Product name: Ethylene Glycol
Chemical formula: C2H6O2
Common uses: Automotive antifreeze, heat transfer fluids, industrial coolants
Physical state: Clear, colorless, odorless, viscous liquid
Industry usage: Manufacturing of polyesters, antifreeze production, coolants, plasticizers
Hazard class: Acute toxicity (oral and inhalation), specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure).
Main symptoms of exposure: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, central nervous system depression, possible kidney damage with significant ingestion.
Signal word: Warning
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, health hazard (per GHS standards).
Routes of exposure: Ingestion, skin contact, inhalation, eye contact.
Chronic effects: Prolonged overexposure can cause kidney and liver damage.
Component: Ethylene glycol
Concentration: Above 95% in most industrial applications
Impurities: Trace water, possible minor process byproducts dependent on synthesis route
CAS number: 107-21-1
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water.
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical help; ingestion in significant amounts can be fatal.
Antidote: Medical personnel may administer fomepizole or ethanol under controlled conditions.
Manufacturing experience shows prompt response and early medical attention reduces long-term harm.
Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
Specific hazards: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly aldehydes under incomplete combustion.
Protective equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Thermal decomposition risk: Substance can decompose above 230°C, liberating hazardous vapors.
Flammability: Lower than gasoline but still can contribute fuel in a fire setting.
Factory layout includes fire suppression systems and strict flammable-liquid zoning.
Spill response: Absorb with inert material such as sand or earth.
Prevent runoff: Block any sewers or waterways to prevent environmental release.
Cleanup method: Shovel absorbed material into clearly labeled waste containers, clean area with plenty of water.
Personal precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant boots.
Manufacturing training includes spill simulations; beads of glycol are slick and increase fall risk.
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, kept cool and dry, away from strong oxidizers.
Bulk storage tanks require continuous level and temperature monitoring.
Segregate storage to prevent accidental mixing with acids or oxidizers.
Periodic inspection of seals and pumps for leak prevention forms part of manufacturing best practices.
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed process systems, spill containment protocols.
Personal protective equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof goggles, overalls or aprons, boots.
Respiratory protection: Air-purifying respirators if vapor limits are approached in confined spaces.
Monitoring: Routine air sampling and biological exposure indices ensure compliance with occupational exposure limits (typically 20-50 mg/m³ for the vapor).
On the manufacturing floor, PPE policies get reinforced with regular training and audits.
Appearance: Clear, colorless, syrupy liquid
Odor: Almost none
Odor threshold: Not easily detectable
Molecular weight: 62.07 g/mol
Melting point: -13°C
Boiling point: 197°C
Flash point: 111°C (closed cup)
Density: 1.11 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Completely soluble in water
Vapor pressure: 0.06 mm Hg at 20°C
Manufacturing setup includes regular purity testing because trace contamination impacts performance in critical roles like heat transfer applications.
Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Conditions to avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, contact with strong oxidizers.
Incompatible materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous decomposition products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes.
Process experience: Control of heat and minimizing exposure to reactive chemicals significantly reduces risks.
Preventive maintenance on reactor and transfer lines stays high on priority lists.
Acute effects: Oral LD50 for rats is around 4,700 mg/kg.
Symptoms: Headache, weakness, slurred speech, convulsions, kidney failure possible with high ingestion.
Chronic effects: Repeated exposure can cause kidney, liver, or central nervous system effects.
Routes of entry: Inhalation rare under normal processing, more likely through accidental ingestion or dermal absorption.
Human case studies show that ingestion can cause metabolic acidosis, which requires hospital treatment.
Our facility uses closed-loop systems to keep exposure below threshold limits and utilizes medical surveillance programs for at-risk workers.
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations.
Persistence: Readily biodegradable in soil and water, but excess discharge can result in oxygen depletion.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential.
Runoff considerations: Large releases can harm fish by depleting dissolved oxygen through rapid microbial action on glycol.
Regular monitoring of wastewater and stormwater outlets from production lines helps prevent environmental impact.
Our waste minimization plan aligns with national discharge standards, managing both spill events and routine effluent.
Waste treatment: Incineration in controlled facilities is the preferred method.
Disposal of residues: Contain all waste for pick-up by licensed handlers; do not pour into drains or sewers.
Contaminated packaging: Rinse with suitable solvent before sending containers for material recycling.
Ongoing manufacturer engagement with local authorities ensures compliance with hazardous waste disposal standards.
UN number: 3082 (for bulk transport as environment-hazardous substance, liquid, N.O.S.)
Transport hazard class: Not classified as dangerous under most road and sea shipment codes, limited hazard in air transport when properly packaged.
Packaging standards: Secure containers, clear hazard labeling, documentation in line with IMDG and DOT regulations.
In manufacturing operations, all pallets are checked to prevent breakage and leaks in transit.
Major regulations: Subject to OSHA workplace safety standards in the United States, REACH registration in Europe, and similar standards worldwide.
Labeling: Hazard identification labeling required by GHS.
Chemical inventory: Listed on most international chemical inventories, including TSCA, EINECS, DSL.
Exposure reporting: Regular submission of usage, emission, and waste data to local environmental agencies forms a crucial part of regulatory compliance at the plant level.
Participating in industry safety initiatives and regulatory forums helps keep best practices current across production sites.
