Created: 11/17/2006 The Dow Chemical Company Page 1 of 6

Product Safety Assessment 

Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 

Select a Topic: 

Names

Product Overview

Manufacture of Product

Product Description

Product Uses

Exposure Potential

Health Information

Environmental Information

Physical Hazard Information

Regulatory Information

Additional Information

References

Names 

• CAS No. 111-76-2 • 2-Butoxy-1-ethanol 

• Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether • 2-Butoxyethanol 

• Ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) • Butyl CELLOSOLVETM solvent 

• Butyl glycol ether 

Product Overview 

• Ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) is a type of glycol ether and remains the single most 

widely produced glycol ether.1 It is primarily used as a solvent.2 It evaporates quickly and is 

completely soluble in water.3 Dow sells EGBE under the trade name Butyl CELLOSOLVETM

solvent. See Product Uses, Product Description and Manufacture of Product.

• Although some glycol ethers have been shown to cause adverse reproductive effects and 

birth defects in laboratory animals, EGBE does not show the same pattern of toxicity as these 

other glycol ethers. Human experience and animal studies have shown that EGBE is unlikely 

to cause adverse health effects when products are used as directed.4

 Still, when used 

improperly, EGBE can cause eye, respiratory tract and skin irritation and even burns. 

• Inhalation may cause headaches and hemolysis (red blood cell breakage). Ingesting 

products that contain EGBE can cause irritation and toxic effects.5

 See Health Information. 

• Occupational and consumer exposure is possible because EGBE is used in a wide variety of 

industrial and consumer products like cleaning products, paints, brake fluids and inks. See 

Exposure Potential. 

• EGBE is unlikely to cause adverse environmental impact because it is not persistent, does 

not bioaccumulate and has low toxicity to aquatic organisms.6

 After extensive review of 

EGBE toxicity and exposure data, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed it 

from its list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in November 2004.7

 See Environmental 

Information and Health Information. 

Manufacture of Product 

• Capacity – Dow is a full-spectrum supplier of glycol ethers,8 and is the world’s leading 

producer of ethylene-oxide-based glycol ethers.9

 Dow has a 500 million pound (227,000 

metric tons) facility dedicated to ethylene glycol butyl ethers production in Seadrift, Texas. 

Total U.S. consumption of EGBE in 2003 was 320 million pounds (145,000 metric tons).10

 

®TM* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow
Product Safety Assessment: Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 

Created: 11/17/2006 The Dow Chemical Company Page 2 of 6

Market Applications for EGBE 15

Paints, 

Coatings & 

Inks, 53%

Metal 

Cleanin g & 

Household 

Cleaning, 

Other, 21% 15%

Raw 

Material for 

2-Butoxyethyl 

Acetate, 5%

Raw 

Material 

Other, 5%

• Process – EGBE is produced by reacting ethylene oxide and normal butanol (n-butanol) 

using a catalyst. If the ratio of ethylene oxide to n-butanol is greater than one, di- and triethylene glycol monoethers are produced along with the EGBE. 

Product Description 11,12,13

Butyl CELLOSOLVETM solvent is a clear, combustible liquid with a mild ether odor. It is 

completely soluble in water, and is miscible with mineral oils and soaps. It is a good solvent often 

used in cleaners, inks, paints, coatings and lacquers. 

Product Uses14,15,16

Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is used in coatings 

and cleaner applications, including many in 

consumer markets. Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is 

used for: 

• Active solvent for solvent-based coatings 

• Coalescent for industrial water-based coatings 

• Coupling agent for architectural water-borne 

coatings 

• Coupling agent and solvent in household and 

industrial cleaners, rust removers, hard surface 

cleaners and disinfectants 

• Primary solvent in solvent-based silk screen 

printing inks 

• Coupling agent for resins and dyes in waterbased printing inks 

• Solvent for agricultural pesticides 

Exposure Potential17

EGBE is used in the production of industrial and consumer products. Based on the uses for 

EGBE, the public could be exposed through: 

• Workplace exposure – Exposure can occur either in an EGBE manufacturing facility or in 

the various industrial or consumer product manufacturing facilities that use EGBE. Each 

manufacturing or application facility should have appropriate work processes and safety 

equipment policies in place to limit unnecessary EGBE exposure. See Health Information. 

