Baby Safety / Compounds / 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME)

Is 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME) safe for babies and kids?

Context-dependent for kids

Infants are vulnerable to 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME) 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-methoxyethanol (egme)?

Also known as: 2-METHOXYETHANOL, Methyl cellosolve, Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, Ethanol, 2-methoxy-.

CAS number
109-86-4
Molecular formula
C3H8O2
Molecular weight
76.09 g/mol
SMILES
COCCO
PubChem CID
8019

Risk for babies

Context-dependent

Infants are vulnerable to 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME) 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 in animal studies. EU classified Repr. 1B. Banned in consumer products in EU.

Regulatory consensus

1 regulatory bodyhas classified 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME).

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-methoxyethanol (egme)

  • Industrial Facilities — semiconductor manufacturing, paints, lacquers
  • Consumer Products — some brake fluids, cleaning products

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME):

  • Propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME)
    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-methoxyethanol (egme) safe for kids?

Infants are vulnerable to 2-Methoxyethanol (EGME) 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-methoxyethanol (egme)?

2-Methoxyethanol (EGME) appears in: semiconductor manufacturing (Industrial facilities); paints (Industrial facilities); some brake fluids (Consumer products); cleaning products (Consumer products).

What should I do if my child is exposed to 2-methoxyethanol (egme)?

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-Methoxyethanol (EGME) in the baby app

Look up products containing 2-methoxyethanol (egme), 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 →