Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits) contain dilute ethanol. It is used as a topical preparation to prevent skin infections, pharmaceutical preparations (e.g., topical compounds, lotions, supplements, colognes), cosmetics, and perfumes. Ethanol may be present in fuels, labeled as ethanol mixtures, and used as an industrial solvent for fats, oils, waxes, resins, and hydrocarbons. It is used in the manufacture of many chemical compounds, varnishes, plastics and plasticizers, rubber and rubber accelerators, aerosols, mouthwash products, soaps and cleaning preparations, polishes, surface coatings, dyes, inks, adhesives, preservatives , pesticides, explosives, gasoline additives/substitutes, elastomers, antifreeze, yeast growth media, human and veterinary drugs, and dehydrants.
physical properties of ethanol msds
Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pleasant odor and burning taste. It is highly flammable. Ethanol is used to dissolve other chemicals and mixes easily with water and many organic liquids. The National Pollutant Inventory considers ethanol a volatile organic compound.
Symptoms of ethanol exposure may include irritation of the eyes, skin and nose, drowsiness and headache. Other symptoms may include coma, nausea, irritability or depression, vomiting, flushing, and coma. Exposure to high concentrations of ethanol vapor may cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, loss of coordination (ataxia), drowsiness, anesthesia (coma or unconsciousness), impaired perception, and lack of coordination. It can also cause loss of inhibition, dizziness, shallow breathing, confusion and death. Ethanol is harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
Repeated exposure can dry out the skin, causing cracking, peeling and itching.
Ethanol depresses the central nervous system, eyes, and upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Ethanol can cause irritation, headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Ingesting ethanol during pregnancy may affect the unborn child, causing miscarriage, developmental problems, or birth defects. This is called “fetal alcohol syndrome.” Long-term ethanol intake may cause cirrhosis of the liver, affect the nervous system, and affect the body's glands.
Ethanol may cause mutations (genetic changes).
Ethanol is rapidly oxidized into carbon dioxide and water in the body without cumulative effects. Concentrations below 1000 parts per million (ppm) usually do not produce signs of poisoning.
