Overview

Uses

• Home and automotive cleaning products
• Cologne
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Oil dispersant

Toxicity

Potential Effects on Human Health

• Listed as a suspected respiratory toxicant (EDF)
• Several reports have found cancer in the esophagus years after exposure to concentrations of chemical that cause tissue damage. Chemical may not be a carcinogen but the effects of the damage it causes may cause cancer. (ASTDR)
• Very corrosive (ASTDR)
• Can cause skin and eye burns. Skin burns are of 2nd and 3rd degree. Permanent eye damage and even blindness are possible. (NJ Fsheet)
• Inhaling high concentrations can cause build of fluid in lungs, bronchitis, and lead to permanent lung damage (NJ Fsheet)
• Exposure associated with toxic pneumotitis (Haz-map)
• Irritant to mouth, nose, eyes, throat, and skin (HSDB)
• Effects from skin exposure may not appear until several hours after (ASTDR)

Potential Effects on Marine Environment

• In fish toxicity tests, burns occurred on external gills, lots of mucous formed, and fish dies from respiratory organ destruction (IUCLID)
• Chronic exposure of guppies to chemical caused decreased survival rate, weight gain, and fertility (HSDB)
• EPA concluded that it is only slightly toxic to aquatic environment. Toxicity is due to chemical changing pH of water
• Listed as not acutely toxic to fish (PANNA)

References

NJ Factsheet
HSDB
Haz-map
ASTDR
EDF
IUCLID
PANNA