Is ethanol a chemical hazard?

Even though ethanol is very commonly used, it is a dangerous chemical. As previously mentioned, it is highly flammable; as such, it has exact flash points which are important to know when using it. While ethanol is consumed when drinking alcoholic beverages, consuming ethanol alone can cause coma and death.

What is the hazard class for ethanol?

Class 3 Flammable Liquid
Safety Hazards The DOT defines the chemical and physical characteristics of flammable liquids in 49 CFR 173.120. DOT designates typical fuel ethanol per as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers typical fuel ethanol a Class IB flammable product.

Is ethanol a fire hazard?

Yes, pure ethanol is highly flammable with a flashpoint of just 12.7 degrees Celsius or 54.86 degrees Fahrenheit. (According to OSHA.) This means that pure ethanol will catch fire easily at room temperature and needs to be stored carefully away from naked flames or sources of sparks.

Why is ethanol bad for the environment?

Ethanol and ethanol-gasoline mixtures burn cleaner and have higher octane levels than gasoline that does not contain ethanol, but they also have higher evaporative emissions from fuel tanks and dispensing equipment. These evaporative emissions contribute to the formation of harmful, ground-level ozone and smog.

Is ethanol a physical hazard?

Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause narcotic effects in high concentration. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.

Is ethanol an aspiration hazard?

Main Hazard : Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Possible aspiration hazard if swallowed (can enter lungs and cause damage). May be irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Why is ethanol explosive?

Ethanol is a flammable colorless liquid; a polar solvent that is completely miscible in water. It is heavier than air, and has a wider flammable range than gasoline, with a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) to an Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) range of 3.3% to 19%.

What precaution must be taken when using ethanol?

Wear gloves, eye protection and face protection (as needed to prevent skin and eye contact with liquid). Wash hands or liquid-contacted skin thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Do not breathe vapors.

How does ethanol impact the environment?

Is alcohol a hazardous material?

Alcohol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. Prior to working with Isopropyl Alcohol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage.

What are the negative effects of ethanol?

Chronic effects of ethanol include liver injury, ethanol dependence, impaired memory, anemia resulting from folate and iron deficiency, hyperlipidemia, and cardiomyopathy.