Ethylene Glycol

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-010154",
  "term": "Ethylene Glycol",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Ethylene glycol is a useful industrial compound found in many consumer products, including automotive antifreeze, hydraulic brake fluids, some stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, plastics, films, and cosmetics; it also is used as a pharmaceutical vehicle. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste and is often accidentally or intentionally ingested. Ethylene glycol is chemically broken down in the body into toxic compounds. It and its toxic byproducts first affect the central nervous system (CNS), then the heart, and finally the kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts can be fatal. Ethylene glycol is odorless; odor does not provide any warning of inhalation exposure to hazardous concentrations.\n\n2. A colorless, odorless, viscous dihydroxy alcohol. It has a sweet taste, but is poisonous if ingested. Ethylene glycol is the most important glycol commercially available and is manufactured on a large scale in the United States. It is used as an antifreeze and coolant, in hydraulic fluids, and in the manufacture of low-freezing dynamites and resins.",
  "references": [
    "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NIOSH Home: The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database",
    "NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/ethylene-glycol/"
}