Ethyl alcohol
Synonyms & Trade Names
Alcohol, Cologne spirit, Ethanol, EtOH, Grain alcohol
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3)Measurement Methods
Physical Description
Clear, colorless liquid with a weak, ethereal, vinous odor.
Molecular Weight
46.1
Boiling Point
173°F
Freezing Point
-173°F
Solubility
Miscible
Vapor Pressure
44 mmHg
Ionization Potential
10.47 eV
Specific Gravity
0.79
Flash Point
55°F
Upper Explosive Limit
19%
Lower Explosive Limit
3.3%
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, potassium dioxide, bromine pentafluoride, acetyl bromide, acetyl chloride, platinum, sodium
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose; headache, drowsiness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), narcosis; cough; liver damage; anemia; reproductive, teratogenic effects
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, blood, reproductive system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Fresh air
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Fresh air
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 3300 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health