Ethylene Glycol, Industrial Grade – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Link to SDS Sheet (PDF)

Quick Facts

• Chemical Name: Ethylene Glycol

• CAS Number: 107-21-1

• Synonyms: Antifreeze, High Purity, Industrial, Polyester Grade

• Purity: 95–100% (≤5% Diethylene Glycol impurity)

• Supplier: Equistar Chemicals, LP (LyondellBasell), Houston, TX

• GHS Classification:

  • Acute Toxicity (Oral): Category 4

  • Skin Irritation: Category 2

  • STOT (Single Exposure): Category 1 (CNS, Kidney, Blood)

  • STOT (Repeated Exposure): Category 2 (Kidney)

• NFPA Ratings: Health (1), Flammability (1), Reactivity (0)

• HMIS Ratings: Health (4), Flammability (1), Physical Hazard (0)

Hazards & Safety

• Hazard Statements:

  • Harmful if swallowed.

  • Causes skin irritation.

  • Causes damage to CNS, kidneys, and blood if swallowed.

  • May cause kidney damage with prolonged or repeated exposure.

• Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe vapors; wash hands after handling; wear gloves, clothing, and eye protection; store locked up; dispose per local regulations.

First Aid Measures

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult.

• Skin: Wash with soap and water.

• Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

• Ingestion: Rinse mouth; call poison center/doctor.

• Notes to Physician: May cause kidney damage, CNS effects, metabolic acidosis. No specific antidote; treat symptomatically.

Fire & Explosion Data

• Flash Point: 111 °C

• Autoignition Temperature: 398 °C

• Explosion Limits: 3.2–15.3 vol% in air

• Fire Hazards: Ethylene glycol mist is a moderate fire/explosion hazard.

• Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, water spray, alcohol-resistant foam.

• Protective Gear: SCBA and protective firefighting gear.

Handling & Storage

• Avoid heating/agitation that produces vapors.

• Keep away from flames, sparks, and oxidizers.

• Store in cool, dry, ventilated, fire-resistant areas.

• Ground containers and equipment during transfer.

• Keep containers sealed and labeled.

Exposure & PPE

• Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation at points of emission.

• Respiratory: NIOSH-approved respirators if exposure exceeds limits.

• Gloves: Chemical-resistant (rubber, neoprene, vinyl).

• Eyes: Safety glasses; goggles if splashing risk.

• Skin/Body: Protective clothing; wash thoroughly after use.

• Emergency: Eyewash and safety showers required onsite.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

• Odor: Slight sweet odor

• Boiling Point: 197.4 °C

• Melting Point: -13 °C

• Density: 1.11 g/cm³ (20 °C)

• Flash Point: 111 °C

• Autoignition Temp: 398 °C

• Vapor Pressure: 0.1 hPa (25 °C)

• Solubility: Miscible in water

• Log Pow: -1.36

• Viscosity: 145 mm²/s (25 °C)

Stability & Reactivity

• Stability: Stable under normal conditions.

• Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, permanganates, peroxides, dichromates, reactive sodium, sulfur compounds.

• Decomposition Products: CO, CO₂.

Toxicology & Ecology

• Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed (Oral LD50 rat ~7,712 mg/kg; human 1,400–1,600 mg/kg).

• Skin Irritation: Causes irritation.

• Chronic Effects: Kidney and bladder damage possible with prolonged ingestion.

• Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified.

• Reproductive Toxicity: Possible effects at high oral doses.

• Aquatic Toxicity: Low acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms.

• Biodegradability: Rapidly degradable (90–100% in 10 days).

• Bioaccumulation: Low (BCF = 10).

Transport & Disposal

• DOT UN Number: 3082 – Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S. (Ethylene Glycol)

• Class: 9 (Packing Group III)

• IMDG/IATA: Not regulated

• Disposal: Dispose via licensed contractor; recovery/reuse preferred; comply with federal/state/local regulations.

Regulatory Status

• US TSCA: Compliant

• SARA 302/304: Reportable (TPQ 5,000 lbs)

• SARA 313: Subject to reporting at ≥1% concentration

• California Prop 65: Listed for developmental toxicity

• State RTK: Listed in NJ, MA, PA

• Global Inventories: Compliant (AICS, DSL, IECSC, REACH, ENCS, KECI, NZIoC, PICCS, TCSCA)