Ethylene glycol is described by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a colorless, syrupy liquid. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that ethylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water, is odorless, and has a sweet taste - although it is poisonous.
Antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes and boats are made with ethylene glycol. It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and inks used in stamp pads, ballpoint pens and print shops. Ethylene glycol can also be found in some air-conditioning systems and geothermal heating/cooling systems, and is an important precursor to polyester fibers and resins.
NIOSH states that ethylene glycol is used in many industries and gives examples of some workers that could be at risk of exposure. They include:
- Factory workers involved in the manufacture of polyester
- Workers who use certain solvents
- Employees working with heating and cooling systems
- Factory workers exposed to certain manufacturing processes
“According to NIOSH, ethylene glycol exposure can harm the eyes, skin, kidneys and respiratory system, and can cause death if swallowed,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “ATSDR reports exposure to large amounts of ethylene glycol can damage the kidneys, nervous system, lungs and heart. To help protect workers, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for ethylene glycol.”
Companies and institutions in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean that utilize ethylene glycol, and other potentially harmful chemicals, can turn to the professionals at Zimmetry Environmental for testing, monitoring, consulting and training services to identify and mitigate these occupational exposure risks. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about ethylene glycol and workplace exposure hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KPGnCIMNoYs
To learn more about Zimmetry's industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
— WebWireID291511 —
