2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

ORAL - RATS (mg/kg)
TEGME: LD50: >10500, 11.3ml/kg
DERMAL LD50 (mg/kg)
TEGME: Rat: Rabbit: 7.45mL/kg
Mix of tri, tetra, and penta methyls: Rat LD0: >2000mg/kg, >4mL/kg

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

10 500 mg/kg bw

Additional information

A number of LD50 studies are available for the acute oral toxicity in rats, either for the pure substance 2 -(2 -(2 -methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol or for close analogues or mixtures of this substance and close analogues. All consistently show that the LD50 is very high. The key study selected shows that the LD50 was not established at the maximum tested dose of 10500mg/kg. In a poisoning case, a young child self administered a huge dose estimated in excess of 25g/kg of a formulated brake fluid based on triethylene glycol ethers. Whilst intensive medical support was briefly required, the patient made a full recovery.

Acute dermal toxicity data is available in both the rat and rabbit. An LD50 of ~7.5mL/kg was established in the rabbit whilst a figure of >2000mg/kg was established in the rat from a recent GLP limit study using a mixture of primarily tri, tetra and penta ethylene glycol methyl ethers. In a sub-chronic dermal toxicity study using rats (reported in chapter 7.5.2) a NOAEL of 4000mg/kg was established, indicating that the acute LD50 must be significantly in excess of this. Based on the low dermal absorption rate of the substance, (see chapter 7.1.2), acute toxicity by the dermal route would not be expected.

The data available suggests that, for this very low volatility substance, there is no hazard from the inhalation of saturated vapour concentrations at ambient temperatures.

Justification for classification or non-classification

The available data indicates that this substance does not meet the criteria for classification for acute toxicity by any route of exposure.