76-2 rtecs no :KJ8575000 

 area : WHO type : REC 

 -------------------------------- 

 |subject|specification|descriptor| 

 |-------+-------------+----------| 

 | AIR | AMBI | MTC | 

 -------------------------------- 

 Average ambient air concentration: 0.1 - 15 ug/m3. Health endpoint: 

 haematoxicity in rats; no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL): 242 

 mg/m3; uncertainty factor: 10; tolerable concentration: 13100 ug/m3; 

 averaging time: 1 week. 

 entry date: JAN 2001 

 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

296 UNEP Publications 

 title: Guidelines for Air Quality 

 original : WHOAI*, Guidelines for Air Quality, WHO, Geneva, , , , 2000 
OECD SIDS 2 -BUTOXYETHANOL 

UNEP Publications 297