• Consumer exposure to products containing EGBE – Dow does not sell EGBE for direct 

consumer use, but it is used as a component in coatings, paints, brake fluids, cleaners, etc. 

Consumers will likely have contact with EGBE. Please review product labels and follow all 

instructions and guidelines for proper use to help prevent unnecessary exposure. See Health 

Information. 

• Environmental releases – In the event of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to 

prevent contamination of soil, surface or ground water. For small spills, the EGBE should be 

absorbed with materials such as dirt or sand. This material is considered practically non-toxic 

to aquatic organisms on an acute basis. Adequately ventilate the area to control airborne 

levels below the exposure guidelines. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Consult the 

relevant SDS for more information about protective equipment and procedures. See 

Environmental, Health and Physical Hazard Information. 

 

®TM* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow
Product Safety Assessment: Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 

Created: 11/17/2006 The Dow Chemical Company Page 3 of 6

• Large release – Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and are generally contained. If a 

large spill does occur, the material should be captured, collected and re-processed, or 

disposed of according to applicable governmental requirements. If EGBE is present in a fire 

situation, it can produce carbon monoxide (highly toxic) and carbon dioxide (an asphyxiant at 

sufficient concentrations). Containers may rupture from gas generation in a fire situation. 

Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers until danger of re-ignition has passed. 

Violent steam generation may occur upon applications of direct water stream to hot liquids. 

Deny any unnecessary entry into the area and consider the use of unmanned hose holders. 

Use of a direct water stream may spread fire. Immediately withdraw all personnel from the 

area in case of rising sounds from venting safety device or discolorations of the container. 

Emergency personnel should wear proper protective equipment, including self-contained 

breathing apparatus (SCBA), and follow emergency procedures carefully. When relevant in 

scale or risk, the community should be notified of the hazards associated with the specific 

release event. See Environmental, Health and Physical Hazard Information. 

Health Information18,19,20

Although some glycol ethers, specifically ethylene glycol methyl ether (EGME) and ethylene 

glycol ethyl ether (EGEE), cause adverse reproductive effects and birth defects in laboratory 

animals, EGBE does not show the same pattern of toxicity as these other glycol ethers. Human 

experience and animal studies have shown that EGBE is unlikely to cause adverse health effects 

when products are used as directed. Skin contact with EGBE before it is diluted in commercial 

formulations should be avoided. Airborne concentrations of EGBE should be maintained below 

permissible exposure limits.21 

When used improperly, EGBE can cause eye, respiratory tract and skin irritation. It may cause 

moderate corneal injury and the eye may be slow to heal. Repeated skin exposure may cause 

irritation and even a burn. EGBE should not be ingested. Intentional ingestion of EGBEcontaining products can be toxic to humans.22

Inhalation may cause headaches, hemolysis (red blood cell breakage) and secondary effects to 

the kidney and liver. Human red blood cells have been shown to be significantly less sensitive to 

hemolysis than those of rodents and rabbits. 

EGBE inhalation exposure in laboratory animals has been found to reduce body weight gain and 

food consumption in addition to hemolysis. After exposure was discontinued, these effects in 

animals disappeared. EGBE does not cause adverse reproductive or birth effects in animals, 

unless exposures are so high that they cause significant material toxicity. 

When EGBE is ingested and metabolized in animals or humans, it is broken down into 

butoxyacetic acid (BAA), which can cause hemolysis. Humans are less sensitive to the hemolytic 

effects of BAA seen in rats. Humans could not achieve blood concentrations high enough to 

cause hemolysis when EGBE is used as directed. 

