Glycol Ethers (incl. 2-Butoxyethanol)
2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) · 2-hexoxyethanol · butyl cellosolve
What it is
A family of solvents that dissolve both grease and water, which is why they cut soil and leave glass streak-free. 2-Butoxyethanol is the most-studied member; its cousins (hexoxyethanol, propylene glycol butyl ether) show up in glass and all-purpose cleaners.
In this product: Solvent and grease-cutter in glass cleaners, all-purpose sprays, and wipes.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Human red blood cells are notably less sensitive than the rat cells these effects were first found in, and the serious human cases come from swallowing concentrated product, not wiping a window. The realistic everyday concern is inhaling the spray in a closed bathroom. Open a window and the exposure drops fast.
EUROPEAN UNION
Regulated as a solvent under REACH with occupational exposure limits; not classified as a carcinogen.
UNITED STATES
Not classified as to carcinogenicity by EPA, IARC, or ATSDR. OSHA workplace limit 50 ppm; on the EPA Toxic Release Inventory as a glycol ether.
The evidence
WHO/IPCS review: the principal effect of 2-butoxyethanol and its metabolite is hematotoxicity, with the rat the most sensitive species and human red cells markedly less sensitive.
review · 1997 · source
ATSDR: HHS, IARC, and EPA have not classified 2-butoxyethanol as to human carcinogenicity; serious human effects (hemolysis, blood in urine) come from swallowing large amounts of concentrated cleaning product.
regulatory · 2024 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Use glass and all-purpose cleaners with ventilation, and do not huff the spray in a closed room. On labels these appear as 'butoxyethanol,' 'hexoxyethanol,' or 'ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.' Plain diluted vinegar handles most glass.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.