What is 2-ethoxyethanol (CAS 110-80-5)? Safety, Regulation & EU/US/Canada Perspective

Sources: REACH SVHC Candidate List — European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · last fetched 2026-06-11

2-ethoxyethanol, also known by its CAS number 110-80-5, is a chemical substance used in various industrial and commercial applications. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor and is soluble in water and a range of organic solvents. 2-ethoxyethanol is used as a solvent, in the production of varnishes, paints, and coatings, as well as in the manufacture of dyes, inks, and cleaning agents.

What 2-ethoxyethanol is

2-ethoxyethanol is a glycol ether, a class of solvents that are known for their versatility and effectiveness in a range of applications. It is a relatively simple molecule, consisting of an ethoxy group attached to an ethanol molecule. This structure gives 2-ethoxyethanol its unique properties, including its solubility and volatility. 2-ethoxyethanol is also known by other names, including ethyl glycol, ethoxyethanol, and 2-ethoxyethanol.

Why regulators track it

Regulatory agencies around the world track 2-ethoxyethanol due to concerns about its potential impact on human health and the environment. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has listed 2-ethoxyethanol on the REACH SVHC Candidate List due to its potential to cause harm to human health. Specifically, 2-ethoxyethanol has been identified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its potential to cause reproductive toxicity. Substances on the SVHC Candidate List are subject to ECHA notification and supplier-communication duties, and may later be moved to Annex XIV, which would require authorization for their use.

European Union perspective

In the European Union, 2-ethoxyethanol is regulated under the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals). As a substance on the SVHC Candidate List, manufacturers and importers of 2-ethoxyethanol are required to notify ECHA and provide information about its use and safe handling. The EU has also established specific exposure limits for 2-ethoxyethanol in the workplace, to protect workers from its potential health effects.

United States perspective

In the United States, 2-ethoxyethanol is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA has established a range of regulations and guidelines for the use of 2-ethoxyethanol, including requirements for its safe handling and disposal. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also established permissible exposure limits for 2-ethoxyethanol in the workplace.

Canada perspective

In Canada, 2-ethoxyethanol is regulated by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada. The substance is listed on the Domestic Substances List, which requires manufacturers and importers to report on its use and provide information about its safe handling. Canada has also established exposure limits for 2-ethoxyethanol in the workplace, to protect workers from its potential health effects.

Where it shows up in consumer products

2-ethoxyethanol can be found in a range of consumer products, including paints and coatings, cleaning agents, and personal care products. It is often used as a solvent or additive, to improve the performance and stability of these products. However, its use in consumer products is subject to regulation and may be restricted in certain applications.

If you think you have been exposed

If you think you have been exposed to 2-ethoxyethanol, it is essential to seek medical attention from a doctor or occupational health specialist. They can assess your exposure and provide guidance on any necessary treatment or follow-up care. You can also contact a poison control center for advice and support. It is crucial to verify the information on the primary register of the relevant regulatory agency, such as ECHA, to get the most up-to-date and accurate information about 2-ethoxyethanol and its safe handling.

• For more information, visit the ECHA website to learn about the REACH regulation and the SVHC Candidate List.
• Consult the primary register of the relevant regulatory agency for the most up-to-date information on 2-ethoxyethanol.

Verify on the primary regulator's register

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) — REACH SVHC Candidate List →
• CAS Common Chemistry — CAS 110-80-5 →
• ECHA chemical search (CAS 110-80-5) →

If you have an exposure concern

If you suspect acute exposure, contact your poison-control centre. For long-term concerns, speak with a occupational-health physician or your family doctor. ProductGuru does not provide medical advice.

• US National Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) →
• EU national poison centres (ECHA directory) →
• Canada provincial poison centres (CAPCC) →

Same substance, other languages

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Disclaimer. This page indexes publicly-published regulatory data from ECHA, IARC, OEHHA, the Stockholm Convention Secretariat, and the European Commission. It is NOT medical, dietary, or legal advice and NOT a recommendation. Regulations change — verify each claim directly with the linked primary source before acting on it. No warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is made or implied. Affiliate disclosure (US FTC §255): some pages on this site contain eBay Partner Network links; we earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. For acute exposure concerns, contact a poison-control centre. For personal health concerns, consult a licensed medical professional.

This page is part of ProductGuru — an index of public regulatory data on chemical substances. It is not medical, dietary, or legal advice and is not a recommendation. Verify every fact at the linked primary regulator before acting on it. Affiliate disclosure (US FTC §255): pages on this site may carry eBay Partner Network links; we earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.