Toxic substances list: 2-butoxyethanol
2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE), also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, is a solvent (a liquid used for dissolving other substances) belonging to the glycol ether family. 2-BE is used in surface coatings, household cleaning products, herbicides, automobile brake fluids, printing inks, spot removers and cosmetics.
2-BE is not currently produced in Canada. It is imported for use mainly as a component of formulations, as part of consumer products or manufactured articles, and as a chemical processing aid. Based on the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), most reported environmental releases are to the atmosphere, with some minor releases to water.
Emissions of 2-BE from industry into the atmosphere are not in concentrations high enough to pose a health risk to Canadians. There is no evidence that emissions of 2-BE from industry are in concentrations high enough to pose risks to the environment; however, there is evidence of health effects when 2-BE is used in indoor settings.
2-BE was found to be harmful to human health under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 as it may contribute to the deterioration of red blood cells. In order to protect the health of Canadians, the Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations limit the concentration of 2-BE in cleaning, paint and coating products designed for indoor use. These limits apply to products that are offered for sale, sold, manufactured or imported in Canada.
CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number: 111-76-2
Risk assessment
- Priority Substances List Assessment Report
- Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that:
c) constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health. - Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
Sources
This substance is entering the environment from the following sources:
Risk management strategy
Click on the following link to view strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with the substance:
Risk management tools
Tools developed to manage risks associated with the substance:
- Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations
- Environmental Performance Agreement - Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (no longer in effect)
- Reference method for the analysis of 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) and other glycol ethers (GEs) in selected products (automotive and household cleaners, paints, paint strippers and solvents)
Consultation
Consultation (past) on the substance:
Performance evaluation
Environment and Climate Change Canada has evaluated the performance of the 2-Butoxyethanol Regulations (the Regulations) to determine if they are effective in protecting human health from products containing 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE). A summary of the study commissioned in 2020 to help with this evaluation can be found below:
Other information
Contact
Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca
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