GPS Safety Summary
Contacts
Ethyl acetate
Chemical Identity
Brand names
Chemical name (IUPAC)
Synonyms
Ethyl acetate
Ethyl ethanoate
Acetic acid ethyl ester; Ethyl ester; Acetic ester
CAS number
Molecular formula
Molecular weight
141-78-6
C4H8O2
88.1 g/mol
Applications
Ethyl acetate is used as a solvent in coatings, inks, adhesives, and agrochemicals primarily in industry and by professional workers, but also has
limited use in these applications by consumers. It is also found as a solvent in a number of consumer cosmetic products.
Safety Assessment, Exposure and Risk Management Recommendations
Physical and Chemical properties
Property
Physical state
Colour
Odour
Boiling point
Relative density
Flash point
Vapour pressure
Water solubility
Octanol water partition
Health effects
Result
Liquid
Colourless
Fruity
77°C
0.9 at 20°C
-4°C
Volatile organic compound
Very soluble
Not potentially bioaccumulable
Ethyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid. It is a mild
eye irritant and may cause drowsiness and dizziness
if inhaled in high concentrations.
For industrial uses, safety measures must be
respected. For more details, please refer to the
Safety Data Sheet.
For consumer applications, it is used in suitable
concentrations according to appropriate regulations.
Environmental effects
Ethyl acetate is readily biodegradable and not
potentially bioaccumulable. It is not classified as
dangerous for the environment.
Industrial emissions must comply with applicable
regulations to preserve the environment.
Regulatory and certification information
Registration and Certification
Classification and labelling
EU regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP)
Flammable liquids, Cat.2
H225 Highly flammable liquid and
vapour.
Eye irritation, Cat.2
STOT single exposure, Cat.3
H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
H336 May cause drowsiness or
dizziness.
EUH066 Repeated exposure may
cause skin dryness or cracking.
Warning
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
ISO 9001: 2008
EU regulation for chemicals (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH)
Ethyl acetate is formulated to comply with requirements of
most stringent regulations for applicable consumer uses. It can
be safely used in suitable concentrations according to
appropriate regulations.
GPS Safety Summary
This Product Safety Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the chemical substance in the
context of ICCA Global Product Strategy. The information on the Summary is basic information and is not
intended to provide emergency response information, medical information or treatment information. The
summary should not be used to provide in-depth safety and health information. In-depth safety and health
information can be found on the (extended) Safety Data Sheet (e)SDS for the chemical substance.
Ethyl acetate
General Statement
This substance is classified as dangerous according to EU regulation 1272/2008. It is a highly flammable
liquid. It is currently classified as an eye irritant and can cause drowsiness and dizziness if high
concentrations of vapour are inhaled. It is not dangerous to the environment.
Chemical Identity
EC number:
EC name:
CAS number (EC inventory):
IUPAC name:
Annex I index number:
Molecular formula:
Molecular weight range:
205-500-4
Ethyl acetate
141-78-6
Ethyl ethanoate
607-022-00-5
C4H8O2
88.1
Uses and applications
Use as a processing solvent
Solvent in coatings
Use in Agrochemicals
Use in personal care products
Use as a processing solvent for the manufacture of
other chemicals.
Widespread use as a solvent in solvent based coatings,
adhesives and inks used in industry and by professional
workers. Limited use as a solvent in coatings and
adhesives used by consumers.
Use in agrochemicals by professional workers and, to a
limited extent consumers, where its function is as a
solvent carrier for the active components.
Use in cosmetics by consumers where its function is as
a carrier solvent for active ingredients.
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
1/6
Physical/Chemical Properties
Appearance/physical
state/colour
Melting point (@101325Pa)
Boiling point (@101325Pa)
Relative Density (@20C)
Vapour pressure (@293K)
Partition coefficient, logKow
(@25 C)
Solubility in water (@25 C)
Surface tension (50g/l in water
@20C)
Flash point (@101325Pa)
Autoignition temperature
(@101325Pa)
Dissociation constant (pKa)
Viscosity (@20C)
Colourless liquid, characteristic, fruity ester like
odour
-84C
77C
0.900
98.3hPa
0.68
80g/l
Not surface active
-4C
427C
Not applicable
0.45mPas
Health Effects
Acute toxicity
Irritation/corrosion
Sensitisation
Toxicity after repeated exposure
Genotoxicity/mutagenicity
Carcinogenicity
Toxicity to reproduction
Low order of acute toxicity. May cause drowsiness and
dizziness if inhaled at high concentrations.
Not irritating to the skin. May cause skin dryness or
cracking due to defatting properties.
Available data indicates that this substance is a mild
eye irritant, but not sufficiently to warrant
classification.
No evidence of sensitising properties.
No evidence of long term toxic effects.
Not genotoxic, as shown by in vitro and in vivo
experiments.
Not considered carcinogenic.
Based on available data, no developmental toxicity or
reproductive toxicity hazard.
Environmental Effects
Aquatic toxicity
Biodegradation
Bioaccumulation potential
PBT/vPvB status
Slightly toxic to fish and invertebrates. Effects are not
sufficient to warrant classification.
Readily biodegradable.
Not bioaccumulative.
Not a persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic substance.
Not a very persistent or very bioaccumulative
substance.
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
2/6
Exposure
Human exposure
Exposure of workers in industry is controlled to levels
which do not cause concern. Inhalation exposure is
controlled through containment, enhanced ventilation
or the use of local exhaust ventilation. Under
conditions where there is high potential for dermal
contact, exposure is controlled through the use of
gloves. Good industrial hygiene practice means that
oral exposure is negligible. Extended safety data sheets
provide advice for safe use.
Exposure of professional users is controlled to levels
that do not cause concern. Inhalation exposure is
controlled through enhanced ventilation or the use of
local exhaust ventilation. Under conditions where there
is high potential for dermal contact, exposure is
controlled through the use of gloves. Good industrial
hygiene practice means that oral exposure is negligible.
Extended safety data sheets provide advice for safe
use.
Exposure of consumers is controlled to levels that do
not cause concern. All exposures and risks are
controlled by limiting the amount used in formulations
(typically <25%) and/or limiting the amount of
formulations sold in individual packs. Products are
supplied with instructions for safe use.
Environmental exposure
All of the substance used by professional workers and
consumers is expected to be released to the
environment, primarily through evaporation of the
solvent to air. The substance preferentially distributes
to the air compartment. Releases to drain will be
biodegraded at local sewage treatment works before
release to the environment.
Air emission requirements mean that most emissions
from industry are destroyed by thermal oxidisers or
restricted by other equivalent abatement systems
before possible release to the environment can occur.
Direct release to water courses is not usually
permitted. Releases to water are normally degraded in
local or municipal water treatment works or removed
by licensed hazardous waste contractors for safe
disposal.
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
3/6
Risk Management Recommendations
Workers and consumers
Workers: Use only spark-proof electrical equipment
and lighting systems. Take precautions against static
discharge
All users: Keep away from naked flames. Keep away
from ignition and heat sources. When using this
substance, make sure there is adequate ventilation,
natural or local exhaust ventilation. If spray applying
paint, wear a respirator conforming to EN140 with Type
A filter or better. Do not eat, drink or smoke where
chemicals are handled, processed or stored. Wash
hands and skin following contact. If the substance gets
into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with tap water and seek
medical attention if soreness or redness persists. If you
feel unwell following inhalation exposure, seek medical
attention. Read the instructions on the label or the
safety data sheet.
Environment
All effluent releases must be directed towards a
municipal or site waste water treatment plant that
substantially removes the substance from the final
releases to the receiving water course. All commercial
waste should be disposed of using a waste operator
licensed to handle hazardous waste. Industrial users
and professional users of coatings should treat
emissions as appropriate to comply with air emission
legislation. For professional and industrial users, treat
empty containers as hazardous waste. Industrial sites
should have a spill plan to ensure that adequate
safeguards are in place to minimize the impact of
episodic releases. Bund storage facilities to prevent soil
and water pollution in the event of spillage A leak
prevention plan is needed to prevent low level
continual releases.
Consumers should dispose of old paint at municipal
recycling centres. No other specific measures required
for consumers. Follow any disposal advice on the
product label.
State Agency Review
This substance has been registered under:
This substance has been reviewed under the
following regulatory and voluntary
programmes:
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
EU regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH)
OECD HPV.
US EPA IRIS
4/6
Regulatory Information / Classification and Labelling
Signal word:
Danger
Hazard pictogram:
GHS02 flame
(see note 1)
GHS07: exclamation mark
Hazard statements
H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation. (See note 1)
H336 May cause drowsiness and dizziness.
EUH066 Repeated exposure may cause skin
dryness or cracking (See note 2.)
Notes
1. The harmonised classification in the EU for
ethyl acetate also includes a classification for
eye irritation (H319 plus GHS07) although the
data now available show it is a mild irritant and
it does not warrant classification for this effect.
Other regulatory regimes may therefore not
include this classification.
2. Classification required in the EU under the CLP
regulation 1272/2008
Precautionary statements
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open
flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground/bond container and receiving
equipment.
P243 Take precautionary measures against static
discharge.
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/
eye protection/ face protection.
P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with water/ shower.
P304 + P340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh
air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for
breathing.
P403 + P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep
cool.
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
5/6
Conclusion
Ethyl acetate is a medium to high volatility solvent from the acetate ester family of solvents. It is classified
as highly flammable and as a substance that may cause drowsiness and dizziness if inhaled in high
concentrations. It has no environmentally hazardous properties. It is used as a solvent in coatings, inks,
adhesives, and agrochemicals primarily in industry and by professional workers, but also has limited use in
these applications by consumers. It is also found as a solvent in a number of consumer cosmetic products.
Contact information within company
For further information on this substance or product safety summaries in general, please contact:
Rhodia Global product Strategy: http://www.rhodia.com/en/sustainability/global_product_strategy/index.tcm
Contact: globalproductstrategy@eu.rhodia.com
Additional information
ICCA Global Product Strategy: http://www.icca-chem.org/en/Home/ICCA-initiatives/global-product-strategy/
(extended) Safety Data Sheet available on demand: http://www.rhodia.com/en/contact/contact_form_business.tcm
Glossary of technical terms: http://www.rhodia.com/en/sustainability/global_product_strategy/glossary/index.tcm
Date of issue: June 2012
Revision: 0
Disclaimer
The information provided in the present Safety Summary is based on European data available in REACH
regulatory dossier (EC N°1907/2006) and is correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief at
the date of its publication. Such information is only intended to provide a general overview of the chemical
substance in the context of ICCA Global Product Strategy and is not to be considered as a warranty or
quality specification. It does not replace the safety data sheet and technical sheets. Thus, the information
provided in this Safety Summary only relates to the designated specific product and may not be applicable
if such product is used in combination with other materials or in another manufacturing process, unless
otherwise specifically indicated. It does not release the user from ensuring he is in conformity with all
regulations linked to its activity.
Ethyl acetate GPS Safety Summary – Rev 0 June 2012
6/6