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Material Safety Data Sheet: Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

Identification

Product Name: Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Synonyms: 1-Ethoxy-2-propanol, Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, PGEE
CAS Number: 1569-02-4
Recommended Use: Solvent in paints, coatings, cleaners, inks
Manufacturer: Supplier details on label, customer service available for emergencies
Emergency Contact: Provided by supplier, often in response plan
Address: Production facility or distribution warehouse

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; causes serious eye irritation; may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; wear eye and face protection; avoid breathing vapors; use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
Potential Health Effects: Eyes - irritation, redness; Skin - dryness, irritation; Inhalation - headaches, dizziness; Ingestion - stomach pain, vomiting

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Common Name: PGME
CAS Number: 1569-02-4
EC Number: 216-374-5
Concentration: Typically 99% or higher
Impurities: Trace levels of water, other glycol ethers

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes for at least fifteen minutes with running water, lifting lids to flush thoroughly, seek medical attention if irritation continues
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of running water and soap, medical advice if discomfort remains
Inhalation: Move to fresh air right away, loosen clothing, seek medical help for breathing issues, provide oxygen if trained staff available
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, avoid forced vomiting, rapid transport to emergency medical help
Most Important Symptoms: Eye redness, skin dryness, headache, nausea
Advice for Doctors: Provide symptom-based treatment, monitor breathing, watch for delayed effects from solvent exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets can splash liquid or spread fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes
Fire Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, spread along ground, ignite from distant source, container rupture possible
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full turnout gear
Additional Advice: Cool exposed tanks with water spray, keep area clear of unnecessary personnel, avoid inhaling any smoke

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, avoid contact with liquid and vapors, keep away from ignition sources
Protective Equipment: Use chemical splash goggles, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, respiratory protection if needed
Spill Containment: Stop leak if safe, dike spill with inert material like sand or absorbent pads
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb spill with inert material, put in closed chemical waste containers, do not flush to drains
Environmental Measures: Prevent any run-off to waterways, notify local authorities of large releases

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated places, ground all equipment to avoid sparks, keep containers closed, avoid skin and eye contact
Safe Practices: Do not smoke, eat or drink near material, wash hands after use, avoid breathing vapors
Storage: Store in tightly sealed, cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as oxidizers, acids
Special Precautions: Use only non-sparking tools, keep fire extinguishers nearby, label containers clearly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend 25 ppm TWA (time-weighted average); check local regulations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to reduce vapor concentrations, ventilate storage rooms
Eye/Face Protection: Use chemical safety goggles with side shields
Skin Protection: Wear solvent-resistant gloves, coveralls, chemical-resistant boots if risk of splash
Respiratory Protection: Use a suitable vapor respirator if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, remove contaminated clothing promptly, provide emergency eye wash stations

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like aroma
Molecular Formula: C5H12O2
Molecular Weight: 104.15 g/mol
Boiling Point: 135°C
Melting Point: -70°C
Flash Point: 46°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 3.6 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Completely miscible
Density: 0.88 g/cm³
Evaporation Rate: Moderate
Auto-ignition Temperature: 280°C
Explosive Limits: Lower 1.5%, Upper 12.7%

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, sunlight, static discharge
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, bases, halogenated compounds
Hazardous Decomposition: Releases toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on burning
Polymerization: Will not polymerize under regular use
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents, increasing fire and explosion risk

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 3089 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >2000 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: Not known to cause sensitization
Short-Term Effects: Irritation to eyes, nose, throat, headaches, nausea, dizziness
Chronic Exposure: Repeated contact may cause skin dryness or cracking
Other Information: No evidence of reproductive or mutagenic effects from animal or limited human studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in large quantities, LC50 for fish (96h): 1000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential to bioaccumulate (low log Kow)
Mobility: High mobility in soil, mixes easily with water
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to damage ozone layer or persist in the environment
Wastewater Impact: Large discharges could disrupt water treatment plant biological activity

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect waste in clearly labeled containers, deliver to licensed chemical disposal company
Do Not: Do not pour down drains or throw with regular garbage
Disposal Regulations: Follow all federal, state, and local rules for hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, dispose as chemical waste

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether)
Transport Hazard Classes: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Flammable liquid label required
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright, secure, and away from heat sources during transport
Regulatory Agencies: Complies with DOT, IMDG, IATA guidelines

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated under Hazard Communication Standard, listed as hazardous
TSCA: Listed in United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed as carcinogen or reproductive toxin in California
Other Regulations: Check local, state, and country-specific requirements for handling, labeling, and reporting
Worker Protection: Employers responsible for providing access to safety training, personal protective gear, and hazard communication