Agent Name
Diethanolamine
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
2,2'-Dihydroxydiethylamine; 2,2'-Iminobisethanol; 2,2'-Iminodi-1-ethanol; 2,2'-Iminodiethanol; 2-(2-Hydroxyethylamino)ethanol; Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; DEA; Dabco DEOA-LF; Di(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; Di(beta-hydroxyethyl)amine; Diaethanolamin [German]; Diethanolamin [Czech]; Diethanolamine; Diethylamine, 2,2'-dihydroxy-; Diethylolamine; Diolamine; Diolamine (VAN); Iminodiethanol; N,N'-Iminodiethanol; N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine; N,N-Di(hydroxyethyl)amine; N,N-Diethanolamine; Niax DEOA-LF; [ChemIDplus] UN8027; UN3082
Description
Colorless crystals or a syrupy, white liquid (above 82 degrees F) with a mild, ammonia-like odor; [NIOSH] Deliquescent; [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
Used as a detergent in paints, cutting oils, and cleaners; also used to make resins and plasticizers; [ACGIH] Used in metalworking fluids for cutting, stamping, and die-casting operations; [HSDB] Used in photography (color developing baths); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html]
Comments
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Diethanolamine is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] Cases of occupational asthma have been reported. [Reference #1] May cause kidney and liver injury; [ICSC] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
1 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction and vapor)
MAK
1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
Vapor Pressure
0.00028 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 279 deg F; VP from HSDB;
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: