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Elements of Industrial Toxicology properties Because of its higher molecular weight, it is less volatile than Cellosolve or methyl Cellosolve There is little other in formation about the compound except that it produces inflammation of the kidneys and some blood changes on inhalation It also has an irritating effect on mucous membranes See Hygienic Guide Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (Cello solve) has approximately the same action as ethylene glycol but is considerably less toxic Since it has a low vapor pressure, it is not usually considered dangerous bv in halation except m the form of a mist See Hygienic Guide Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (methyl Cellosolve) Although clinical data are in adequate for valid comparisons, animal stu dies have shown that the acute toxicity of this compound is about twice that of ethy lene glycol, with similar toxic effects Cen tral nervous depression is observed, as with ethylene glycol, but kidney injury and hema turia (the passage of blood in the unne) are more marked Methyl Cellosolve evaporates more rapidly than the other commercially available glycol ethers and will penetrate intact skin Some workers who are exposed to this substance may suffer from anemia and nervous dis orders See Hygienic Guide Ethylene oxide (1,2-epoxyethane) is used mainly as a fumigant and as a chemical rea gent As a chemical reagent, it has proved hazardous in the production of explosively violent reactions with mercaptans and with alcohols As a fumigant, it is both toxic, mostly as a severe irritant to the respiratorv system including the lungs, and a cause of very' severe forms of dermatitis Applied directly to the skin, the liquid and its solutions in water are pnmarv irritants, about a 50 per cent water solution being the most irritating concentration By repeated applications, individuals become sensitized Three of eight volunteer subjects became sensitized in 19 to 20 days See Hygienic Guide Ethylenimine (azindine, dihydroazinne, dimethylenimme) It has been reported that inhalation of ethylenimine produce irrita tion of the entire respiratory tract as well as congestion, edema, and hemorrhage of the lungs Kidney damage was also noted The effect of inhalation may not be apparent for several hours The possibility of respiratory sensitization should be kept m mind Liquid ethyleni mine, a strong skin irritant and vesicant (winch may also produce sensitization), readily penetrates the skin and produces se vere systemic effects The liquid and vapor phases of ethylenimine are highly toxic, cor rosive, and flammable The odor of ethyleni mine may be detected at about 2 ppm but is not sufficiently alarming to serve as a warning Its lack of warning properties and delayed onset of symptoms make it especially hazard ous Complete capture of vapor by local exhaust ventilation is essential Protective clothing must be worn in order to prevent skin contact Ethyl ether is not primarily a toxicity hazard although it is an irritant m concentrations already m the lower narcotic range It is an accident hazard because of the confusion and changes in reflexes which are induced Inhalation of 3 5 per cent of ether for 30 or 40 minutes will produce unconsciousness At 7 0 to 7 5 per cent, irritation of the upper respiratory tract will produce coughing In dustrial exposures of 1000 to 2000 and even 3000 ppm have not been uncommon, but exposure below the TLV is readily obtained by usual engineering design See Industrial Data Sheet 396 and Hy gienic Guide Ethyl formate is a volatile, highly flam mable solvent with a mild, pleasant odor It is the least toxic of the formates which, in turn, are the least toxic of the simple aliphatic esters Ethyl formate is extremely irritat ing to the eyes and the upper respiratory tract Ethyl mercaptan, the sulfide ester of ethvl alcohol, is a foul-smelling gas used mainly for adding an odor to things which should be made noticeable Its effects are qualitatively the same as those of hvdrogen sulfide al though it is quantitatively substantially less toxic The odor is a good warning of toxic concentration Ethyl silicate (ethyl orthosihcate) is a mod- 1348