International industry initiatives to improve the glycol ether health effects knowledge base

Following the recognition in the early 1980s of the potential reproductive hazards of certain glycol ethers, industry organizations were formed in the US and Europe having a number of stated goals to: (1) provide hazard information by expanding the toxicity database for glycol ethers; (2) promote cooperation among scientists, governmental authorities, and industry; and (3) promote scientifically sound regulatory actions and to assist in the setting of scientifically defensible safety standards. This effort led to early recommendations that EGME, EGEE, and their acetates be removed from consumer products. Also, studies conducted by industry under US EPA test rules have led to a better understanding of the hazards associated with glycol ether constituents of brake fluids, paints, and other products. Industry-provided information has greatly assisted the setting of occupational and public safety standards in a number of countries. Hazard assessments for a number of large-volume glycol ethers have been performed under the OECD SIDS program. This work continues with the industry-funded ICCA/HPV testing initiative. To provide sound risk assessment data, industry continues to sponsor basic research aimed at better understanding human versus mouse versus rat sensitivities to certain glycol ethers. Industry has also prepared and supported the publication of toxicological data compendia for glycol ethers.