Document ID (ISN) | 75560 |
CIS number |
00-1260 |
ISBN(s) |
92-4-153022-7 |
Year |
2000 |
Convention or series no. |
CICAD No.22
|
Author(s) |
Dobson S. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) |
Title |
Ethylene glycol: Environmental aspects |
Bibliographic information |
World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2000. iii, 24p. Illus. 88 ref. Price: CHF 13.00 (CHF 9.10 in developing countries). |
Internet access |
http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/en/cicad22.pdf [in English]
|
Abstract |
Two-thirds of the word production of ethylene glycol is used as a chemical intermediate and one-fourth as an antifreeze in engine coolants. It is also used as a runway de-icer in airports; in this case the local release is important. Tests show that ethylene glycol is readily biodegradable. Pure ethylene glycol has generally low toxicity in organisms; ethylene glycol-based de-icers however show greater toxicity. Studies in the vicinity of an airport have reported toxic signs in aquatic organisms, fish kills and reduced biodiversity, but these effects cannot be attributed with certainty to ethylene glycol. Terrestrial organisms are less exposed and show low sensitivity. The appropriate International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC) is given. Summaries in French and in Spanish. |
Descriptors (primary) |
IPCS; ecotoxicology; ethylene glycol |
Descriptors (secondary) |
toxic effects; literature survey; ILO; criteria document; WHO; animal experiments; lethal concentration 50; UNEP |
Document type |
B - Chemical safety information sheets |
Country / State or Province | WHO |
Subject(s) |
Environmental pollution
|
Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
Browse category(ies) |
Alcohols Pollution control Glycols
|