title: [Ethylene glycol alkyl ethers--the substances noxious to health].
abstract: Ethylene glycol alkyl ethers (EGAE), 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-isopropoxyethanol, and 2-butoxyethanol, are widely used in a variety of industrial and household products. They are found in a number of paints, varnishes, engine fuels, hydraulic fluids, and also in many household products, including floor polishes and glass, leather, and upholstery cleaners. Human and animal studies have shown that EGAE can cause adverse reproductive, developmental, and hematological effects through inhalation, dermal absorption, and ingestion. The oxidation of these chemicals to appropriate aldehydes and alkoxyacetic acids is responsible for their toxic effects. The central nervous system, blood and blood-forming organs, and reproduction are the targets in acute and chronic intoxications with EGAE. Data on exposure, metabolism, biomonitoring, and toxic effects ofEGAE, especially those on hematological disorders in human and laboratory animals are presented in this paper.
authors.affiliation: Zakład Biochemii Toksykologicznej Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, Collegium Medicum, Kraków. mfstarek@cyf-kr.edu.pl
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Starek
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szabla
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity*; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000633:toxicity; D006795:Household Products / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012307:Risk Factors; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D012997:Solvents; C005219:methyl cellosolve; C017096:n-butoxyethanol; C021296:2-ethoxyethanol