2-Ethoxyethanol: Reproduction and Fertility Assessment in CD-1 Mice When Administered in Water

摘要

Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (2-ethoxyethanol or 2EE) is a glycol ether with widely applicable solvent properties. It is used in a variety of industrial applications and in products used by consumers, including paints and cleaners. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has estimated that between 1972 and 1974 about 400,000 workers were exposed to 2EE (NIOSH, 1983). The United States alone consumes over 200 million pounds of 2EE annually. Exposure to 2EE can cause testicular atrophy in males and birth defects in offspring exposed in utero. To the best of the authors knowledge, this report is the first to describe in detail the effect of 2EE on male and female reproduction.