We have conducted a cursory search of the medical literature and find no evidence of an association between ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol) and autoimmune disease. Information on autoimmune diseases and their causes is available from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the NIH institute with primary responsibility for research on autoimmune disorders. The NIAMS can be reached at the following mailing address, telephone numbers, and e-mail and Web site addresses:

National Institute for Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Information Clearinghouse

1 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

Telephone: 301-495-4484

Fax: 301-718-6366

E-mail:  niamsweb-L@mail.nih.gov  

Web site:  http://www.niams.nih.gov 

Regarding other health risks, the risk of cancer to humans from exposure to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol) is unknown. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently conducting studies to answer this question. 

This chemical is not commonly associated with significant human poisoning. Exposures usually occur in people who work in factories that produce products using this chemical, and the effects usually involve inhalation injury.  One study reported acute effects of ingestion in a person who drank liquid glass cleaner containing 2-butoxyethanol on two occasions. He developed serious illness with symptoms including altered mental state, difficulty breathing, and blood and liver enzyme abnormalities. The patient was treated using hemodialysis (a method to filter the blood) and recovered on both occasions without any lasting effects. (Reference: Gualideri JF, DeBoer L, Harris CR, Corley R.J "Repeated ingestion of 2-butoxyethanol: case report and literature review."  Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2003; 41(1):57-62.) 

Apparently, mice are susceptible to liver damage from chronic exposure to this chemical, but rats (which have higher levels of protective antioxidants) are not. Based on animal studies, and because people naturally have much higher levels of antioxidants in their blood than either rats or mice, humans should be highly resistant to liver toxicity following exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. (Reference:  Michael L. Cunningham. "A Mouse Is Not a Rat Is Not a Human: Species Differences Exist." Toxicological Sciences. 2002; 70:157-158)

Copies of the full articles, as well as additional published information, are available from a medical library near you. You can identify a library near you through the Web site of the Network of Medical Libraries (NLM) at:  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/network .html.  

We hope this information will be helpful to you.

Sincerely,

NIAID Correspondence Specialist

Office of Communications and Public Liaison

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases