Ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) is a versatile chemical that has been used in a variety of applications for more than 50 years. It is a particularly effective solvent because it can be used with both water-based and oil-based systems.

EGBE has also been extensively studied to determine its toxicity. Governments and independent expert groups have used that data to establish exposure levels below which no risk is expected.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on November 18, 2004, after extensive review of the compound's toxicity and exposure data, removed EGBE from its list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) (Federal Register Vol.69 No.228, Nov.29, 2004). In announcing the decision, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator Brenner said that delisting EGBE "will create an incentive for industry to use less toxic and less environmentally harmful compounds and focus on the pollutants that are really the most dangerous."

Recent Expert Reviews of EGBE Toxicity

EPA has several times in the past three years reviewed EGBE. The Agency adopted a Reference Concentration (RfC) for EGBE in 1999. That RfC of 13 mg/cubic meter is a level at which no appreciable risk is expected with lifetime exposure, even for susceptible individuals. EPA's review found that EGBE is neither a primary reproductive nor developmental toxicant, nor, because EPA concluded it is not mutagenic, it is not likely to cause cancer in humans. EPA found the most sensitive endpoint in rodents is hemolysis, an effect to which human red blood cells are much more resistant. The Agency used a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for EGBE that has shown that human exposure high enough to cause hemolysis (effects on red blood cells) is not expected to occur in humans under any normal exposure conditions.

After that initial EPA review, a lifetime study of EGBE in mice and rats was completed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP). Although that study resulted in some excess tumors, the study itself and panel-sponsored research subsequent to the NTP study have demonstrated that the mechanisms by which these tumors were caused are unlikely to be relevant to humans.

The Agency reaffirmed its 13 mg/cubic meter RfC in removing EGBE from its list of HAPs (see more below) in November 2004. As that decision said, the Agency's recent reviews included its interpretation of the NTP study and conclusion that extensive data show that its 1999 RfC is "sufficient" to prevent any cancer risk to humans. EPA concluded that the tumors in mice were caused by mechanisms that are not relevant to human risk. See: EPA docket OAR-2003-0188 Document 0028 (http://docket.epa.gov/edkpub/index.jsp). In May 2004, an outside expert panel appointed by the Agency agreed with EPA's interpretation of the NTP study.

In June 2004, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also evaluated the NTP study and several other EGBE studies. That Agency's expert panel concluded that EGBE is not classifiable as to human cancer because there is inadequate evidence in humans and limited evidence in animals. That finding parallels EPA's conclusion that the tumors found in lifetime animal studies of EGBE are not relevant to humans. As both EPA and IARC noted, these conclusions are supported by extensive experimental work on EGBE sponsored by the Panel that was conducted at the Indiana University Medical Center and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

EPA's Delisting of EGBE

On November 18, 2004, EPA removed EGBE from the Clean Air Act (CAA) list of HAPs. EGBE is thus no longer subject to Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT), residual risk, and other specific requirements found in the CAA.

EPA's decision to delist EGBE means that many companies that use EGBE in product formulation can do so without being subject to requirements considered inappropriate for this chemical. In announcing its decision, EPA said: "This action creates incentives for industry to use EGBE instead of other more toxic solvents." Like most solvents, EGBE continues to be regulated as a volatile organic compound (VOC) and thus its emissions must be reported on the Toxics Release Inventory.

EPA's announcement, Fact Sheet, Final Rule Federal Register, and related documents finding the NTP mouse tumors not relevant to man are available at: http://www.epa.gov/airlinks/airlinks3.html.

EPA is directed under the CAA to delist HAPs if there are "adequate data on the health and environmental effects of the substance to determine that emissions, ambient concentrations, bioaccumulation or deposition of the substance may not reasonably be anticipated to cause any adverse effects to human health or adverse environmental effects." CAA Section 112(b)(3)(C).

Applying this standard, said the Agency: "After extensively reviewing the levels of EGBE in the air Americans breathe and the health and environmental impacts associated with those levels, EPA has concluded that potential outdoor exposures to EGBE may not reasonably be anticipated to cause human health or environmental problems."

In its proposed rule, EPA had found wide margins of safety ("Hazard Quotients") between estimated maximum exposures and lowest toxicity effect levels. The Agency found maximum human exposures would be 16 to 50 times lower than the lowest level expected to pose any risk to human health. Thus, EPA concluded: "[W]e judge that the potential for human health and environmental effects [from EGBE] is sufficiently low to provide reasonable assurance that such adverse effects will not occur." See: 68 Fed. Reg. 65648 (Nov. 21, 2003).

The Glycol Ether Panel filed the EGBE petition in August 1997. EPA issued its proposed rule on November 21, 2003. The Agency received 15 favorable comments. Only three short comments, which according to EPA contained no substantive information, opposed delisting.

The delisting of EGBE corrects an over-inclusive listing of HAPs by Congress more than a decade ago. In the early 1980's, animal studies on the lowest molecular weight ethylene glycol ethers (EGME and EGEE and their acetates) raised issues about their potential reproductive and developmental toxicity. Subsequent animal studies showed that EGBE does not cause such toxicity. Nonetheless, those issues about EGME and EGEE caused a category of all ethylene glycol ethers to be included when Congress listed as HAPs 189 chemicals in the 1990 CAA Amendments.

As noted above, EPA reviewed the lifetime rodent studies conducted in the 1990's by the NTP. The Agency's Delisting Fact Sheet says the reviews by Agency scientists and a peer review panel concluded: "[H]umans do not exhibit the cell changes that lead to the EGBE-related types of tumors seen in mice. Without these cell changes, tumors do not occur." Thus, says the Agency: "EPA concluded that humans cannot reasonably be anticipated to develop tumors from environmental concentrations of EGBE."

Other Expert Reviews of EGBE

Other governments and independent expert groups have reviewed the EGBE database.

Agreeing with EPA that the tumors in the NTP study were due to mechanisms not relevant to man, the European Union (EU) expert committee on chemical labeling has determined that EGBE does not pose risks of cancer for which warning labels are appropriate. The EU is currently conducting a risk assessment on EGBE and its acetate. This is expected to be complete in 2005.

The Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Advisory Panel reaffirmed their 1996 review in 2002 that EGBE is "safe in hair and nail products at concentrations up to 10.0%." Like the EU and EPA, the CIR reviewed the NTP study and found it not relevant to human risk.

Only the Canadian Ministry of Health is known to have found rodent tumors in the NTP study of EGBE possibly relevant to humans. In 2003, Canada raised questions about the relevance of the mouse tumors. The Canadian assessment is at: www.ec.gc.ca/cceb1/eng/public/glyclos_e.html

EGBE in the Environment

EGBE's characteristics when released to land, water or air have also been studied, as have potential effects on the environment (Staples, C.A., et al. Ethylene Glycol Ethers: An Environmental Risk Assessment. Chemosphere 36(7), 1585-1613 (1998)).

EGBE moves to water because of its high solubility, low volatility and minimal tendency to bind to soil or sediment. In water, it will degrade rapidly — its half-life is shown as less than two weeks. Studies using a variety of protocols have found EGBE meets the U.S. EPA definition of "readily" biodegradable in both aerobic surface waters and under typical waste treatment plant conditions. In the air, EGBE has been shown to have a half-life of less than two days.

EGBE has been found to cause toxicity in fish and other organisms only at the high concentrations. These concentrations are high enough so that EGBE can be classified in U.S. EPA's "practically non-toxic" category. Tests with algae, yeast, protozoa, bacteria and fungi also provide evidence that EGBE would not be expected to cause adverse environmental effects except at concentrations well above any that have been found in the environment. The Canadian Government in 2003 found that EGBE would not cause harmful effects on the environment.

EPA's review and decision removing EGBE from the CAA list of HAPs also found EGBE emission unlikely to cause any adverse effects on the environment.

Occupational Exposure Limits (2004 Values for EGBE)

Advisory and regulatory groups around the world have established occupational exposure limits for EGBE and cautioned against skin contact. Some groups' limits are provided below. Consult listed groups for further information on these limit values.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH TLV, USA)
 20 ppm
 97 mg/m3
 
Permissible Exposure Limit (OSHA - PEL, USA)
 50 ppm
 242 mg/m3
 
Indicative Limit Value (ILV - EU)
 20 ppm
 97 mg/m3
 
Maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentration (MAK- Germany)
 20 ppm
 97 mg/m3
 
Occupational Exposure Standard (OES - UK)
 20 ppm
 121 mg/m3
 
EGBE air concentrations measured in a number of workplaces show levels are typically well below these limits.

For further information on EGBE toxicity, refer to the following documents:

Boatman RJ and Knaak JB, Patty's Toxicology, Chapter 86 John Wiley and Sons (2001); and Boatman RJ. Corley RA, Green T, Klaunig JE and Udden MM, Review of the Tumorogenicity of 2-Butoxethanol in B6C3F1 Mice and its Relevance for Human Risk Assessment, J. Tox. Env. Health, Part B, 7:385-398 (2004).

This document summarizes information from the technical, scientific literature and is intended for reference by medical, scientific and regulatory personnel. The Ethylene and Propylene Glycol Ethers Panel of the American Chemistry Council and its member companies believe that this document is, as of the date of its publication, a technically accurate summary of available scientific information. However, the Panel and its member companies do not make any warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information presented and assume no responsibility or liability for its use. New information may be developed subsequent to the publication of this summary, which may render the summary incomplete or inaccurate. The Panel and its member companies assume no responsibility to amend, revise, retract, or update the summary to reflect any such information that may become available after its publication.

June 2005

This information is brought to you by the member companies of the American Chemistry Council Ethylene and Propylene Glycol Ethers (EGE/PGE) Panel: Arch Chemicals Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Equistar Chemicals, LP, and Lyondell Chemical Company.

Ethylene glycol ethers are a group of chemicals with a wide variety of uses. Primary uses include solvents in paints, cleaners and inks. Some ethylene glycol ethers are recommended for use only in industrial applications; others have wide use in industrial, commercial and consumer applications.

All the commercially marketed ethylene glycol ethers have been tested in animal studies to assess potential toxicity to humans. Summaries of toxicity studies of ethylene glycol ethers conducted by numerous government, academic and industry researchers are available in Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Fifth Edition, Volume 7, Chapter 86 (2001) and in ECETOC Technical Report No. 64, The Toxicology of Glycol Ethers and Its Relevance to Man (2005). These data have been used to develop recommendations for use.

Ethylene glycol ethers have received some media attention and are included on some government lists of hazardous substances because the smallest molecular weight ethylene glycol ethers were found to cause adverse male and female reproductive effects and birth defects in rodent studies. Those particular ethylene glycol ethers have not been used in consumer products in the United States for the past 20 years. Other glycol ethers have been tested similarly, have been found not to cause such effects, and are used in a wide variety of products.

ETHYLENE GLYCOL ETHERS INFORMATION UPDATE

The Environmental Characteristics
of Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (EGBE)

The available scientific data show that ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE), a widely used solvent for many applications, is not persistent in the environment, does not bioaccumulate, is practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms, and therefore causes little or no adverse environmental impact. These characteristics complement EGBE's other attributes: minimal if any potential for adverse effects on humans when recommended precautions are followed, and a unique ability to serve as a solvent for both polar and non-polar compounds.

Physical Properties

EGBE tends to remain dissolved in water because of its low volatility (vapor pressure between 0.6 and 0.88 mm Hg) and minimal tendency to bind to soil (log Kow of 0.81 to 0.83). When dissolved in water, EGBE will accumulate only negligibly in aquatic organisms (calculated bioconcentration factor of 2.5).

Degradation

EGBE does not persist in the environment. In air, it has a half-life of less than two days; in water, its half-life is less than two weeks. Studies using a variety of protocols classify EGBE as "readily" or "inherently" biodegradable in both aerobic surface waters and under typical waste treatment plant conditions.

Aquatic Toxicity

Results from tests with EGBE on aquatic organisms fall into EPA's "practically non-toxic" category. Acute toxicity tests in seven different fish have found all lethal concentrations (LC50's) to be at least 800 milligrams/liter (mg/L); tests with aquatic invertebrates found LC50's of at least 500 mg/L. Tests with algae, yeast, protozoa, bacteria and fungi also show that EGBE will not cause adverse effects except at very high concentrations.

Putting It All Together

Because of its physical properties, most EGBE released to the environment is reasonably expected to remain in the water column, where it will rapidly degrade. As a result, EGBE appears not to be persistent and its concentration in the environment is very unlikely ever to be high. Adverse effects upon fish or other aquatic organisms will thus be near to non-existent. Indeed, all reported levels of EGBE in the environment are below concentrations at which toxicity would occur. In sum, EGBE is a not persistent, not bioaccumulative, "practically non-toxic" — a solvent that thus offers desirable environmental attributes.

This document summarizes information from the technical, scientific literature and is intended for reference by medical, scientific and regulatory personnel. The Ethylene and Propylene Glycol Ethers Panel of the American Chemistry Council and its member companies believe that this document is, as of the date of its publication, a technically accurate summary of available scientific information. However, the Panel and its member companies do not make any warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information presented and assume no responsibility or liability for its use. New information may be developed subsequent to the publication of this summary, which may render the summary incomplete or inaccurate. The Panel and its member companies assume no responsibility to amend, revise, retract, or update the summary to reflect any such information that may become available after its publication.

乙二醇單丁醚（EGBE）是一種用途廣泛的化學產品而且在各種領域使用了50多年。它是一種特效溶劑
，既可以用在水基物質中使用，也可以用於油基物質。

對乙二醇單丁醚的毒性也進行過大範圍的研究。政府和獨立組織都曾使用這些數據
，來確定在低於這些數值的情況下，是沒有毒性的。

2004年11月18日，美國環境保護局（EPA）在對化合物的毒性和已經公布的數據進行了全麵審查之後，宣布乙二醇單丁醚不再屬於有害空氣汙染物（HAPs）名單（2004年11月29日，聯邦記錄第69卷）上的有害物質。在宣布這一決定的時候，環境保護局助理副局長勃倫納說
，將乙二醇單丁醚從有害汙染物名單上刪除“不但給使用低毒性化合物和對環境危害較輕化合物的行業帶來了生機，也促使人們把注意力放到那些真正有毒性的化合物上。” 

目前專家對乙二醇單丁醚毒性的審查

環境保護局曾經在過去三年中幾次對乙二醇單丁醚進行審查。環保局在1999年就采用了一套針對乙二醇單丁醚的參照濃度（RfC）。該參照濃度設定為每立方米13haoke，zheshiyujiduirenzhongshengwuhaideshuiping
，jishishiduirongyiguominderenyetongyangshiyong。huanjingbaohujuzaishenzhazhongfaxian，yierchundandingmijibushichanshengduxingdezhuyaoyuanyin
，yebushidaozhiduxingkuodadezhuyaoyuanyin，tongshiyinweihuanjingbaohujubatalieweifeiyoudaoyoujitichanshengtubiandewuzhi
，tasihuyebuhuiyinfarenleideaizheng。huanjingbaohujufaxian，zaishiyanzhongdaduoshuniechidongwudemingxianfanyingshirongxuexianxiang，eryouyurenleidehongxibaodikangligengqiang
，zhezhongxiaoguozairenleishenshangdeyingxiangbuda。huanbaojushiyongleyigezhenduiyierchundandingmideshenglidaixiedonglixue（PBPK）模型，顯示出對人類的紅細胞產生影響，引發溶血現象的劑量要大得多
，而在正常狀態下不會達到那種劑量。 

在環境保護局的那些初步的審查以後
，美國國家毒理學規劃處（NTP）也ye完wan成cheng了le乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi在zai鼠shu科ke動dong物wu身shen上shang進jin行xing的de壽shou命ming研yan究jiu試shi驗yan。雖sui然ran在zai試shi驗yan中zhong有you些xie老lao鼠shu身shen上shang長chang出chu了le過guo多duo的de腫zhong瘤liu，這zhe個ge實shi驗yan以yi及ji後hou來lai國guo家jia毒du理li學xue規gui劃hua處chu進jin行xing的de輔fu助zhu實shi驗yan，全quan都dou證zheng明ming導dao致zhi腫zhong瘤liu產chan生sheng的de機ji製zhi
，不bu可ke能neng在zai人ren類lei身shen上shang產chan生sheng類lei似si的de效xiao果guo。

環保局在2004年11月將乙二醇單丁醚從有害空氣汙染物名單上取消的時候

，重申了它的每立方米13毫hao克ke的de參can照zhao濃nong度du的de有you效xiao性xing。有you關guan有you害hai空kong氣qi汙wu染ran物wu名ming單dan的de詳xiang細xi情qing況kuang，請qing看kan下xia文wen。正zheng中zhong該gai決jue定ding所suo說shuo的de，環huan保bao局ju最zui近jin的de審shen查zha包bao括kuo了le國guo家jia毒du理li學xue規gui劃hua處chu的de說shuo明ming性xing實shi驗yan
，並bing得de出chu結jie論lun說shuo
，該gai局ju的de1999年參照濃度對預防人類癌變的風險是“足夠的”。環境保護局推斷，在老鼠身上產生腫瘤的機製不會讓人類冒類似的風險。參看：環境保護局第0028號文件OAR-2003-0188號摘要（http：//docket.epa.gov/edkpub/index.jsp）。2004年5月

，環保局委任的一個局外專家小組，也同意環境保護局對國家毒理學規劃處的研究結果進行的說明。

2004年6月，世界衛生組織的國際腫瘤研究機構（IARC）也(ye)評(ping)估(gu)了(le)國(guo)家(jia)毒(du)理(li)學(xue)規(gui)劃(hua)處(chu)的(de)研(yan)究(jiu)結(jie)果(guo)，同(tong)時(shi)也(ye)對(dui)其(qi)它(ta)幾(ji)個(ge)針(zhen)對(dui)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)的(de)研(yan)究(jiu)結(jie)果(guo)進(jin)行(xing)了(le)評(ping)估(gu)。該(gai)組(zu)織(zhi)的(de)專(zhuan)家(jia)小(xiao)組(zu)得(de)出(chu)結(jie)論(lun)，乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)不(bu)應(ying)劃(hua)分(fen)到(dao)導(dao)致(zhi)人(ren)類(lei)癌(ai)變(bian)的(de)類(lei)別(bie)，因(yin)為(wei)沒(mei)有(you)充(chong)分(fen)的(de)人(ren)身(shen)實(shi)驗(yan)證(zheng)據(ju)，在(zai)動(dong)物(wu)身(shen)上(shang)得(de)出(chu)的(de)實(shi)驗(yan)數(shu)據(ju)也(ye)很(hen)有(you)限(xian)。這(zhe)一(yi)結(jie)論(lun)，與(yu)環(huan)境(jing)保(bao)護(hu)局(ju)在(zai)動(dong)物(wu)身(shen)上(shang)進(jin)行(xing)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)壽(shou)命(ming)實(shi)驗(yan)並(bing)發(fa)現(xian)腫(zhong)瘤(liu)
，並(bing)得(de)出(chu)人(ren)類(lei)並(bing)不(bu)會(hui)因(yin)此(ci)發(fa)生(sheng)癌(ai)變(bian)的(de)結(jie)論(lun)桴(fu)鼓(gu)相(xiang)應(ying)。正(zheng)如(ru)環(huan)境(jing)保(bao)護(hu)局(ju)和(he)國(guo)際(ji)腫(zhong)瘤(liu)研(yan)究(jiu)機(ji)構(gou)共(gong)同(tong)指(zhi)出(chu)的(de)那(na)樣(yang)，這(zhe)些(xie)結(jie)論(lun)的(de)背(bei)後(hou)，有(you)大(da)範(fan)圍(wei)的(de)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)實(shi)驗(yan)相(xiang)支(zhi)持(chi)

，這(zhe)些(xie)實(shi)驗(yan)都(dou)是(shi)由(you)印(yin)第(di)安(an)納(na)大(da)學(xue)醫(yi)學(xue)中(zhong)心(xin)和(he)太(tai)平(ping)洋(yang)西(xi)北(bei)國(guo)家(jia)實(shi)驗(yan)室(shi)主(zhu)持(chi)的(de)。

環境保護局對乙二醇單丁醚的除名

2004年11月18日，環境保護局將乙二醇單丁醚從《清潔空氣法》（CAA）規定的有害空氣汙染物名單上除名。從此乙二醇單丁醚不再受《清潔空氣法》中規定的最大化控製技術 （MACT）、殘餘物風險和其它特別要求的限製。

環(huan)境(jing)保(bao)護(hu)局(ju)將(jiang)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)除(chu)名(ming)的(de)決(jue)定(ding)意(yi)味(wei)著(zhe)許(xu)多(duo)在(zai)生(sheng)產(chan)過(guo)程(cheng)中(zhong)使(shi)用(yong)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)的(de)公(gong)司(si)可(ke)以(yi)放(fang)開(kai)手(shou)腳(jiao)，不(bu)再(zai)受(shou)原(yuan)來(lai)那(na)些(xie)對(dui)這(zhe)種(zhong)化(hua)學(xue)產(chan)品(pin)的(de)種(zhong)種(zhong)不(bu)當(dang)要(yao)求(qiu)的(de)限(xian)製(zhi)。在(zai)宣(xuan)布(bu)這(zhe)一(yi)決(jue)定(ding)的(de)同(tong)時(shi)，環(huan)境(jing)保(bao)護(hu)局(ju)說(shuo)道(dao)：“這一行動將為使用乙二醇單丁醚代替其它毒性較強的溶劑的行業帶來生機。”和許多溶劑一樣，乙二醇單丁醚還會被當作揮發性有機化合物（VOC）進行管理，它的排放必須由“有毒物質排放清單”做出彙報。

環境保護局的公告、情況說明書、最終法案聯邦公告、以及國家毒理學規劃處老鼠腫瘤對人類沒有影響的有關報告可以在以下網頁中找到：http://www.caa.gov/airlinks/airlinks3.html。

環境保護局得到指示，根據《清潔空氣法》將有關物質從有害空氣汙染物名單上除名
，隻要該物質“有足夠的對健康和環境產生的影響的數據證明，該物質的排放
、在周圍環境中的集結、在生物體內的積累或者沉積不會對損害人體健康或者對環境帶來不良影響。”《清潔空氣法》第112條（b）（3）（C）款。

在執行這條標準的過程中
，環保局宣布：“zaiduimeiguojuminhuxidekongqizhonggezhongnongdudeyierchundandingmijinxingquanmiandeshenzha，bingduixiangyingnongduduijiankanghehuanjingdeyingxiangjinxingquanmiandeshenzhazhihou

，huanjingbaohujudechujielun

，yierchundandingmideqianzailutianbaolubuhuigeirenleidejiankangshaohuanjingdailaikenengdeweihai。” 

環境保護局在它的法規提案裏麵
，在受影響的最大值和最低毒性作用水平之間，為安全性（“危害商數”）規定了範圍很廣的機動處理權力。環保局發現人體接觸的次數應當比預計的沒有健康風險的次數低16到50次。因此，環境保護局做出結論：“本局認為[乙二醇單丁醚] 對人類健康和環境影響的潛在作用非常的弱，因此有理由認為這類不良影響不會產生。”參見（2003年11月21日）聯邦公告68-65648號文件。

乙二醇醚研究小組於1997年8月完成了乙二醇單丁醚的情況報告。環境保護局於2003年11月21日提交了它的規定提案
，隨後收到了15條讚同意見。反對意見隻有三條
，內容也不多
，都是批評環境保護局沒有提供實質性的資料，反對除名的意見。 

將(jiang)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)從(cong)名(ming)單(dan)上(shang)刪(shan)除(chu)
，糾(jiu)正(zheng)了(le)有(you)害(hai)空(kong)氣(qi)汙(wu)染(ran)物(wu)名(ming)單(dan)過(guo)長(chang)的(de)弊(bi)病(bing)，這(zhe)個(ge)名(ming)單(dan)是(shi)十(shi)多(duo)年(nian)前(qian)由(you)國(guo)會(hui)製(zhi)定(ding)的(de)。早(zao)在(zai)二(er)十(shi)世(shi)紀(ji)八(ba)十(shi)年(nian)代(dai)初(chu)期(qi)
， 在動物身上進行的最簡單的乙二醇醚化合物（乙二醇甲醚
、乙二醇乙醚及其醋酸鹽）的de研yan究jiu
，產chan生sheng了le一yi些xie有you關guan這zhe些xie化hua學xue品pin可ke能neng的de毒du性xing再zai生sheng和he擴kuo展zhan的de可ke能neng性xing的de報bao告gao。後hou續xu的de動dong物wu研yan究jiu顯xian示shi，乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi並bing不bu會hui產chan生sheng這zhe種zhong毒du性xing。盡jin管guan這zhe樣yang
，那na些xie關guan於yu乙yi二er醇chun甲jia醚mi和he乙yi二er醇chun乙yi醚mi的de報bao告gao還hai是shi讓rang所suo有you類lei別bie的de乙yi二er醇chun醚mi上shang了le國guo會hui的de黑hei名ming單dan
，名ming列lie1990年《清潔空氣法》修正案中提到的189種有害空氣汙染物之中。

正如上麵所提到的
，環境保護局重新審查了國家毒理學規劃處1990年對齧齒動物的壽命研究。環保局除名情況說明書中說
，環保局的科學家和同級的研究小組做出結論：“沒mei有you現xian象xiang表biao明ming

，雖sui然ran乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi及ji其qi同tong類lei化hua合he物wu會hui在zai老lao鼠shu身shen上shang產chan生sheng腫zhong瘤liu
，但dan不bu會hui導dao致zhi人ren體ti發fa生sheng癌ai變bian。既ji然ran沒mei有you癌ai變bian


，也ye就jiu不bu會hui產chan生sheng腫zhong瘤liu。”因此，環保局宣布：“環境保護局得出結論，人類不會由於乙二醇單丁醚在環境中的集中而引發腫瘤。”

其他專家對乙二醇單丁醚的審查

其它政府和獨立專家小組也對乙二醇單丁醚數據進行了審查。 

美國環境保護局對國家毒理學規劃處的腫瘤研究結果
，即類似機製不會對人體產生類似影響的結論
，得到歐盟（EU）化(hua)學(xue)製(zhi)品(pin)標(biao)簽(qian)專(zhuan)家(jia)委(wei)員(yuan)會(hui)的(de)讚(zan)同(tong)，該(gai)委(wei)員(yuan)會(hui)確(que)定(ding)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)不(bu)會(hui)產(chan)生(sheng)標(biao)簽(qian)上(shang)提(ti)示(shi)的(de)致(zhi)癌(ai)可(ke)能(neng)。歐(ou)盟(meng)正(zheng)在(zai)對(dui)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)及(ji)其(qi)醋(cu)酸(suan)鹽(yan)進(jin)行(xing)風(feng)險(xian)評(ping)估(gu)，評(ping)估(gu)工(gong)作(zuo)有(you)望(wang)於(yu)2005年完成。

美國化妝品成分審查委員會（CIR）專家建議小組在2002年對他們1996年的研究報告做了審查
，得出的結果為“如果頭發和指甲用品中的乙二醇單丁醚濃度不超過10.0%
，都是安全的。” 與歐盟和環境保護局一樣

，美國化妝品成分審查委員會審查了國家毒理學規劃處的研究，同樣認為對人體無害。

目前已知，隻有加拿大衛生部在國家毒理學規劃處的乙二醇單丁醚齧齒動物腫瘤研究中發現，乙二醇單丁醚可能會對人類帶來危害。2003年，加拿大提出針對老鼠出腫瘤的質疑。加拿大的評估發表在網站：www.ec.gc.ca/cceb1/eng/public/glyclos_e.html 上。

環境中的乙二醇單丁醚

對乙二醇單丁醚排放到土壤
、水和空氣中以後表現出來的特性

，以及它對環境的影響已經進行過研究（主要成份C.A.，以及其它：乙二醇醚：環境風險評估。臭氧層36（7）, 1585-1613 （1998））。

乙二醇單丁醚由於其高溶解性
、低揮發性和不易與土壤或沉積物結合的特性，因而大多聚集在水中，而在水裏的時候，它的降解速度很快——其半衰期不到兩個星期。通過各種實驗方案進行的研究表明，乙二醇單丁醚不論是在有氧的水麵、或者是在典型的廢物處理廠條件下，都符合美國環境保護局關於“易於”生物降解的規定。在空氣中，已經發現乙二醇單丁醚的半衰期不到兩天。

zhiyouzainongduhengaodeqingkuangxiayierchundandingmicaihuiduiyuleiheqitashengwuchanshengduxing
，zhezhongqingkuangyouyuduiyierchundandingmidenongduyaoqiufeichanggao，suoyiyibeilierumeiguohuanjingshude“特殊無毒”類別。通過對海藻、酵母菌、原生動物、細xi菌jun以yi及ji黴mei菌jun蛋dan白bai酶mei的de測ce試shi，同tong樣yang證zheng明ming乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi不bu會hui給gei環huan境jing帶dai來lai不bu良liang影ying響xiang，除chu非fei環huan境jing中zhong的de乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi濃nong度du大da大da高gao於yu曆li史shi記ji錄lu。加jia拿na大da政zheng府fu在zai2003年也發現乙二醇單丁醚不會對環境帶來危害。Tracy

隻(zhi)有(you)在(zai)濃(nong)度(du)很(hen)高(gao)的(de)情(qing)況(kuang)下(xia)，才(cai)發(fa)現(xian)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)會(hui)對(dui)魚(yu)類(lei)和(he)其(qi)它(ta)生(sheng)物(wu)產(chan)生(sheng)毒(du)性(xing)
，在(zai)這(zhe)種(zhong)情(qing)況(kuang)下(xia)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)的(de)濃(nong)度(du)之(zhi)高(gao)，已(yi)經(jing)可(ke)以(yi)被(bei)列(lie)入(ru)美(mei)國(guo)環(huan)境(jing)保(bao)護(hu)局(ju)“完全無毒（practically non-toxic）”的類別。通過對海藻
、酵母菌、原生動物、細xi菌jun以yi及ji黴mei菌jun蛋dan白bai酶mei的de測ce試shi，同tong樣yang證zheng明ming乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi不bu會hui給gei環huan境jing帶dai來lai不bu良liang影ying響xiang，除chu非fei環huan境jing中zhong的de乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi濃nong度du大da大da高gao於yu曆li史shi記ji錄lu。加jia拿na大da政zheng府fu在zai2003年也發現乙二醇單丁醚不會對環境帶來危害。

環境保護局的審查以及將乙二醇單丁醚從《清潔空氣法》有害空氣汙染物名單上取消，同樣也是因為乙二醇單丁醚的排放不可能給予環境還來不良影響。

職業接觸極限（2004年製定的乙二醇單丁醚值）

世(shi)界(jie)各(ge)地(di)的(de)指(zhi)導(dao)和(he)規(gui)章(zhang)製(zhi)定(ding)機(ji)構(gou)已(yi)經(jing)對(dui)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)單(dan)丁(ding)醚(mi)製(zhi)定(ding)出(chu)了(le)職(zhi)業(ye)接(jie)觸(chu)極(ji)限(xian)值(zhi)，並(bing)規(gui)定(ding)了(le)皮(pi)膚(fu)接(jie)觸(chu)警(jing)告(gao)值(zhi)。某(mou)些(xie)機(ji)構(gou)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)如(ru)下(xia)表(biao)所(suo)示(shi)。可(ke)以(yi)谘(zi)詢(xun)下(xia)表(biao)中(zhong)列(lie)出(chu)的(de)機(ji)構(gou)，以(yi)獲(huo)得(de)有(you)關(guan)這(zhe)些(xie)極(ji)限(xian)值(zhi)的(de)更(geng)詳(xiang)細(xi)信(xin)息(xi)。

美國政府工業衛生工作者會議（ACGIH TLV，美國）
 20 ppm
 97 mg/m3
 
允許接觸極限（美國職業安全與衛生管理局 – PEL，美國）
 50 ppm
 242 mg/m3
 
極限值說明（ILV - 歐盟）
 20 ppm
 97 mg/m3
 
工作場所最大允許濃度（MAK- 德國）
 20 ppm
 97 mg/m3
 
職業接觸標準（OES – 英國）
 20 ppm
 121 mg/m3
 
在各種各樣的工作場地中測量到的乙二醇單丁醚空氣濃度，都大大低於上述極限值。

關於乙二醇單丁醚毒性的更詳細的信息，請參考以下文獻：

R·J·波特曼和J·B·肯納克，餡餅毒理學，第86章，約翰·威利父子公司2001年出版；R·J·波特曼、R·A·克雷
、T·格林、J·E·克勞寧和M·M·烏登
，對B6C3F1老鼠乙二醇單丁醚誘發腫瘤病理的審查
，以及該病理對人類健康風險評估的價值
，J·托克斯，《衛生》（英文版B部分，7：385-398（2004）。

本文總結了技術和科技文獻的資料，對醫學、科(ke)研(yan)和(he)規(gui)章(zhang)製(zhi)定(ding)的(de)人(ren)員(yuan)起(qi)到(dao)參(can)考(kao)作(zuo)用(yong)。美(mei)國(guo)化(hua)學(xue)品(pin)委(wei)員(yuan)會(hui)的(de)乙(yi)烯(xi)基(ji)和(he)丙(bing)烯(xi)基(ji)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)醚(mi)研(yan)究(jiu)小(xiao)組(zu)及(ji)其(qi)會(hui)員(yuan)公(gong)司(si)認(ren)為(wei)，這(zhe)個(ge)文(wen)件(jian)，包(bao)括(kuo)文(wen)件(jian)公(gong)布(bu)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)，都(dou)是(shi)根(gen)據(ju)現(xian)有(you)科(ke)學(xue)資(zi)料(liao)所(suo)得(de)出(chu)的(de)最(zui)準(zhun)確(que)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)。 但是該小組及其會員公司不會對所公布數據的完整性和準確性做任何承諾
、說(shuo)明(ming)或(huo)者(zhe)暗(an)示(shi)，也(ye)不(bu)會(hui)為(wei)這(zhe)些(xie)數(shu)據(ju)的(de)使(shi)用(yong)承(cheng)擔(dan)責(ze)任(ren)和(he)義(yi)務(wu)。這(zhe)個(ge)摘(zhai)要(yao)的(de)後(hou)續(xu)實(shi)驗(yan)會(hui)產(chan)生(sheng)新(xin)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)
，並(bing)對(dui)摘(zhai)要(yao)中(zhong)不(bu)完(wan)全(quan)和(he)不(bu)正(zheng)確(que)的(de)地(di)方(fang)進(jin)行(xing)修(xiu)正(zheng)。該(gai)小(xiao)組(zu)及(ji)其(qi)會(hui)員(yuan)公(gong)司(si)在(zai)摘(zhai)要(yao)出(chu)版(ban)以(yi)後(hou)
，沒(mei)有(you)對(dui)摘(zhai)要(yao)中(zhong)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)進(jin)行(xing)修(xiu)改(gai)
、校正、取消或者更新的義務和責任。

2005年6月

本資料由美國化學品委員會乙烯基和丙烯基乙二醇醚小組及其會員公司發表：奧麒化工、道化學公司、伊斯特曼化學公司、埃魁斯特化學公司、LP和利安德化學公司。

乙二醇醚是一組應用非常廣泛的化學製品，其主要用途包括：塗料溶劑、清潔劑和墨水等。某些乙二醇醚隻用於工業用途；其它乙二醇醚廣泛地應用於工業
、商業用途和消費品。

所有投入商業市場的乙二醇醚都在動物身上進行過潛在毒性的研究。這些乙二醇醚研究的摘要由很多政府部門、學術單位和工業研究人員管理

，其內容可以在《餡餅業的衛生和毒理》（2001年第五版第七卷第86章）和歐洲生態毒理學和毒理學中心（ECETOC）技術報告（2005年第64號乙二醇醚的毒性及其對人體的影響）。這些數據已經用於產品的使用說明。

yierchunmiyijingshoudaomeitideguanzhu
，bingbeilierumouxiezhengfudeyouhaiwuzhimingdan，yuanyinshifaxianmoerliangzuixiaodeyierchunmikenenghuiduinanxinghenvxingshengzhichanshengbuliangyingxiang
，bingtongguoduiniechidongwudeyanjiufaxiantaduidongwudechushenghuichanshengbuliangyingxiang。zhexieyierchunmizaimeiguoguoquershinianzhongyizhiyongyuxiaofeipin。qitadeyierchunmiyejingguotongyangdeceshi，danshifaxianbuhuichanshengleisideyingxiang，yinciyongyugengguangfandeyongtu。

乙二醇醚資料的更新

乙二醇單丁醚（EGBE）
 的環境特點

瑞有的科學數據顯示，乙二醇單丁醚（EGBE）這zhe種zhong用yong途tu廣guang泛fan的de化hua學xue產chan品pin，不bu會hui在zai環huan境jing中zhong長chang期qi存cun在zai，不bu會hui在zai生sheng物wu體ti內nei積ji累lei
，對dui水shui生sheng生sheng物wu完wan全quan無wu毒du
，因yin此ci對dui環huan境jing的de不bu良liang影ying響xiang極ji輕qing或huo者zhe根gen本ben沒mei有you。除chu了le上shang述shu特te點dian外wai
，乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi的de其qi它ta品pin質zhi還hai包bao括kuo：在(zai)按(an)照(zhao)規(gui)定(ding)操(cao)作(zuo)的(de)情(qing)況(kuang)下(xia)
，對(dui)人(ren)體(ti)的(de)不(bu)良(liang)影(ying)響(xiang)可(ke)以(yi)降(jiang)到(dao)最(zui)低(di)，同(tong)時(shi)它(ta)也(ye)具(ju)備(bei)獨(du)特(te)的(de)特(te)點(dian)，可(ke)以(yi)同(tong)時(shi)用(yong)於(yu)極(ji)性(xing)化(hua)合(he)物(wu)和(he)非(fei)極(ji)性(xing)化(hua)合(he)物(wu)的(de)溶(rong)劑(ji)。

物理性質

乙二醇單丁醚由於揮發性低（蒸汽壓力介於0.6和0.88毫米汞柱之間），易於溶解於水，並且不易與土壤結合（辛醇/水分配係數（log Kow）值為0.81至0.83）。在溶於水中時
，乙二醇單丁醚在水生生物體內的積累量可以忽略不計（計算出的生物積累量值為2.5）.

降解

乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi在zai環huan境jing中zhong不bu會hui持chi續xu存cun在zai。在zai空kong氣qi中zhong，它ta的de半ban衰shuai期qi不bu到dao兩liang天tian，在zai水shui中zhong的de半ban衰shuai期qi少shao於yu兩liang個ge星xing期qi。通tong過guo各ge種zhong實shi驗yan方fang法fa把ba乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi劃hua分fen為wei“易於”或者“天生”可生物降解的類別，這種分類同時適用於有氧的水麵、或者是在典型的廢物處理廠條件。

水生生物毒性

環境保護局將乙二醇單丁醚水生生物測試結果歸類為“完全無毒”。分別在七條魚身上進行的急性毒性測試表明
，致命濃度（半數致死劑量）應當至少達到800毫克/升（mg/L）
；對無脊椎動物的測試
，致命濃度（半數致死劑量）應當高於500 mg/L。在對藻類、酵母菌、原生動物和黴菌蛋白酶的測試，同樣說明除非在極高的濃度下，乙二醇單丁醚不會對環境造成不良影響。

綜述

由you於yu本ben身shen的de物wu理li性xing質zhi

，因yin為wei能neng夠gou快kuai速su降jiang解jie不bu會hui長chang時shi間jian保bao存cun在zai水shui中zhong，所suo以yi大da多duo數shu乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi都dou排pai放fang到dao環huan境jing中zhong。結jie果guo是shi

，乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi表biao現xian出chu不bu穩wen定ding性xing，而er且qie很hen難nan在zai環huan境jing中zhong積ji累lei到dao很hen高gao的de濃nong度du。對dui魚yu類lei和he水shui生sheng生sheng物wu的de不bu良liang影ying響xiang因yin此ci可ke以yi忽hu略lve。不bu過guo，有you關guan環huan境jing中zhong的de乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi的de各ge種zhong報bao告gao都dou是shi在zai大da大da低di於yu危wei害hai濃nong度du的de情qing況kuang下xia做zuo出chu的de。總zong而er言yan之zhi，乙yi二er醇chun單dan丁ding醚mi是shi一yi種zhong不bu穩wen定ding的de

、無生物積累的

、“完全無毒”的溶劑
，而且有令人滿意的環保特性。

本文總結了技術和科技文獻的資料
，對醫學
、科(ke)研(yan)和(he)規(gui)章(zhang)製(zhi)定(ding)的(de)人(ren)員(yuan)起(qi)到(dao)參(can)考(kao)作(zuo)用(yong)。美(mei)國(guo)化(hua)學(xue)品(pin)委(wei)員(yuan)會(hui)的(de)乙(yi)烯(xi)基(ji)和(he)丙(bing)烯(xi)基(ji)乙(yi)二(er)醇(chun)醚(mi)研(yan)究(jiu)小(xiao)組(zu)及(ji)其(qi)會(hui)員(yuan)公(gong)司(si)認(ren)為(wei)
，這(zhe)個(ge)文(wen)件(jian)

，包(bao)括(kuo)文(wen)件(jian)公(gong)布(bu)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)，都(dou)是(shi)根(gen)據(ju)現(xian)有(you)科(ke)學(xue)資(zi)料(liao)所(suo)得(de)出(chu)的(de)最(zui)準(zhun)確(que)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)。 但是該小組及其會員公司不會對所公布數據的完整性和準確性做任何承諾、說(shuo)明(ming)或(huo)者(zhe)暗(an)示(shi)
，也(ye)不(bu)會(hui)為(wei)這(zhe)些(xie)數(shu)據(ju)的(de)使(shi)用(yong)承(cheng)擔(dan)責(ze)任(ren)和(he)義(yi)務(wu)。這(zhe)個(ge)摘(zhai)要(yao)的(de)後(hou)續(xu)實(shi)驗(yan)會(hui)產(chan)生(sheng)新(xin)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)，並(bing)對(dui)摘(zhai)要(yao)中(zhong)不(bu)完(wan)全(quan)和(he)不(bu)正(zheng)確(que)的(de)地(di)方(fang)進(jin)行(xing)修(xiu)正(zheng)。該(gai)小(xiao)組(zu)及(ji)其(qi)會(hui)員(yuan)公(gong)司(si)在(zai)摘(zhai)要(yao)出(chu)版(ban)以(yi)後(hou)，沒(mei)有(you)對(dui)摘(zhai)要(yao)中(zhong)的(de)數(shu)據(ju)進(jin)行(xing)修(xiu)改(gai)
、校正、取消或者更新的義務和責任。