2-Butoxyethanol

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Overview
NIOSH Chemical Resources
Related NIOSH Resources
Selected Publications
Related Resources
International Resources

Overview

CAS No. 111-76-2

2-Butoxyethanol (C_₄H_₉OCH_₂CH_₂OH) is a colorless liquid with a mild odor. It can harm the eyes, skin, kidneys, and blood. Workers may be harmed from exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

2-Butoxyethanol is used in many industries. It is used as a solvent and is found in paint strippers, thinners, and household cleaners. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to 2-butoxyethanol include the following:

Workers in silk-screening and printing occupations
Workers who make or refinish furniture
Workers who use spray paints
Employees exposed to certain household cleaners
Mechanics and others exposed to hydraulic fluids
Factory workers who manufacture certain cosmetics

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses 2-butoxyethanol, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. Useful search terms for 2-butoxyethanol include “Butyl Cellosolve®,” “butyl oxitol,” “Dowanol® EB,” “EGBE,” “Ektasolve EB®,” “ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,” and “Jeffersol EB.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

Related NIOSH Resources

NIOSHTIC-2 search results on 2-butoxyethanol—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value Profile: 2-Butoxyethanol—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.
NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.

Selected Publications

Criteria for a Recommended Occupational Exposure Standard for Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether and Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Acetate—DHHS (NIOSH) No. 90-118. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol).
NIOSH Skin Notation (SK) Profile: 2-Butoxyethanol (BE)
Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 24, 2019

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health