In the most recent inhalation studies, rats and mice were exposed to EGBE in air for their 

lifetimes. These studies found “some” evidence of cancer in mice and “equivocal” (uncertain) 

evidence in rats. The increase in tumors was thought to result from the hemolytic effects and 

irritation that would not occur in humans when EGBE is used as directed. In June 2004, the 

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that its experts’ review found 

inadequate human evidence of carcinogenicity and limited animal evidence of carcinogenicity for 

EGBE. EGBE is now classified as a Group 3 substance, which is not classifiable as to its 

carcinogenicity to humans.23 

Also, after extensive review of EGBE toxicity and exposure data, the Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) removed it from its list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in November 2004. 
Product Safety Assessment: Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 

Created: 11/17/2006 The Dow Chemical Company Page 4 of 6

The EPA concluded that the Reference Concentration (RfC) expected for EGBE presents no 

appreciable risk with lifetime exposure, even for susceptible individuals.24

Labeling classifications for EGBE have also changed. The European Commission Working 

Group on the Classification and Labeling of Dangerous Substances revised and improved 

classifications based on new research for EGBE. Product formulations that contain 12.5 to 20 

percent EGBE longer need to be labeled as harmful unless other components cause the product 

to be harmful. Formulations containing 20 to 25 percent EGBE may now be labeled as irritants 

rather than harmful.25 However, Canadian labeling for EGBE (not diluted products) may be 

changed to toxic.26 

Because EGBE is used as a component in a wide variety of products, it is best to review the 

product label and follow all instructions for proper use. 

For specific health information, review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). 

Environmental Information27,28 

EGBE is practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis. It has caused toxicity in 

fish and other organisms only at high concentrations. 

It is readily biodegradable and does not bioaccumulate (build up in the food chain). EGBE moves 

to water when it is released because of its high miscibility, low volatility and minimal tendency to 

bind to soil or sediment. It degrades rapidly in water. 

Physical Hazard Information29

EGBE is a combustible liquid. Containers, even those that have been emptied, can contain 

vapors. Keep this material away from heat, sparks and flame. 

Store EGBE in carbon steel, stainless steel or Teflon containers. Do not store in aluminum, 

copper, galvanized iron, galvanized steel. Do not use Viton, neoprene, nitrile or natural rubber 

gaskets or seals. Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases and strong oxidizers. EGBE can 

oxidize at elevated temperatures. 

EGBE is thermally stable at typical use temperatures, but can oxidize at elevated temperatures. 

It should not be distilled to dryness because it can form peroxides. Decomposition can cause gas 

generation and pressure in closed systems. Thermal decomposition products can include and 

are not limited to: aldehydes, ketones and organic acids. 

Spills of EGBE on hot, fibrous insulations may result in spontaneous combustion by lowering the 

auto-ignition temperatures. 

Additional physical property information for EGBE is available on the SDS. 

Regulatory Information 

Regulations may exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use and/or disposal of 

EGBE. These regulations may vary by city, state, country or geographic region and may be 

found by consulting the relevant Safety Data Sheet or Contact Us. 

Additional Information 

• Safety Data Sheet (http://www.dow.com/webapps/msds/msdssearch.asp) 

• The American Chemical Council Ethylene Glycol Ethers Panel (www.egep.org) 

“EGBE: A World of Solutions” (www.egep.org/worldsolutions2000.pdf)
Product Safety Assessment: Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 

Created: 11/17/2006 The Dow Chemical Company Page 5 of 6

• Dow’s Glycol Ethers brochure, Form No. 110-00965-1101 AMS 

(http://www.dow.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_0176/09002f13801769db.pdf?filepath=oxysolve

nts/pdfs/noreg/110-00965.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc)

• Ecological and Toxicological Data of DOW Glycol Ethers, Form No. 170-00761-0304 

(http://www.dow.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_041f/09002f138041f277.pdf?filepath=/PublishT

oInternet/InternetDOWCOM/oxysolvents/pdfs/noreg/110-00761&fromPage=BasicSearch)

• Solvent Property Tables

(www.dow.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_050d/09002f138050d253.pdf?)

For more business information about EGBE, visit Dow’s Oxygenated Solvents web site. 

