Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl- (2-Ethylhexanoic acid) (2-EHA)

CAS Registry Number 149-57-5

What is it?

Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, also known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid or 2-EHA, is an industrial chemical.

A major use of 2-EHA is in the preparation of metal salts and soaps used as drying agents in paint and inks, and as thermal stabilizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
2-EHA is also used in the manufacture of resins used in automobile windshields and vinyl flooring.
2-EHA is not manufactured in Canada, but it is imported into Canada.

Prior to the assessment, 2-EHA was identified as a potential concern to human health based on its classification by international organizations as a substance that was found to cause harm to the developing foetus in laboratory animals, and based on a high potential for exposure (not including workplace exposures) to the general population of Canada.
2-EHA was not considered to be a high priority for assessment of potential risks to the environment; however, potential environmental effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

The general population in Canada may be exposed to 2-EHA through the use of paint products, antifreeze, PVC-containing products and other products containing metal salts of 2-EHA; however, this exposure is expected to be low.

2-EHA may be released to the environment through various waste streams, as a result of its production, use and the environmental degradation of some plasticizers.

The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of 2-EHA, called a screening assessment.
Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
Results of the final screening assessment indicate that 2-EHA is not expected to remain in the environment for a long time, or to accumulate in organisms.
Furthermore, the quantity of 2-EHA that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that 2-EHA is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
The Government of Canada has also concluded that 2-EHA is not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

Due to the high volume use, the Government of Canada proposes to investigate the utility of adding 2-EHA to the Environmental Emergency Regulations, so that emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery requirements are put in place.
Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action be taken on 2-EHA.
The final screening assessment report was published on September 10, 2011.

The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed). 2-EHA is not a concern for the environment or human health at current levels of exposure.
As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product, to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
Canadians who handle 2-EHA in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).