The activities of INRS in the classification and labeling of glycol ethers

Glycol ethers are a complex family of more than 30 substances that exhibit a wide range of toxicological properties. This complexity can lead to confusion over which are of real concern and which do not pose significant hazards. Also, many have not been reviewed under the European hazard classification and labelling scheme. Following a major study carried out in France, a number of glycol ethers were identified for review under the classification scheme. This process is now substantially complete and revised classification proposals made and agreed at the European level. When these changes are enacted, the classification of all the commercially important glycol ethers and glymes will reflect their known toxicological hazards.