# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Ethyl alcohol | CAS 64-17-5
CH3CH2OH | RTECS KQ6300000
Synonyms & Trade Names Alcohol, Cologne spirit, Ethanol, EtOH, Grain alcohol | DOT ID & Guide 1170 127
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3)
IDLH 3300 ppm [10%LEL] | Conversion 1 ppm = 1.89 mg/m3
Physical Description Clear, colorless liquid with a weak, ethereal, vinous odor.
MW: 46.1 | BP: 173°F | FRZ: -173°F | Sol: Miscible
VP: 44 mmHg | IP: 10.47 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 0.79
Fl.P: 55°F | UEL: 19% | LEL: 3.3% |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, potassium dioxide, bromine pentafluoride, acetyl bromide, acetyl chloride, platinum, sodium
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1400; OSHA 100
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Water flush promptly Breathing: Fresh air Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 3300 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, nose; headache, drowsiness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), narcosis; cough; liver damage; anemia; reproductive, teratogenic effects
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, blood, reproductive system
See also: INTRODUCTION