Ethanol - Chemical Safety Facts (2024)

FAQs

Ethanol - Chemical Safety Facts? ›

Keep away from ignition sources such as heat/sparks/open flames/ - No smoking. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Keep container tightly closed. Use explosion- proof equipment.

Keep away from ignition sources such as heat/sparks/open flames/ - No smoking. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Keep container tightly closed. Use explosion- proof equipment.

Ethanol is harmful by ingestion, inhalation or by skin absorption. Repeated contact can dry the skin resulting in the skin cracking, peeling and itching. Ethanol can depress the central nervous system, the eyes and upper respiratory tract (nose and throat).

Ethanol can lead to malnutrition, and can exert a direct toxicological effect due to its interference with hepatic metabolism and immunological functions.

exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin with peeling, redness and itching. lungs. ► Exposure to Ethyl Alcohol can cause headache, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and unconsciousness.

Ethanol is flammable

Due to its highly flammable nature, ethanol carries a substantial risk of causing fires and explosions, which underscores the importance of being aware of its flash point.

The product is combustible and can be ignited by potential ignition sources. H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour. H319 Causes serious eye irritation. P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.

The long-term effects of using ethanol fuel can be significant, and should not be taken lightly. Ethanol fuel can cause storage problems, water problems, and engine problems over time due to the corrosive nature of the fuel. It can degrade rubber and plastic parts in engines and fuel lines, leading to costly repairs.

As a neurotoxin, ethanol has been shown to induce nervous system damage and affect the body in a variety of ways. Among the known effects of ethanol exposure are both transient and lasting consequences.

Local carcinogenic effect of ethanol

This is explained by the fact that ethanol is a proven carcinogen and in addition, metabolite of ethanol (acetaldehyde) produced in the liver is highly carcinogenic, thus explaining both local (mouth, throat, esophageal cancers) as well as distant (skin, liver, breast) cancers.

What is one problem with ethanol? ›

Ethanol is corrosive. Ethanol reacts naturally with oxygen in the air to form acidic compounds which lead to corrosion of fuel system components and engine wear. With the presence of both water and ethanol, corrosion is accelerated in all metal types.

Vapours may form explosive mixtures with air. Risk of ignition. The material is stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions of tem- perature and pressure. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.

Skin and body protection Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure. EN 149. Use a NIOSH/MSHA or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.

One of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to prevent against ethanol's negative effects is by regularly using a fuel additive.

It must be handled while wearing nitrile or latex gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Ethanol can be handled inside or outside the fume hood, provided the area is well-ventilated. Due to its high flammability, ethanol has to be handled away from any ignition source.