Environmental Consideration

WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Ethylene glycol : environmental aspects.
(Concise international chemical assessment document ; 22)
1.Ethylene glycol - toxicity 2.Risk assessment
3.Environmental exposure
I.International Programme on Chemical Safety II.Series
ISBN 92 4 153022 7
ISSN 1020-6167

(NLM Classification: QD 305.A4)

Ethylene glycol is measured in environmental samples by gas chromatography, most

commonly using flame ionization detection. Recent methods have been described using
high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Measurement in
biological

samples

has

also

used

gas

chromatography

or

high-resolution

gas

chromatography,with additional methods employing high-performance liquid chromatography

or colorimetric determination. Detection limits were not available for environmental media.
Details of extraction and concentration methods can be found in ATSDR (1997).

Ethylene Oxide: Ethylene oxide rapidly breaks down when released to the
environment. Because ethylene oxide is a gas, most is expected to be released
to the air where it reacts with water vapor and sunlight and breaks down within a
few days. Ethylene oxide will dissolve in water, but most of it will quickly
evaporate to the air. The ethylene oxide remaining will be broken down by
bacteria, or by reacting with water and other chemicals. When released to soil,
most will evaporate to air and some may be broken down by bacteria or by
reacting with water in the soil. Ethylene oxide does not persist long in the
environment and is not expected to build up in the food chain.
Ethylene Glycol: Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, relatively nonvolatile liquid. Ethylene glycol is not expected to deplete the ozone layer, it has a
low potential to contribute to ground-level ozone formation, and its potential
contribution to climate change is negligible. Ethylene glycol has been found to
biodegrade rapidly in the aquatic environment and therefore has the potential to
induce depletion of the dissolved oxygen (DO) in receiving waters.
Diethlyene Glycol: DEG is a colorless, sweet smelling, relatively nonvolatile liquid. DEG is readily biodegradable and breaks down when released to
the environment. It is practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute
basis.

Triethylene Glycol: TEG is a colorless odorless clear liquid. When released

into the soil, it is expected to readily biodegrade. When released into the soil,
TEG is expected to leach into groundwater and is not expected to evaporate
significantly. When released into water, this material is expected to readily
biodegrade and not expected to evaporate significantly. TEG is not expected to
significantly bioaccumulate. When released into the air, this material is expected
to be readily degraded by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl
radicals and is expected to have a half-life of less than 1 day.
Ethylene Oxide : EO is very toxic and a suspected human carcinogen. Even in
lower concentrations, long-term exposure of ethylene oxide leaves lasting effects
on humans. The chemical is generally regarded as dangerous for the central
nervous system, reproduction, genetic effects, and cancer. Laboratory research
has shown the substance to increase the risk of leukemia, stomach, and brain
cancer in animals. A Materials Safety Data sheet has been issued describing the
health, safety and environmental properties of this product, identifying the
potential hazards and giving advice on handling precautions and emergency
procedures. This must be consulted and fully understood before handling storage
or use.

Ethylene Glycol : The major danger from ethylene glycol is from its
ingestion. Due to its sweet taste, children and animals will sometimes consume
large quantities of it if given access to antifreeze. Symptoms of ethylene glycol
poisoning follow a three-step progression. Initially, victims may appear to be
intoxicated, exhibiting symptoms such as dizziness, slurred speech, and
confusion. Over time, the body metabolizes ethylene glycol into another toxin,
oxalic acid. Buildup of this substance results in irregularities in the victim's
heartbeat and breathing. In the final stage, the victim suffers kidney failure. In
developed countries,

denatonium is generally added to ethylene glycol

preparations in order to offset the sweet taste.

DiEthylene Glycol : DEG is harmful if swallowed. Care should therefore be

exercised in all handling operations. Precautions should also be taken to prevent
entry into the eyes and to prevent prolonged or repeated contact with the skin.
The use of goggles or PVC or rubber gloves is recommended with additional

protective clothing where necessary. Excessive exposure to mist or vapor should

be minimized by provision of adequate ventilation. A Materials Safety Data sheet
has been issued describing the health, safety and environmental properties of
this product, identifying the potential hazards and giving advice on handling
precautions and emergency procedures. This must be consulted and fully
understood before handling storage or use.

TriEthylene Glycol : So far there have been no adverse health effects from
the inhalation or ingestion of TEG. Prolonged exposure to the skin may cause
skin irritation. Splashing in eye will cause irritation with transitory disturbances of
corneal epithelium. However, these effects diminish and no permanent injury is
expected. Vapors are non-irritating. Chronic exposure to TEG may cause possible
skin irritation. Materials Safety Data sheet has been issued describing the health,
safety and environmental properties of this product, identifying the potential
hazards and giving advice on handling precautions and emergency procedures.
This must be consulted and consulted and fully understood before handling
storage or use.

Leaks and Spills: In case of any leaks, we will ventilate area of leak or spill.
Personal protective equipment will be used as specified in Material Safety Data
Sheets. The hazard are will be isolated and unnecessary and unprotected
personnel will be prohibited to enter the area. The spill will be contained and
liquid will be recovered when possible. The liquid will be collected in an
appropriate container or absorb with an inert material (e. g., vermiculite, dry
sand, earth), and placed in a chemical waste container. Precautions will be taken
so that none of the spills will be flushed down the sewers.

Utilities Consideration: In case of loss of power, we will shut off the supply
of ethylene, CO2 section and the purge. A back up generator will convert all the
unreacted ethylene oxide into ethylene glycol after which we will shut down the
plant until power is restored.

Fire Prevention: Our plant will be equipped with a state of the art fire
suppression/prevention system. In the event of a fire, all gas streams will be shut
off. Fire fighting personnel will be required to wear a full-body encapsulating
chemical resistant suit with positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

9.1.Waste Minimization
All the plants waste streams will be handled according to the policies and
regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Process Recycle: A majority of the streams are recycled to optimize the

process and minimize waste. The ethylene oxidation process produces a
considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). The waste CO2 is sent to the
carbonate scrubber (T-301) and the resulting CO 2 gas can be further purified and
sold. Since the purification and sale of carbon dioxide is out of our scope, we
have listed it as a future improvement to the overall plant, which can bring
added profit to the company. For the process proposed, we will send the waste
CO2 to a flare to remove the remaining hydrocarbons and impurities, releasing it
to the atmosphere. In addition, our process has no waste water streams since all
the water circulates in the process loop, but waste water created during cleaning
will be sent to a waste water treatment plant. Finally, the bottoms product from
the EG Purification Column are mixed

Emissions: All waste gas steams will be sent through a flare, and emissions will be in
compliance with the EPA standards.
Leaks: Chemical leaks will be sent to a chemical sewer rather than a storm drain.