References

®TM* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow 1

 Boatman, R.J., and Knaak, J.B., “Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and Derivatives,” Patty’s Toxicology, 5th Edition, John Wiley 

& Sons, Inc., New York, 2001, page 137. 2

 “CEH Marketing Research Report: Glycol Ethers,” Chemical Economics Handbook, SRI Consulting, July 2004, page 46. 3

 Butyl CELLOSOLVE Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Product Information Sheet, Form No. 110-00623-0304, page 1. 4

 “EGBE: A World of Solutions 2000,” www.egep.org/worldsolutions2000.pdf, The American Chemistry Council Ethylene 

Glycol Ethers Panel, pages 2 and 4. 5

 “Use Precautions,” www.egep.org/about_ege.htm. 

6

 “EGBE: A World of Solutions 2000,” www.egep.org/worldsolutions2000.pdf, The American Chemistry Council Ethylene 

Glycol Ethers Panel, page 4. 7

 “Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (EGBE) Update 2004,” www.egep.org/egbeupdate2004.htm, The American Chemical 

Council Ethylene Glycol Ethers Panel, page 1. 8

 “CEH Marketing Research Report: Glycol Ethers,” Chemical Economics Handbook, SRI Consulting, July 2004, pages 

18, 43 and 80. 9

 Glycol Ethers, Dow Form No. 110-00965-1101 AMS, page 1. 10 “CEH Marketing Research Report: Glycol Ethers,” Chemical Economics Handbook, SRI Consutling, July 2004, pages, 

18, 43, and 80. 11 Butyl CELLOSOLVETM Solvent Safety Data Sheet, July 7, 2003, page 2. 12 “EGBE: A World of Solutions 2000,” www.egep.org/worldsolutions2000.pdf, The American Chemistry Council Ethylene 

Glycol Ethers Panel, pages 2 and 4. 13 Glycol Ethers, Dow Form No. 110-00965-1101 AMS, page 5. 14 Glycol Ethers, Dow Form No. 110-00965-1101 AMS, page 5. 15 “CEH Marketing Research Report: Glycol Ethers,” Chemical Economics Handbook, SRI Consulting, July 2004, pages 

43-46. 16 Butyl CELLOSOLVE Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Product Information Sheet, Form No. 110-00623-0304, page 2. 17 Butyl CELLOSOLVETM Solvent Safety Data Sheet, July 7, 2003, pages 5, 6 and 11. 18 Ecological and Toxicological Data of DOW Glycol Ethers, Form No. 170-00761-0304. 19 “EGBE: A World of Solutions 2000,” www.egep.org/worldsolutions2000.pdf, The American Chemistry Council Ethylene 

Glycol Ethers Panel, pages 2-4. 20 Boatman, R.J., and Knaak, J.B., “Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and Derivatives,” Patty’s Toxicology, 5th Edition, John Wiley 

& Sons, Inc., New York, 2001, pages 136-157. 21 “EGBE: A World of Solutions 2000,” www.egep.org/worldsolutions2000.pdf, The American Chemistry Council Ethylene 

Glycol Ethers Panel, page 4. 22 Boatman, R.J., and Knaak, J.B., “Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and Derivatives,” Patty’s Toxicology, 5th Edition, John Wiley 

& Sons, Inc., New York, 2001, page 152. 23 “Glycol Ethers Information Update,” www.egep.org/glycol_ethers_update.htm. 

24 “Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (EGBE) Update 2004,” www.egep.org/egbeupdate2004.htm, The American Chemical 

Council Ethylene Glycol Ethers Panel, page 1. 25 “BGE Classification,” European Solvents Industry Group, CEFIC, www.esig.info/uploads/documents/25-4-bge.pdf. 26 “Ethylene Glycol Ethers Information Update,” www.egep.org/epge-update-egbecanada.htm. 

27 Butyl CELLOSOLVETM Solvent Safety Data Sheet, July 7, 2003, pages 11-12. 28 “Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (EGBE) Update 2004,” www.egep.org/egbeupdate2004.htm. 

29 Butyl CELLOSOLVETM Solvent Safety Data Sheet, July 7, 2003, pages 6, 8 and 9. 
Product Safety Assessment: Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 

Created: 11/17/2006 The Dow Chemical Company Page 6 of 6

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