Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE) (2-Butoxyethanol)

Overview

EPA has finalized the Toxicological Review of Ethylene Glycol Mono Butyl Ether: in support of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Now final, this assessment may be used by EPA’s program and regional offices to inform decisions to protect human health.

Background

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (also known as 2-butoxyethanol) is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. It is widely used as a solvent in various applications such as in surface coatings, spray lacquer, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, varnish removers, latex paint, and metal cleaners and in commercially available cleaning products. The chemical is released to the environment primarily through the use of commercial and household cleaning products.

EGBE is a high production volume chemical with an estimated 390 million pounds produced in the United States in 1992 (NTP, 2000). Human exposure to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE) is predominantly occupational via inhalation and dermal contact. Individuals employed in the manufacture, processing, and handling of EGBE will have potentially higher exposures (ATSDR, 1998). The primary routes of EGBE exposure to the general population are inhalation of contaminated indoor air and dermal contact with household products containing EGBE. The assessment will present reference values for the noncancer effects of EGBE (RfD and RfC), where supported by available data, and a cancer assessment.

History/Chronology

Date	Description
Oct 1999	EPA posted the first toxicological review for ethylene glycol mono-butyl ether (EGBE) in the IRIS database.
2002	EGBE is nominated for reassessment by EPA/OAQPS in response to a petition to delist this chemical filed by the ACC.
Apr 2008	EPA released the external review draft (reassessment) of EGBE for public comment.
Oct 2009	EPA released the comments from the first and second round of reviews in two consolidated reports.
Nov 2009	EPA hosted an interagency science discussion on the review of the draft Toxicological Review of Ethylene Glycol Mono-Butyl Ether.
Mar 2010	EPA released the final report and the interagency review draft with comments.

This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

• IRIS Toxicological Review of Ethylene Glycol Mono-Butyl Ether (EGBE) (PDF)  (206  pp, 3.6 MB, about PDF)
• IRIS Summary for Ethylene Glycol Mono-Butyl Ether (EGBE) (PDF)  (31  pp, 256.8 KB, about PDF)

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Document Related Link(s)

• IRIS Toxicological Review of Ethylene Glycol Mono-Butyl Ether (EGBE) (Interagency Science Discussion Draft)
• An Evaluation of the Human Carcinogenic Potential of Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (EGBE)
• IRIS Toxicological Review of Ethylene Glycol Mono-Butyl Ether (EGBE) (External Review Draft)