Baby Safety / Compounds / 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE)

Is 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) safe for babies and kids?

Context-dependent for kids

Infants are vulnerable to 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.

What is 2-ethoxyethanol (egee)?

Also known as: 2-Ethoxyethanol, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER, Ethyl cellosolve, Emkanol.

CAS number
110-80-5
Molecular formula
C4H10O2
Molecular weight
90.12 g/mol
SMILES
CCOCCO
PubChem CID
8076

Risk for babies

Context-dependent

Infants are vulnerable to 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.

Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.

What to do: Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

Risk for pregnant and nursing people

Severe risk

Teratogenic. EU classified Repr. 1B. Same reproductive concerns as 2-methoxyethanol.

Regulatory consensus

1 regulatory bodyhas classified 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE).

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
EDC Assessment—Suspected endocrine disruptor

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where kids encounter 2-ethoxyethanol (egee)

  • Industrial Facilities — semiconductor manufacturing, coatings, dyes

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE):

  • Propylene glycol monoethyl ether
    Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×
  • Water-based systems
    Trade-offs: Alternative solvent or process chemistry; solvency parameters (Hansen solubility, Kb value) must be matched to application; VOC content and flammability may differ; worker exposure assessment needed.
    Relative cost: 0.8-1.5×

Frequently asked questions

Is 2-ethoxyethanol (egee) safe for kids?

Infants are vulnerable to 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.

What products contain 2-ethoxyethanol (egee)?

2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) appears in: semiconductor manufacturing (Industrial facilities); coatings (Industrial facilities).

What should I do if my child is exposed to 2-ethoxyethanol (egee)?

Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

See 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) in the baby app

Look up products containing 2-ethoxyethanol (egee), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

Open in baby View raw API data

Sources (1)
  1. PubChem Compound Database (2026) — database

Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →