The vapour is heavier than air and can travel for a considerable distance along the ground to a source of ignition and flash back.
Ethanol is regarded as one of the safest industrial solvents.
Although it possesses narcotic properties, vapour concentrations sufficient to produce narcosis are rarely, if ever reached in a medical laboratory. Ethanol is rapidly oxidised, in the body, to carbon dioxide and water and does not produce permanent damage to the central nervous system. Ingestion will cause dental erosion, bronchitis and respiratory difficulties. It is an eye and mucous membrane irritant. It is a skin, eye and mucous membrane irritant and is toxic if ingested.