Current Intelligence Bulletin Number 39: Glycol Ethers, 2-Methoxyethanol and 2-Ethoxyethanol

摘要

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that 2-methoxyethanol (2ME) and 2-ethoxyethanol (2EE) be regarded in the workplace as having the potential to cause adverse reproductive effects in male and female workers. These recommendations are based on the results of several recent studies that have demonstrated dose-related embryotoxicity and other reproductive effects in several species of animals exposed by different routes of administration. Of particular concern are those studies in which exposure of pregnant animals to concentrations of 2ME or 2EE at or below their respective Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit's (PEL's). Therefore, appropriate controls should be instituted to minimize worker exposure to both compounds. NIOSH suggests that producers, distributors, and users of 2ME and 2EE, and of substances and materials containing 2ME and 2EE, give this information to their workers and customers, and that professional and trade associations and unions inform their members.