Inipol EAP 22  *

containing 2-butoxyethanol   Poison! Poison!

Public health policy usually aims to keep the public's exposure to poisons 

at least 100 times below levels known to harm humans or animals.

Not the Best Fertilizer?  *

Technical Data - 2-butoxyethanol

the company's MSDS dated 9-25-01

Composition * of Inipol EAP 22 is 

oleic acid,  

water, 

 originally - tri(laureth-4)-phosphatecurrent - phosphoric acid, dodecyl ester* -

urea 

and 2-Butoxy ethanol

Typical % by weight of 2-Butoxy ethanol is 10-12%

*Please Note that 7-28-89 when Inipol EPA 22 first came out, it was owned by Exxon and Exxon put out the MSDS.  Only ingredient identified at that time was 2-butoxyethanol & the MSDS indicated no carcinogens above 1% of product.

Per other sources, there was tri(laureth-4)-phosphate -of which little is known - for phosphorus source... not phosphoric acid, dodecyl ester

 
All of these ingredients they state are identified as hazardous chemicals according to the criteria of the OSHA Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).  Also stated by the company (ATOFINA) that this material is classified as hazardous under Federal OSHA regulation; and the components of this product are all on the TSCA inventory list.
 
Prolonged exposure to high vapor concentrations can cause central nervous system depression....etc;  the 2-butoxyethanol may cause red blood cell damage (hemolysis) based on animal data.  Prolonged or repeated contact may remove oils from the skin, cause rash...Rats tested with this after 6 weeks showed red blood cell changes which resulted in spleen, liver and kidney effects including increased spleen and liver weight.... after 13 weeks tested animals also exhibited effects on blood (anemia), liver and spleen, ETC.

the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet #B6100) * for 2-Butoxyethanol 

(Hazard class 6.1)  *  

talks about the same things and use of personal respirators if exposure limits exceeded: full facepiece respirator  *  Also cautions that it can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin... causes eye irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposures affects central nervous system, blood and blood-forming organs, kidneys, liver and lymphoid system.
 

New Jersey Dept of Health and Sr Services Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet for 

2-Butoxy Ethanol

CAS Number: 11-76-2;  DOT Number:  UN 2369   Exposure may cause reproductive damage - birth defects or even the ability to have children for men as well as women; may damage the liver and kidneys.  2-Butoxy Ethanol is a colorless liquid.  It is used as a solvent in making plastics 

and in dry cleaning.

 
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, requires private employers to provide training and information to their employees.  Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated.  This may include collecting personal and area air samples.  You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer.  You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.1020.  If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases.  Take the Fact Sheet with you.
.
 

 

Why is OSHA's number so much higher than NIOSH and ACGIH?

What is OSHA's number now?

www.valdezlink.com/inipol/pages/comments.htm

July 7, 2003

 

 

Some workers with experimental Corexit in July, 1989 say they worked 30+ days straight and then were RIFed at the end of July.  

One native man was reported by the health aide in his community to have odd bumps appearing all over his body... he was in and out of 'sleep' lots of the time.  He died a year ago:  end of 2002.

 

A senior citizen, pioneer Valdez woman 

-with an odd bump appearing on her forehead this past year-

had to travel to Seattle to get an accurate diagnosis:  lymphoma

Thankfully she received treatment in time, and as of summer, 2003 has been given a 'clean bill of health' 

July 7, 2003

 

WORKPLACE   EXPOSURE   LIMITS: 

OSHA:  The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 ppm averaged over an 8-hr workshift.

 

NIOSH:  The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over a 10 hour workshift.

ACGIH:  The recommended airborne exposure limit is 20 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift.

*  "The above exposure limits are for air levels only. 

When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed,

even though air levels are less than the limits listed above."

Estimate 12 hour work days 14 days straight 

for the bioremediation workers

of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Cleanup, 1989 & 1990

 

For those with frequent or potentially high exposure long term health effects can occur years later. 

(Cancer not tested for in animals... unknown.) 

Should be regularly tested after high exposures for liver and kidney function tests.

The lower the Worker Exposure Standard number

the more dangerous the chemicals

To lower currently approved exposure limits...also use of 2-butoxyethanol  OSHA seeks Comments ***

 

Contact * 

regarding Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Cleanup Workers

First Resource for the Components

 of Inipol EAP 22:

www.atsdr.cdc.gov

George Prince, MSLS  Gcp8@cdc.gov

ATSDR Information Center

Toxicology Information Branch

Division of Toxicology

Partial Table of Contents of this Website - 2002

Home Page - 2003

2002