DrFeb
Health Guide

Ehoxyethanol

Ethoxyethanol (also known as 2-Ethoxyethanol or Cellosolve) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Unlike nutrients found in nature, this is a synthetic chemical compound used primarily as a solvent in industrial applications. It is **not a dietary supplement** and is not naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables, or any food source. In the context of health, it is strictly categorized as a chemical hazard. It is crucial to understand that ingesting this substance can lead to serious health issues, and it is classified as a toxic substance by major health organizations.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Toxicity Risk Level (Comparison)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Safety Risk (1-10)
Substance Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why It Is Used (Non-Dietary)

[Industrial Applications Only]

  • Solvent Properties: Used to dissolve resins, oils, and dyes in manufacturing.
  • Ink & Cleaning Agent: Found in printing inks and surface cleaners.

Deep Dive

While Ethoxyethanol is useful in factories, it offers zero health benefits to the human body. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin and inhaled, and the body metabolizes it into toxic compounds. Unlike healthy nutrients that the body utilizes to build cells or produce energy, Ethoxyethanol inhibits blood formation and disrupts the central nervous system. It is classified as a reproductive toxin, meaning it can negatively impact fertility and the developing fetus.

Natural Food Sources

None.

Ethoxyethanol is a man-made chemical. It does not exist in nature. You will not find it in any fruit, vegetable, or whole food.

Supplementation

Do not supplement.

There is no medical reason to ingest this substance. It is not a vitamin or mineral. If you have been exposed to this chemical in an industrial setting, proper safety equipment (respirators, gloves) is required.

Top Food Sources

None
This is a synthetic chemical, not a nutrient.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is toxic. It is used to clean machinery and make inks, not for human consumption.
If you are looking for a natural solvent for cleaning, vinegar (acetic acid) or citrus-based cleaners (d-limonene) are safer, natural options.
It is found in some industrial paints, inks, and cleaners because it evaporates quickly and dissolves things well. It is banned from most cosmetic products.
Call Poison Control or emergency services immediately. It is a medical emergency.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety and Toxicity

Ethoxyethanol is classified as a hazardous chemical.

Who should avoid it? Everyone. It is strictly an industrial chemical.

Potential Side Effects (from exposure):

  • Ingestion: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney damage, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).
  • Inhalation: Dizziness, drowsiness, and headache.
  • Skin Contact: Irritation, defatting of the skin, and systemic absorption.

Pregnancy Warning: It is a known teratogen (can cause birth defects). Pregnant women must avoid any exposure.

Regulatory Status: The FDA has banned its use in cosmetics and drugs in certain concentrations due to toxicity.

Scientific References

  • [1]Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) - Toxicological Profile for Ethylene Glycol Ethers
  • [2]National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
  • [3]U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)