Substance Name: Triethylene glycol
Chemical Formula: C6H14O4
CAS Number: 112-27-6
Other Names: TEG, triglycol
Form: Clear, odorless, viscous liquid
Common Uses: Humectant, dehydrating agent in natural gas processing, solvent, ingredient in air sanitizer products
Main Concerns: Skin and eye irritation, slight respiratory and digestive tract irritation
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Major Symptoms: Redness or discomfort in eyes, mild skin irritation, upset stomach
Fire Hazard: Low flammability, will burn with strong heat
Long-Term Risk: Limited evidence for chronic effects in standard workplace exposure
Main Component: Triethylene glycol, typically above 99% concentration
Impurities: Monoethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in trace amounts, rarely above 1%
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, seek attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water, seek medical advice if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical help if significant amounts swallowed
Extinguishing Methods: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, alcohol foam, or dry chemical extinguishers
Fire Behavior: Burns only under significant fire exposure, main combustion products are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
Firefighter Precaution: Wear proper protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Risks: Heated containers may rupture, spilling liquid and increasing fire spread risk
Spill Response: Contain spill to prevent entry into drains or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Use absorbent materials like sand or vermiculite, shovel into containers
Personal Protection: Proper gloves and safety goggles, ventilated area
Environmental Precautions: Avoid large discharges into soil, water bodies, or sewers
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly closed containers, away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Temperature: Keep in cool, ventilated area to prevent degradation
Handling Practices: Use with proper ventilation; avoid skin and eye contact
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing near reactive chemicals, especially strong oxidizers and acids
Personal Protection: Gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing when handling large volumes
Ventilation: Use local exhaust or adequate ventilation in processing areas
Respiratory Protection: Not typically required unless high vapor levels or mist are generated
Occupational Limits: No strict OSHA PEL for TEG, keep exposures as low as reasonably practical
Appearance: Clear, colorless, nearly odorless liquid
Boiling Point: About 285°C
Melting Point: Slightly below -7°C
Molecular Weight: About 150.17 g/mol
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents
Density: Close to 1.12 g/mL at room temperature
Vapor Pressure: Low, does not readily form hazardous concentrations in standard conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable in normal storage and use
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning produces toxic gases like carbon monoxide
Reactive Situations: Avoid strong acids, oxidizers, and bases; excessive heating may break down product over time
Acute Toxicity: Low oral, inhalation, and dermal toxicity based on animal studies
Health Effects: Mild irritation on skin and eyes, possible nausea and dizziness after significant exposure
Sensitization: Not widely reported
Long-Term Exposure: Data does not show significant risk of cancer, mutagenicity, or reproductive harm based on current research
Environment Impact: Biodegradable in soil and water under normal conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: Low risk to aquatic organisms at concentrations found during typical use and accidental releases
Persistence: Does not persist in environment, breaks down through natural biological activity
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely, does not build up in animals or environment
Recommended Methods: Dispose through licensed waste contractor, incinerate or treat in chemical waste facility
Drain Disposal: Small amounts may be washed with plenty of water if local laws permit
Landfill Suitability: Avoid uncontrolled dumping, follow regional and national disposal regulations
Reuse: Recycle or recover product where possible instead of discarding
Shipping Class: Generally not classified as hazardous for transport
Packaging: Use leak-proof, chemical-resistant containers
Labeling: Mark according to local, national requirements for chemical substances
Handling in Transit: Prevent container damage or leakage during shipment, secure adequately
Global Regulations: Complies with REACH and TSCA requirements for chemical substances
Safety Assessment: No major restrictions in US, EU, Canada for most uses
Labelling Requirements: Provide hazard warnings and safe use instructions according to workplace regulations
Workplace Guidance: Follow Occupational Safety and Health guidelines for chemical handling; update training as standards evolve