CAS Number: 107-21-1. A thick, liquid diol used primarily as an
antifreeze and in making polyester fibers. Chemical formula =
C2H6O2. Molecular weight = 62.07 g/mol.
Ethylene glycol has many uses, including as antifreeze in cooling
and heating systems, in hydraulic brake fluids, and as a solvent.
Acute (short-term) exposure of humans to ethylene glycol by
ingesting large quantities causes three stages of health effects:
central nervous system (CNS) depression, followed by
cardiopulmonary effects, and later renal damage. The only
effects noted in one study of individuals exposed to low levels
of ethylene glycol by inhalation for about a month were throat
and upper respiratory tract irritation. Rats and mice
chronically (long-term) exposed to ethylene glycol in their diet
exhibited signs of kidney toxicity and liver effects. Several
studies of rodents exposed orally or by inhalation showed
ethylene glycol to be fetotoxic. An epidemiologic study on renal
cancer mortality did not find an increased risk for workers
exposed to ethylene glycol. EPA has not classified ethylene
glycol for carcinogenicity.