Clinical toxicology of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers

Abstract

The glycol ethers constitute a family of organic solvents commonly found in industrial and household products. Because of their widespread availability and potential for serious toxicity, physicians should be aware of the clinical toxicology of these compounds. Until recently, knowledge of the toxic effects of glycol ethers has been derived from animal studies and a limited number of case reports and small case series. A growing body of data from epidemiological studies, controlled human studies, and studies using human tissue now allows for advancement in the understanding of the acute and chronic toxicity of these compounds. This review summarizes and evaluates human and pertinent animal literature on the clinical toxicology of glycol ethers, with a focus on the commonly encountered monoalkyl ethers of ethylene glycol. Management options for acute poisoning, as well as measures for the control of workplace exposures, are discussed.