Risk Management – Brief Overview Toxic substances: 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 was found to be harmful to human health under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and may contribute to the deterioration of red blood cells. In order to protect the health of Canadians, the 2-Butoxyethanol Regulations came into force in 2007 limiting 2-BE in cleaning, paint and coating products designed for indoor use.

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Scope of the Regulations

These Regulations set concentration limits for 2-BE in products that are manufactured, imported or sold in Canada. 

The concentration limits do not apply to products intended for export only or to products for use:

• in a manufacturing or processing activity
• in a commercial paint or coating activity
• as a solvent in a laboratory for analysis
• in scientific research
• as a laboratory analytical standard 

The Regulations apply to final, ready-to-use products after being mixed or diluted according to the manufacturer’s written instructions.

Main requirements of the Regulations 

The Regulations set 2-BE concentration limits for these products:

1. Does not include automobile degreasers or internal engine cleaners
2. Does not include pump sprays
3. A product used to degrease and clean glass, floors and other surfaces, including bathroom and kitchen surfaces, but does not include automobile degreasers
4. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada may grant a permit to import or manufacture a product in which the concentration of 2-BE exceeds the limits of the Regulations

Determining the concentration of 2-BE should be done by an accredited laboratory and is subject to record keeping requirements. Please consult the Regulations for more information.

Information and Contacts

This material has been prepared for reference only and does not have an official character. For interpreting and applying the Regulations, please refer to 2-Butoxyethanol Regulations.

For more information, consult the 2-BE webpage.

Please direct any questions to the Products Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada: Produits-Products@ec.gc.ca