2-methoxyethanol

Endpoint summary

Additional information

A number of studies have been carried out using multiple species of fish, both fresh and salt water. One study in two species is sufficiently well reported to judge it as reliable and this is used to derive the key parameters. All the other available experimental studies, whilst not individually robust, report data that is consistent with the key study and provide strong evidence that methoxyethanol is practically non-toxic to fish over the acute timeframe. Acute toxicity LC50's are in excess of 10,000mg/l.

A number of acute toxicity studies have been carried out using multiple invertebrate species, both fresh and salt water. These indicate that methoxyethanol is practically non-toxic to invertebrates. Only two studies are available that were performed for the normally required 48hrs (the remainder are 24hr studies). However, they are sufficient to provide conclusive evidence, along with the supporting studies that methoxyethanol is practically non toxic to both fresh and saltwater invertebrates. Acute toxicity EC50's are in the region of 10,000mg/l. A single chronic 21 day guideline reproduction study is also available in daphnia which shows that the NOEC is in excess of 500mg/l.

There is limited data available on the toxicity of methoxyethanol to algae. One of the two studies available has significant limitations which would cause reservations in its use under some circumstances. However, the second is a recent guideline study and there is also supportive QSAR model available. Combined this data provides sufficient evidence to conclude that methoxyethanol is practically non toxic to algae. Acute toxicity LC50's are in excess of 10,000mg/l and the NOEC is 4100mg/l.

A number of studies have been carried out to assess the toxicity of methoxyethanol to bacteria using multiple species, primarily in fresh water. Those studies that are reliable indicate that methoxyethanol is practically non-toxic to bacteria. Methoxyethanol was tested in an guideline activated sludge respiration inhibition test after a 3-hour contact period. The respiration rate of the activated sludge in the test vessels containing up to the maximum tested concentration of 1000 mg/L was not significantly inhibited in comparison to the mean of the inoculum controls(maximum inhibition was 1.9 % at 1000 mg/L), thus demonstrating that the EC₁₀and the EC₅₀are above the highest tested concentration value.  One study reported a very low toxicity threshold to one particular species. Since this was at least 1000 fold lower than other results to both bacteria and all other aquatic species and further information is not available to explain why this unusual result was obtained, it cannot be deemed sufficiently reliable for use.

. Acute toxicity LC50's are in excess of 10,000mg/l.