Name
Ethylene Glycol
Description
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid that is widely used for its antifreeze properties. It is a type of alcohol but is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Ethylene glycol is mainly used in industrial and automotive applications, though it also has some uses in cosmetics in regulated concentrations.
Benefits
Solvent and humectant properties.
Considerations
• Acute Toxicity
Ingesting or being exposed to high amounts of ethylene glycol can lead to organ failure.
• Ethoxylated Chemical
Created from carcinogenic ethylene oxide, traces of which can remain in the product along with its carcinogenic byproduct, 1,4-dioxane.
• Birth Defects
Has been found to cause birth defects in animal studies.
Synonyms
Ethane-1,2-diol
1,2-ethanediol
monoethylene glycol
1,2-Dihydroxyethane
2-hydroxyethanol
Glycol alcohol
Ethylene alcohol
Ethylene dihydrate
ethanediol
ethyleneglycol
Aethylenglykol
Glycol, ethylene-
1,2-Ethandiol
1,2-ethylene glycol
Athylenglykol
ethylen glycol
Research Sources
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/174
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=733&toxid=133
Summary
Can be contaminated with carcinogenic ethyelene oxide, 1,4-dioxane. Antifreeze chemical can cause organ failure.
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