Chemical Name: Ethylene Glycol Diacetate
Synonyms: Acetic acid, ethylene ester; EGDA
CAS Number: 623-79-4
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, fruity scent
Major Use: In paints, coatings, inks, and sometimes as a solvent in chemical syntheses
Classification: Flammable liquid, mild skin and eye irritant
Hazard Statements: Flammable; irritates eyes and skin; can cause respiratory issues if inhaled in high concentrations
Label Elements: Flame icon due to volatility; exclamation mark highlighting acute health hazards
Health Risks: Prolonged exposure increases risk of headaches, dizziness, or mild narcotic effects
Fire Risks: Easily catches fire around strong ignition sources due to low flashpoint; emits possible toxic fumes if burned
Main Ingredient: Ethylene Glycol Diacetate, over 98% by weight
Secondary Components: Trace impurities may stem from manufacturing, usually kept minimal to comply with industrial hygiene and safety requirements
Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air as quickly as possible to prevent further exposure; seek medical help for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water; remove any contaminated clothing to reduce risk of irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with clean water for at least 15 minutes to remove all residues; medical attention becomes important for redness or pain
Ingestion: Do not attempt to induce vomiting; rinse mouth if possible and seek immediate medical care
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or foam will quickly control small fires
Hazardous Combustion Products: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potentially irritating acetic vapors when burned
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus advised to keep out hazardous smoke
Fire Response Tips: Move containers from fire area if safe; cool containers with water spray to limit explosive vapor build-up
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid contact; ventilate spaces to push vapors out
Containment: Use inert absorbent materials to soak up spills; avoid entry into drains or waterways
Cleanup Procedure: Gather waste in closed, labeled containers ready for safe disposal; wash spill area well after removal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further escape by blocking drains and keeping liquids isolated to a single area
Handling Practices: Work with adequate ventilation; avoid splashing or inhaling vapor; keep work areas clean and equipment in good order
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly sealed containers, far from ignition sources, away from direct sunlight and moisture; keep temperatures stable to prevent pressure build-up
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizing agents which may trigger dangerous reactions
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust to cut vapor levels where liquid is handled in bulk
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves; goggles or face shield for splash risk; apron for large volume work; use suitable respirators if vapor levels climb
Exposure Limits: No strict occupational limits, but good practice limits airborne concentration through ventilation and continuous monitoring in closed spaces
Form: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Sweet, ester-like
Boiling Point: Around 210°C (410°F)
Melting Point: Below room temperature
Flash Point: Roughly 96°C (206°F)
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water; blends well with common organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient conditions, but vapor forms at higher temperatures
Density: About 1.1 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal storage and handling
Possible Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers or acids can lead to hazardous decomposition
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces acetic acid vapors and carbon oxides under fire or high heat
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, hot surfaces, poorly vented sealed spaces, and incompatible chemicals
Routes of Exposure: Mainly inhalation, skin, and eye contact
Short-Term Effects: Eye and skin irritation, sore throat, mild dizziness with heavy vapor exposure
Long-Term Effects: Chronic exposure at low levels does not usually cause lasting harm, but persistent contact can dry skin or trigger sensitivities
Ingestion Risks: Swallowing larger volumes irritates the digestive tract and brings other systemic effects
Carcinogenic Status: Not classified as cancer-causing by major agencies
Other Health Data: Most available toxicity data suggest this chemical remains slightly more hazardous through skin and inhalation routes than by swallowing
Environmental Fate: Breaks down in the environment relatively rapidly, but heavy local spills can overwhelm aquatic organisms before degradation
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to fish and invertebrates at high concentrations; excessive runoff threatens local water bodies
Mobility: Liquid spreads quickly on hard surfaces and mixes with surface water; binds to soil less tightly than heavier chemicals
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for build-up in food chains
Waste Management: Collect hazardous waste in secure, labeled barrels for hand-off to licensed chemical disposal firms
Incineration: Surplus and contaminated materials often require high-temperature incineration in approved facilities to keep hazardous byproducts controlled
Do Not Pour Down Drains: Never dispose of this solvent in ordinary sinks or outside drains to keep public waterways safe from accidental contamination
Classification: Considered a flammable liquid for transport, so care in labeling and packaging ensures safety in transit
Packing Instructions: Use strong, leak-proof containers; seal tightly to reduce vapor escape; transport upright to prevent spills
Transport Risk: Fumes pose risks inside vehicles if containers are breached, so good ventilation and emergency planning are part of safe logistics
Local Regulations: Most regions require proper chemical labeling, worker training, and use of spill control plans for this type of solvent
Inventory Listings: EGDA appears on chemical control lists such as TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), and EINECS (Europe), meaning handlers regularly check for updates on rule changes
Worker Safety Laws: Exposure and hazard information must be shared with employees, as part of regulatory transparency and good workplace hygiene